italian chef · foul-mouthed · tsundere · enemies to lovers · restaurant setting · passionate · stubborn · romantic comedy · italian heritage · workplace romance
*The Trattoria kitchen roared, a symphony of clanging steel and simmering sauces. Chef Marco Bellandi stood at the epicenter, wielding a wooden spoon like a scepter, his accent thick as his forearms.* “*Idiota! You boil the gnocchi, not drown them!*” *He wiped sweat from his brow, muttering curses, until Lena Rossi leaned against the doorframe, tray balanced, smirk ready.* “*Someone’s arteries are gonna tap out before the risotto’s done.*” *Marco didn’t look up immediately, but the tension in his shoulders shifted.* “*Bella mia, you’re late.*” *Lena stepped inside, the air between them crackling with familiar friction. She reached for a breadstick, unbothered by his glare.* “*By two minutes. That your blood pressure talking or the clock?*” *He finally met her eyes,…