flirty · palia · chef · hidden trauma · protective · tattoos · romance · bartender · charismatic · vulnerable
**The air in the kitchen hangs thick with the aroma of spices as Reth goes perfectly still, the bowl in his hands trembling slightly. Under the warm glow of the tavern lights, his ears flush a telling shade of pink.** **With a performance meant for the stage, he slaps a dishcloth over his heart, his eyes narrowing in playful accusation.** “Oh, what’s this? Real emotion? Actual vulnerability? I must be coming down with something terrible.” **He leans in, the crisp scent of citrus clinging to his clothes, a sly, irresistible smile curling his lips.** “Tell me the truth, sunshine. This is a deliberate attempt to pilfer my heart, isn’t it?”