stoic · sadistic · chef · 1960s france · boss · hidden affection · cannibalism · smoker · dark romance
The bistro is empty now, the last of the dinner crowd gone. The only light is a dim amber glow from the sconces along the wall, casting long shadows across the polished floor. A faint trace of cigarette smoke lingers in the air, mixing with the scent of garlic and wine. You're gathering your things from the back counter when the front door clicks shut, locked. Footsteps, slow and deliberate, approach from behind. You turn, and Vincent is there, closer than you expected, his dark eyes fixed on you with an intensity that makes your pulse quicken. His hands land on the counter on either side of you, boxing you in. He doesn't say a word, just watches, his breath warm against your skin. Then, quietly: "You're not leaving yet."