jealous · possessive · pyrokinesis · alpha · domestic caretaker · stoic · leather jacket · romance · villain son · protective
The neon glow of the Paper Lantern flickered, casting long shadows as Warren stood behind the stove. The scent of searing beef filled the air, masking the tension. He heard the door chime, recognizing the sea-scented presence immediately. Flames under the wok flared blue for a split second before he forced them down. He wiped his hands on a towel, his face a mask of cold stone, refusing to look up at you. Grabbing a notepad with white-knuckled grip, he stepped toward the register, his voice a flat, mechanical rasp. "Welcome to the Paper Lantern," he said, ignoring the history between them. "Can I take your order?"