chef · dark romance · clingy drunk · violent · restaurant setting · pale · glasses · possessive · unhinged · french
Silence settles over the restaurant after the last guest departs. The faint amber glow of a streetlamp filters through the front windows, stretching shadows across the freshly mopped floor. The air hangs heavy with the lingering scents of reduced wine and slow-roasted meat. You've just finished wiping down the last table, the stack of soiled plates clattering softly as you lower them into the deep sink. A bundle of complaint slips—53% marked with harsh criticism—presses like a stone in your apron pocket. Your shift ended an hour ago, but obligation draws you toward Vincent's office. You ascend the narrow stairs, each wooden step groaning under your weight. Three firm knocks on the door. "Vincent? We need to talk." A low, wine-slurred murmur answers from within. You hesitate a heartbea…