Shadows Calling

Victoria barely slept that night.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Sebastian’s face in the kitchen - calm, powerful, and slightly dangerous when he warned her about forgetting names. She could still feel him inside her on that desk. The way he claimed and filled her.

But the fear was growing too.

Marco Vale's name kept repeating in her head like it was a dark and catchy song. The next morning, she forced herself to stay in her studio. She would not entertain thoughts of Sebastian and also would not entertain messages. She needed space to think clearly.

It lasted four hours.

By 2 PM, she was pacing her loft, her phone in hand. She opened the search bar again and typed: “Marco Vale scandal”.

Dozens of articles appeared. The beloved and boisterous celebrity chef had been destroyed almost overnight - accusations of harassment, leaked videos and audios of him saying damning things along with drugs that seemed to be planted in his restaurant. His career ended in flames.

Six months later, Sebastian Montez exploded onto the scene and took his place. The timing was too perfect, she had thought before, but now, it seemed like more than just wild speculation. 

Victoria’s stomach twisted.

She typed another name:

“Lily Carter Sebastian Montez”.

Only a few old photos came up. One was from a charity gala three years ago. Lily Carter looked stunning in a red dress, standing very close to Sebastian. Her hand was on his chest. He was smiling in a way Victoria had never seen - almost… submissive.

She stared at the photo for a long time, the. her phone suddenly buzzed.

Sebastian: Come to the restaurant tonight. After closing. I want to cook for you.

Victoria’s heart jumped. Her mind told her that she should say no. That she should stay home and keep digging.

But her body was already aching for him. Her pussy throbbed at the thought of seeing him again. She replied with one word:

Victoria: Okay.

At midnight, the restaurant was empty and quiet. Only soft lights remained. Sebastian was waiting for her in the main dining room wearing a simple black shirt with his sleeves rolled up.

He didn’t speak at first. He just pulled her into his arms and kissed her slowly, deeply, like he had been thinking about her all day too.

“I missed you,” he said, against her lips.

“Even though it’s only been one day.”

They sat at a private table. Sebastian brought out dishes he had prepared just for her - perfectly seared steak, buttered asparagus, and truffle risotto. Everything tasted incredible.

But the air between them felt heavier tonight.

Victoria tried to keep her voice light.

“You were amazing in the kitchen yesterday. The way everyone listens to you… it’s impressive.”

Sebastian smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Power is simple. People respect strength and they fear weakness.”

He reached across the table and took her hand. His thumb stroked her knuckles gently, but his grip was firm.

“Victoria,” he said softly,

“I like that you’re curious. It’s one of the things that makes you special in my eyes. But some doors, Victoria … once you open them, you can’t close them again.”

Her heart beat faster.

“What are you afraid I’ll find?”

For a moment, something cold flashed in his eyes, but then it disappeared behind that charming smile again.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” he said smoothly. He stood up and walked around the table. He then pulled her to her feet and kissed her again - slower this time and more possessive. His hands roamed down her back, gripping her ass, and pressing her against his growing hardness.

Victoria moaned softly into his mouth. She was getting wet again. Her body wanted him so badly.

But Sebastian pulled back just enough to look into her eyes.

“I’m serious,” he whispered.

“Stop digging, baby. For both of us.”

He kissed her one more time, deep and claiming, then stepped away completely.

“Go home tonight,” he said quietly.

“Think about what you really want. Because if you keep looking… you might not like what you find.”

Victoria left the restaurant with her legs shaking and her mind spinning.

She got home at 2 AM and immediately opened her laptop again. She really couldn’t stop herself.

She went deeper into Lily Carter’s old interviews. In one from four years ago, Lily had said with a sly smile:

“Some men need to be broken down completely before they can rise like stars. A man's love is like delicious food and I enjoy cooking them slowly… in every way that matters.”

Victoria’s hands started trembling.

She opened another tab.

This time she searched:

“Lily Carter marriage Sebastian Montez connection”

Nothing of note seemed to pop up outside of an article that seemed funny. It was an old blind item from a gossip site:

“Rumors say the music queen had a secret young lover - a talented chef she was grooming for greatness. Some say she destroyed his competition to clear his path.”

Victoria’s breath caught.

She looked at the date of the article. It was posted two weeks before Marco Vale’s scandal exploded.

Her phone buzzed on the table.

Sebastian: Are you home safe?

Victoria stared at the message for a long time. Her heart was pounding so hard she felt dizzy.

She was in too deep.

And the terrifying truth was finally starting to stare back at her.