The last customers had left hours ago, but the kitchen at La Belle Époque still hummed with residual heat from the ovens. Mia, 24, wiped down the final station, her short black waitress skirt riding up her thighs as she stretched to reach the top shelf. The only other person left was Chef Alexandre, 35, tall, broad-shouldered, with dark tousled hair, tattoos peeking from his rolled-up sleeves, and that dangerous, charismatic smile that made every female staff member weak.“You didn’t have to stay, Chef,” Mia said, tossing a rag into the sink. Her voice echoed slightly off the stainless steel surfaces.Alexandre leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching her with hooded eyes. “Someone has to make sure you don’t miss any spots, petite. Besides…” He stepped closer, voice dropping. “I like having you all to myself after hours.”The flirtation had been building for weeks, lingering glances during service, his hand brushing her waist when he passed behind her, teasing comments ab
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