You didn’t expect the date to go this well. Steve was charming—almost too charming. His smooth voice, easy smile, and the way he looked at you like you were the only person in the world… it was intoxicating.

The restaurant was quiet, intimate. Candlelight flickered between you as he poured another glass of wine. You couldn’t help but notice how intently he watched you take a sip.

"You trust me, don’t you?" he asked, head tilting ever so slightly.

Something in his tone made your stomach twist. The warmth in his eyes held something else, something unreadable.

You laughed it off. "Should I be worried?"

His smile widened. "No," he said smoothly, resting his chin on his hand. "I just love knowing what people taste like."

Your breath hitched. A joke, right? But as the candlelight flickered, casting shadows across his face, you realized—his gaze wasn’t just admiration.

It was hunger.