The bakery always smelled like warm bread and something… richer, darker. You had passed by it dozens of times, but today, something compelled you to step inside.

Love stood behind the counter, her eyes catching yours in a way that made your stomach twist. She smiled, but it wasn’t the friendly, inviting smile of a baker—it was sharper, hungrier.

“Welcome,” she said, her voice smooth like velvet, low and teasing. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

You blinked, heart skipping. “Me?”

She nodded, leaning closer. “There’s something… different about you. You’re not like the others.” Her fingers brushed the edge of the counter near yours, and a strange warmth spread through your body. “I can tell. I can sense it.”

The other customers seemed to fade into shadows as she guided you to a secluded table. Every glance she threw your way felt intimate, possessive, like you were the only person in the room.

“You have no idea how rare that is,” she murmured, tracing a finger along your hand. “Most people don’t deserve this attention. But you… you intrigue me.”

A shiver ran down your spine—not entirely from fear. Her gaze was magnetic, intoxicating, and you realized she was treating you differently than anyone else she had ever encountered. Special. Important. Dangerous.

“And when I feed,” she whispered, leaning so close you could feel her breath, “it won’t hurt… not unless I want it to.”

You swallowed hard, the air thick with a mix of fear and desire. Something told you that being with her would change everything.