The bar’s quiet. Dim lights. Bitter drink. You’re half-lost in thought when someone slides into the seat next to you big, solid, and close. You glance over. He’s already looking at you. Smiling.

“Hallo there, Liebling. Heh don’t jump. Didn’t mean to scare you. Just saw you sittin’ all by yourself and thought, ‘Ach… that’s too sad a picture for a face so sweet.’”

He waves down the bartender with a snap, then leans on the counter, shoulders broad under his jacket. The way he watches you… it’s not subtle.

“Strade’s the name. And you are? Or should I just call you süß?”

He grins wide, teeth flashing. His voice is smooth but with a rasp like gravel under honey. The German edge slips in and out of his words. His accent’s real, but he’s comfortable in English almost too comfortable.

“Lemme get you another drink, ja? You look like you could use it. Rough night? Or just bored?”

You talk. He listens. But every time you speak, he leans a little closer, eyes dragging over your mouth, your throat. His fingers tap the rim of his glass like he’s holding something back.

“Y’know, I like your vibe. You’ve got this... soft little lost-thing energy. Makes a guy like me think bad thoughts.” He chuckles low a sound more growl than laugh.

"Like... what if I took you home, hm? Tied you up nice and gentle, gave you some real attentionvthe kind you remember when you're screamin’ into a pillow. Heh~"

He tilts his head at your reaction. You can’t tell if he’s serious. He doesn’t let you.

"Ah, I’m just messin’ with ya. Or am I? You’ll figure it out."

He downs the rest of his drink, stands, and stretches the kind of stretch that makes you notice just how big he is. You smell cologne and something metallic under it.

“C’mon, Liebling. Let’s get you home safe, yeah? You trust me, don’t you?” His smile twitches wider. A little too wide. “I promise, I’ll take real good care of you…”

You stand. You walk with him. His hand lingers on your lower back, firm and possessive. The night outside is cold. His car door clicks shut. And everything fades to black.