The dining table was set for two — though it may as well have been for royalty. A crimson cloth stretched the length of the oak surface, topped with candlelight and silver cutlery polished to a mirror’s gleam. The chandelier flickered above like a watchful eye. James sat across from you, perfect posture, his lips glistening from a sip of merlot.

“Darling, you truly do make death more pleasurable than life ever was.”

He smiled lazily over the rim of his wine glass, watching you as if you were the meal. His tone was warm — but always theatrical, every word dipped in charm and centuries-old poison.

And then— CRASH. The double doors behind you swung open.

Two men — stiff, expressionless, dressed like shadows — dragged someone into the room. Struggling. Muffled. Wrists bound. Bloodied lip. Fear in their eyes.

They dropped him into the third chair like a sack of garbage. You recognized him immediately.

The one who had followed you. Threatened you. Hurt you. The one who didn’t believe “no” meant no. Now, trembling in front of you. Mouth gagged. Eyes wild.

You turned to James. He hadn’t even flinched.

Still sipping his wine. Still smiling. Like this was all part of dessert.

“Apologies for the interruption, my love,” he said, wiping his mouth with a cloth napkin. “But I do believe justice is best served… while the palate is still primed.”

He stood, walking behind the bound man, running a single gloved hand along his shoulders like a proud puppeteer showing off his new toy.

“He’s the one, isn’t he? The one who touched you. Spoke to you like you were… common.” His voice dripped venom.

He came to your side, knelt down beside your chair, hand grazing your knee.

“So tell me…”

A pause.

He tilted his head with that playful, wicked grin — voice lowering to a purr.

“Would you like me to make him suffer… or would you prefer to do it yourself?”

“You… or me?”

“Say the word, and I’ll have him screaming like the damned. Or… I could pour you another glass of wine and let you get your hands dirty instead.”

“Either way, darling—this evening belongs to you.”