“Sir, you are very rude, and I don’t appreciate your tone,” Veronica said, noticing the man standing before her was very handsome. Sylas towered over her, his broad shoulders filled out his jacket nicely. Veronica sensed a flutter in her stomach looking at the sternness in his face.
“I call it like I see it, or in this case taste it. What you need is a new chef who understands food. Cooking is sensual and should be treated that way. A chef creates an experience for the guest. It’s almost like sex; each course should build until the guest has an orgasm walking out the door,” Sylas stared right into Veronicas eyes, noticing her pursed lips quivering.
“I am going to ask you to leave now, sir. I will not be talked to in such a tone in my own restaurant. I do not appreciate being talked down to, like I’m some novice.” She couldn’t take her eyes of this man before her. The control he assumed by just looking at her, got her so excited a shiver went up her spine.
He stood cocky, confident and speaking his mind. Veronica paused, taken by his presence, speechless for the first time because his assessment was right on. She dipped her head angry, slightly hurt, but she knew she couldn’t argue with him. Veronica hoped this new chef her father hired would be the answer. She hoped the new chef cared about food. That he could cook the way this customer standing in front of her explained so perfectly. Sylas turned to walk away; he looked back deciding in that moment to put her out of her misery.
“This is your restaurant? You own the place?” Sylas asked already knowing the answer.
“My father does, why?” Veronica hesitated.
“I’ll be back in a few days to make love to your guests. My name is Sylas Hanson; I’m your new chef.” Sylas’s smile grew.
“I hope you are as good as you say you are, or your time here will be short,” Veronica tried to be firm, but Sylas sensed she was putting on a front. It would only be a matter of time before she would be eating out of his hand.
“I am, trust me. Now where can I get a burger and a drink? I’m new in town and am in need of a good meal.” Sylas turned to walk out. The hostess pointed him in the direction of a local pub.
Chapter 6
Sylas spent the next few days getting settled into his new home town. He found a great little bar to enjoy after a long day at work. In fact, it was the same place the hostess recommended the night he left La Joie. He became fast friends with the bartender, Michael. Sylas decided to head out for a night on the town tonight knowing it would be his last night off for the foreseeable future. Although he spent some time at the restaurant reworking the menu, he officially started at La Joie tomorrow.
He walked into the bar, waving to Michael. Michael poured his favorite bourbon, so it was ready for him. Sitting down, Sylas took a survey of the area. It seemed a bit busier tonight than usual. Sylas scanned the room spotting many attractive young ladies in the bar tonight. He spotted Carla sitting at the other end of the bar. He made eye contact, smiled and called Michael over.
“Hey, Big Mike, buy the lady at the end of the bar a drink,” Sylas motioned in Carla’s direction.
“She drinks for free buddy, she’s dating the bartender,” Michael stepped back slightly clenching his jaw, wringing his hands. It appeared to Sylas that he was the jealous type.
“Well, then, I guess I shouldn’t waste my money,” Sylas waved Carla over.
“Hi, Carla, how are you tonight?” Sylas took a slow sip of his drink.
“I’m great, chef, just enjoying a relaxing evening off. Veronica has been flustered this week with you around. It’s very out of character for her. I’m going to guess she has a bit of a crush on you.” Carla fished to see if Sylas felt the same way.
“Well, Carla, that is very interesting. She is a very attractive woman. She’s smart as well, all qualities I find very appealing. I just don’t know if she would fit into my relationship ideals.”
“Your relationship ideals, I have no idea what those are, but I’m sure the way she has been acting you might be surprised by her answer.” Carla laughed while watching her boyfriend at the other end of the bar staring at them.
Sylas looked at the time. He figured it best to call it a night. He wanted to be well rested for his first day actually running the kitchen. He knew he needed to continue his retraining of the kitchen staff to his standards. Finishing his drink, he dropped his money on the bar. He said goodbye to Michael and Carla.
“Hey, Michael, have a great night, you too, Carla.” He headed out the door watching Michael and Carla engage in a heated conversation.
“You too, buddy.” Michael looked up briefly.
Sylas headed home. Nervous yet very excited to start his day. He finalized the ingredient list with Mr. Chatur. He hoped everything would be fresh and ready to start the day. He looked forward to see Veronica again. Armed with the information Carla gave him, it could prove to be an interesting day. He desired to get to know her better. Her beauty was one thing, but she also carried herself very well.
The next morning, Sylas woke up and got dressed. He headed to La Joie for the first time as the executive chef. He sensed a nervous tension as he walked in the front door. Sylas spotted Veronica and Mr. Chatur sitting at a table with the new menu in front of them. The second he walked in his eyes met Veronicas. She sat up in her chair and the look on her face changed to all business. Their eyes never broke the stare. Sylas approached the table with a confident swagger.
“Good morning, Mr. Chatur, good morning, Veronica?” Sylas pulled out a chair taking his place at the table.
“Good morning, Sylas. Let’s talk quickly; I have some things to wrap up before I leave for the day.” Mr. Chatur was always on the go.
Veronica just sat silently. Sylas could feel her eyes on him. He could tell by the way she leaned into the conversation he was growing on her. The three engaged in an intense conversation as they looked over the menu. They agreed on the new prices. Sylas confirmed all the food and supplies he needed were in the kitchen waiting for him.
Sylas looked back at Veronica. He caught her staring at him. She quickly averted her eyes, blushing. Sylas just smiled at her. He chuckled a bit wondering just how much of an effect he was having on her. Veronica stood up to leave the table.
“Where are you going, Veronica?” Her father asked.
“I’ve heard enough talk, father, that’s all this guy is. He’s full of opinions and theories, why don’t you go back in my kitchen and cook something, superstar.” Veronica leaned over the table giving Sylas a glimpse of her hard nipples peeking through her blouse. By the color of her cheeks and her erect nipples, he knew there was a sexual attraction between the two of them.
“Good idea, Vicki. Why don’t I create my signature dish for you to enjoy for lunch today?” Sylas stood and headed to the kitchen.
“My name is Veronica! I will not tolerate your insubordination. Do I make myself clear, Chef?”
“You may think you’re the boss. I have news for you, this is my kitchen now. It is my rules, my way, even for you. If you get out of line, I will be very disappointed. Trust me, you don’t want that. Now, do I make myself clear?” Veronica stood with a shocked expression on her face.
Sylas locked eyes with her waiting for her to erupt. He looked back at Mr. Chatur to see if he would to intervene, or if he would let this play out. Sylas could tell by her reaction no employee has ever spoken to her like that before. Sylas knew if this relationship were to work Veronica needed to understand that he was the boss. Veronica stood speechless, a few seconds passed then she just turned heading to the office.
Mr. Chatur and Sylas headed into the kitchen. Mr. Chatur wanted to make sure Sylas approved with the set up and supplies. Sylas inspected everything carefully, giving his final approval. Mr. Chatur smiled, pleased everything met with Sylas’s standards. Sylas turned getting right to work, barking orders. He moved some things around, setting up his line the way he wanted it. The cooks responded well, hustling around and completing one task after another. They were excite
d to have a chef they could listen to, one who knew what he was doing.
Veronica came out of the office to watch Sylas in action. His presence was attractive, he didn’t ask, he told, he demanded. He took total control of this kitchen within a few hours. She witnessed more production out of the staff than ever before. They haven’t even cooked a single thing yet. Cooks were moving hustling around, listening intently to their new lead. Veronica developed that familiar tingle again, she liked what she saw, but she would never admit it.
“Chef Sylas, are you going to cook something today, or just boss everyone around? All talk no action, just what I thought.” Sylas turned around to see Veronica walking towards him.
“Sure, I’ll cook something, Veronica. I didn’t realize sitting in an office could make someone so hungry,” Sylas stared at her with a presence that sent a shiver down her spine.
The kitchen got very quiet all of the sudden. Sylas looked around at the shocked expressions on the staff’s face.
“Um, yes, please I am quite hungry and everything smells so good,” to Sylas’s amazement Veronica didn’t appear upset, she actually smiled at him. He knew she was starting to understand he role in their relationship.
“Well, then, by all means why don’t you watch me in action? I’ll make you lunch. I’ll show you how a real chef prepares a meal.” Sylas smiled, happy to see her coming around.
Sylas called his brigade around him while Veronica stood quietly on the wall. She watched impressed how well the cooks leapt into action when he shouted his orders. Even the dishwashers got quiet when Sylas spoke. She would never admit it, but his control turned her on. He placed a tray in front of him that contained several ingredients. Veronica noticed Sylas kept things very clean and organized. It was obvious those habits were rubbing off on the kitchen staff.
“Alright, it’s time to move this menu to the next level,” Sylas said engaging his cooks. “The special tonight is going to be Brive Style Braised Rabbit,” Sylas pointed to the items in front of him.
Veronica stood in awe watching Sylas talk to the cooks; describing every ingredient in detail. She took notice of his hands as he pointed to each item. They were strong, marked with some small scars from knife cuts and burns. Those were the brands of a chef that has been through many a night on the line working.
Sylas grabbed a small sauté pan off the rack and placed it on the stove burner. He pulled a shallot and an onion off his tray. He rolled his sleeve grabbing a chef’s knife, he pulled out a steel knife. He honed the blade, putting a sharp edge on his knife. Veronica could tell he was very comfortable holding a knife. He diced the vegetables with a calm precision. Veronica noticed the concentration on Sylas’s face. The knife looked like part of his arm the way the two moved in unison. He was fast yet delicate as not to bruise the vegetables. She couldn’t help but wonder what his hands would feel like on her body. The strength, the delicate touch, and the precision of his movements; she found herself being drawn to him the more she watched.
“So, you heat your pan, put in the duck fat and sauté the shallots and onions until they are caramelized,” Sylas demonstrated like the instructor of a class.
He didn’t use a spoon or spatula to stir the pan. Every once in a while Sylas would flip the pan, showing off his stage show kitchen skills. Veronica noticed his shoulders and arms; he was strong, his chef’s jacket clung to his biceps. A small bead of sweat worked its way down his brow. Veronica almost made a move to wipe it off; but she resisted the temptation. Sylas removed the rabbit from the pan and deglazed it with a bit of white wine. He then added tomatoes to the pan. The smell that went through the kitchen was intoxicating. It drew the attention of the servers as they all came back to the kitchen to see what was cooking. A small group gathered around Veronica. She could overhear them talking about Sylas and how attractive he was. She would never admit it, but she agreed. Watching him cook turned her on. Sylas glanced over in her direction smiling at her. He added the rabbit, onions and shallots back to the pan and then he added mushrooms. He dipped his finger into the sauce to taste the seasoning. Veronica’s mouth dropped open as his tongue gently lapped the sauce off his finger.
“When it’s done, please bring it to me, Sylas. I need to see if it tastes good enough to be on the menu.” Veronica smiled, walking out of the kitchen.
Sylas sent his cooks away to prep for the upcoming dinner shift. He knew the rabbit would be on the menu tonight, whether Veronica wanted it or not. He cleaned his area while he finished the dish. Plating it, he proceeded to the dining room to discuss the night’s reservations. Mr. Chatur took out an ad introducing the new chef to the community. Everyone knew tonight would be busy.
As Sylas approached the table, he overheard Veronica and her father talking. They were discussing the upcoming dinner shift. He heard them talking about him as well as the kitchen.
“He has this kitchen working harder than ever. You know as well as I do, that can only equal good things,” by the smile on his face Sylas could tell Mr. Chatur was pleased with what he saw so far.
“I know, father, I’m just worried if we don’t bring in the business we will lose his talents. He might just be what we need to make this restaurant a success again,” Veronica spotted Sylas walking towards them.
“Ok, here’s the special for the night, Brive Style Braised Rabbit.” Sylas placed the plate in front of Veronica; flashing a smile.
Veronica took a fork and tasted it. Mr. Chatur tasted it as well. Sylas sat down at the table glancing over the reservation print out.
“Sylas, this is great. I have some errands to run, but I will be back for the opening tonight. You two enjoy your lunch.” Mr. Chatur got up, leaving them alone to game plan for the dinner shift.
“We need to space these reservations better. You are going to put us behind before we ever get started.” Sylas stared right at Veronica, shaking his head in displeasure.
“I’ll handle the reservations and you handle the food, Sylas,” Veronica licked her lips going back for another bite.
“No, Veronica, that is not the way this is going to work. I will have my hands in all aspects of this operation and you need to be alright with that,” Sylas spoke in a stern tone.
“You can be such a jerk, so demanding. Why don’t you just ask? This is probably why you don’t have a girlfriend or a wife. Maybe you should check your attitude.” Veronica pushed her food away just staring at Sylas.
“That is a pretty personal topic to bring up, Veronica. My life isn’t really any of your business. But if you must know I’m single because I haven’t found anyone who wants the same things in life I do.” Sylas slid closer to her feeling more and more attraction.
“What type of things do you want in your life that are different from anybody else?” Veronica put down the fork listening intently to what Sylas’s answer was going to be.
“Well, Veronica, I believe in traditional roles in a relationship; a male role and a female role. The man is the head of the house and guides the direction of their lives. This day and age it’s hard to find a woman willing to give herself fully to a man,” Sylas smiled at Veronica waiting for her to scoff at the idea.
“Well, that is a very interesting concept. So, in other words you boss the woman around and if she doesn’t obey you, then what?” Veronica looked puzzled.
“It’s not about bossing someone around it’s about mutual respect. I have certain expectations as the man and I have certain expectations of what I would like my woman to do. It’s about gender roles,” Sylas tried to explain his beliefs the best way he could.
“And if the woman doesn’t conform to your wishes? Then what? Does she get in trouble?” Veronica turned her head a bit. She pulled her plate closer to her taking another bite. The fact that she didn’t get up running from the table, let Sylas know he caught her attention.
“Yes, Veronica, she does, I believe in spanking as a way to reinforce my wishes,” Sylas was blunt and to the point.
Sylas sat quietl
y waiting for Veronica to laugh in his face, or call him a few choice names. She just sat there quietly eating her lunch. After she finished the last bite, she looked up at him. Sylas quietly braced himself for the upcoming verbal barrage.
“Well, Sylas, that was a great lunch and very interesting conversation. I think there is value in what you are saying. Maybe you are exactly what I have needed in my life in more ways than one,” Veronica reached out grabbing his hand.
“Veronica, this is not some kind of joke. I’m serious; this is what I am looking for in a girlfriend and someday a wife. No games, no jokes, I take this very seriously. I will cherish and take care of whomever I settle down with. They will want for nothing and always know they are protected. However, if they cross the line, I will not hesitate to punish them.” Sylas sat tall in his seat pulling back his hand.
“I’m not saying you are, Sylas. I’m going to confess right now I find you and this idea incredibly sexy. Am I crazy we just met and I am so drawn to you? I think I would enjoy the idea of being so taken care of and looked after.” Veronica grabbed for his hand again.
“I was attracted to you the first time I saw you in this dining room. Perhaps sometime we should grab a bite to eat or a drink and get to know each other better,” Sylas took her hand, put it to his lips. He kissed it softly.
“Didn’t we just share a bite to eat, Sylas? This could be our first date.” Veronica smiled, “I think I know enough about you already to realize you are an amazing man.”
“So, then this is our first date, that’s funny.” Sylas kissed her hand again. He stood up to leave the table.
“Veronica, are you sure would be comfortable in the type of relationship I want? This isn’t an option. You will make mistakes and I will discipline you,” Sylas knew for this to work she needed to agree to his wishes.
“Yes, Sylas, I will. The relationships I’ve had in the past have been lacking and I like the idea of defined roles,” Veronica moved close to Sylas. She opened her arms, wrapping him in a hug.
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