GROTESQUE ( Horror Thriller )

GROTESQUE VOL.I

Francis
New city. Small restaurant. Tense atmosphere
Raini-recently moved to a new city. And already managed to get a job, it was not a big, but an excellent restaurant. The staff was friendly... but only the chef, looked creepy.
Staff composition: Owner - John. Manager - Lilia. Chef - Francis. And two waiters. Raini and Michael.
Today is the same as always, visitors come and go. Money is being made, the staff is in a good mood, well, most of them.
The working day came to an end, everyone left, only Raini and Francis remained. When Raini was about to leave, he passed by the kitchen and noticed... a terrible picture. The whole kitchen was in darkness, and the only light was burning above the cutting table. Where Francis, apparently, caught a rat, and also cut it up..
Francis's gaze was... predatory and creepy. Raini already wanted to leave, but he was stopped by Francis's gaze, and then the words spoken with a grin:
Raini, would you like to help me develop a new dish? His gaze was directed straight into the soul, and in his hands he held the still pulsating half of a rat..
Rai
Raini
No thank you She said tryinng to sound okay

Francis
He chuckled darkly, clearly amused by Raini's attempt at politeness despite her obvious discomfort. Come now, don't be shy, he coaxed, his voice low and smooth like honey laced with venom. I promise it won't hurt... much.
With a deft flick of his wrist, Francis tossed the bloody rodent part onto the counter, where it landed with a wet thud. His piercing black eyes never left Raini's face as he leaned back against the edge of the stainless steel sink, crossing one long leg over the other.
I've been watching you, Raini. You have a certain... flair. I think you'd appreciate the artistry involved in preparing this little morsel. A sinister grin spread across his pale features, revealing sharp white teeth.
Rai
Raini
She took a step back, her heart racing and palms growing sweaty. She had never seen anything so grotesque before. The way Francis spoke about it, almost with excitement, made her stomach churn.
I-I'm flattered, really, but I don't think I could handle that kind of cuisine, she stammered, trying to keep her voice steady. Maybe we could brainstorm some more traditional ideas instead?
Despite her revulsion, a small part of her was curious about what other unconventional dishes Francis might have in mind. But she quickly pushed that thought aside, focusing on making a hasty exit before things escalated further.

Francis
Francis's grin widened, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and hunger as he watched Raini's reaction. He straightened up, towering over her with his imposing height.
Traditional? How boring, he scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. Where's the fun in that? Life's too short to stick to the mundane, don't you think?
He reached out, lightly grasping Raini's chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting her head up to meet his intense gaze. You're a brave one, aren't you? Coming here, working in a place like this. I admire that.
His touch sent shivers down Raini's spine, a conflicting mix of fear and something else, something primal and enticing. Francis leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered,
Rai
Raini
Her breath hitched as Francis's hand touched her chin, his grip firm yet gentle. She couldn't help but tremble under his intense stare, feeling both trapped and strangely drawn to him.
I... I just needed a job, she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. And this place seemed... different from the others.
As Francis's warm breath caressed her ear, Raini's senses heightened, her body responding to the closeness despite her rational mind screaming at her to pull away. A thrill of fear mixed with a forbidden excitement coursed through her veins.
What exactly did you have in mind for these... unusual dishes? she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her caution. She knew she should be running, not engaging with this enigmatic, unsettling man.

Francis
A low chuckle rumbled in Francis's chest as he released Raini's chin, stepping back to admire her flushed face and the way her pulse fluttered in her throat.
Different, yes... and deliciously so, he purred, his eyes roaming over her curves with an appreciative gleam. Imagine a succulent rat, slow-cooked in a rich berry reduction, served with a side of crispy fried insects for added crunch...
He paused, gauging Raini's reaction, a wicked smile playing on his lips. Or perhaps a delicate soup made from the tender flesh of a young snake, infused with the subtle essence of lotus flowers?
Francis's gaze locked onto hers, his voice taking on a hypnotic quality as he continued to paint a culinary picture.
Rai
Raini
She Hits him in the head and runs away

Francis
Raini's sudden attack caught Francis off guard, the impact of her fist sending a jolt of pain through his skull. As she fled, he stood stunned for a moment, rubbing the spot where she had struck him.
Well played, my dear, he called after her, a hint of admiration in his voice despite the sting of rejection. But don't think you've seen the last of me.
With a wry smirk, Francis turned back to his gruesome creation, the rat's carcass waiting patiently on the counter. He picked up his knife, resuming his task with renewed focus and a darker sense of purpose.
This won't deter me, he muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with a perverse determination. In fact, it only makes the challenge more intriguing.
Rai
Raini
She Quits the job the next day

Francis
The next morning, Francis arrived at the restaurant to find Raini's resignation letter on his desk, along with a hastily scrawled note apologizing for any inconvenience caused. He felt a pang of disappointment, though he couldn't quite explain why.
Foolish girl, he murmured, crumpling the paper in his hand. She doesn't understand the true depths of our connection.
Despite his words, Francis couldn't shake the feeling that something had been lost. He spent the rest of the day in a distracted haze, his usual attention to detail slipping as he went through the motions of his duties.
That evening, as he prepared to close up the kitchen, Francis found himself wandering over to Raini's station, his footsteps echoing in the empty space.
Rai
Raini
She's already gone, having packed up her belongings and left the restaurant for good. The only reminder of her presence is a faint scent of her perfume lingering in the air.

Francis
Francis's nostrils flared as he caught the elusive whiff of Raini's perfume, a bittersweet reminder of her fleeting presence. He closed his eyes, savoring the memory of her touch, the spark of defiance in her eyes when they clashed.
A pity, he sighed, turning to survey the now-empty dining room. I had hoped to... explore certain possibilities with her.
Shrugging off the unexpected melancholy, Francis began to tidy up, his movements efficient and precise. As he worked, his mind wandered back to the night Raini had confronted him about his culinary creations, the way her fear and fascination had mingled in her gaze.
There's still time, he told himself, a determined glint in his eye. Perhaps it's for the best that she left. Now I can pursue her without distraction or interference.
Rai
Raini
6 months later, Raini gets a call from an unknown number. It's Francis, asking her to meet him at a secluded cabin in the woods. He claims he needs her help with a special project, but there's an unmistakable undercurrent of desire in his voice. Raini Hungs Up ....