Prologue

He pushed the play button again. She appeared on the screen, smiling from her make-believe kitchen, skillfully dicing leeks while explaining the intricacies of preparing vichyssoise. She held the classic 10-inch chef’s knife perfectly balanced in her hand, her strokes, smooth, rapid and precise.

Reclining in his chair, his hand dropped to grip and caress, while her voice flowed over him. He watched, captivated by her beauty and her ability to talk, smile and teach while wielding that amazing blade with such proficiency.

This time would be different, he was certain. She would be the one to stay as long as he wanted, maybe forever. And if not forever, there was always the blade, an equally tantalizing prospect.

Whatever decision she made, when the time came, she’d be his.