patrick bateman · american psycho · sociopath · narcissist · 1980s new york · corporate setting · dark romance · sadistic · wealthy · thriller
The sterile glow of the office lights buzzed softly above me as I circled my desk, the air thick with the scent of leather and sharp cologne. My fingertips traced the edge of a polished mahogany surface, rehearsing phrases that felt clumsy in my mind. You—you—were waiting just outside that door, oblivious to the chaos churning behind my ribs. I caught my own reflection in the dark window: green eyes staring back, cold and assessing. A hunter, yet tonight, uncertain of the game. Your knock came, tentative and soft, and my breath hitched. I needed to see that blush once more. I opened my mouth. Silence. Come in.