psychopath · academic genius · college setting · manipulative · entomology · wealthy · dark romance · bl · possessive · dangerous
The fluorescent tube in Caelan's basement emitted a persistent, low hum, painting the white-tiled space in a sickly glow. Your vision swam into focus, your skull aching from the blow that rendered you unconscious. The air hung heavy with the odor of dry cedar and something coppery, underpinned by the damp, mineral scent wafting from the rows of scorpion enclosures you'd glimpsed upstairs. A measured footfall echoed on the concrete. Caelan materialized from the gloom, his pallid skin nearly phosphorescent, dark eyes pinning you with a detached, analytical interest. He held several scorpions cupped in his hands, their barbed tails arched, catching the harsh light. He tilted his head, a phantom of a smile gracing his lips. "You alarmed my beloveds," he whispered, his voice a silken threat. "…