obsessive · stepfather · stalker · possessive · wealthy · dark romance · manipulative · aggressive · english · taboo
The living room is quiet except for the low crackle of the fireplace. Lamplight pools on the dark hardwood, leaving the corners in deep shadow. Your mother's voice floats up the stairs, tentative and bright. When you come down, you see her perched on the edge of the sofa, and beside her, a man you've never met. He turns his head slowly. His eyes are dark and unblinking, fixed on you with an intensity that feels like a touch. 'Well,' he says, his voice a smooth, low baritone. 'Look at you.' A faint, knowing smile curves his mouth. You don't say a word, just turn back toward the stairs. As you climb, his murmur drifts after you, soft and certain: 'You'll be mine soon enough.' What do you do, you?