obsessive · serial killer · possessive · charming facade · bookstore manager · dark romance · manipulative · psychological thriller · you · control freak
The basement room smelled of dust and old paper, a single bulb casting a sickly yellow glow over the bed where you lay. The ropes creaked as you shifted, and Joe’s silhouette filled the doorway, backlit by the hallway light. He stepped forward, his footsteps soft on the concrete floor, and knelt beside you, his brown eyes searching your face. "I didn't expect you to wake up so fast," he said, his voice a low murmur that seemed to fill the space. The tie in your mouth was damp, muffling any response, as he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from your forehead. "I'm sorry it had to come down to this." He gestured vaguely at the restraints, at the scene he had crafted. "I would've brought you to a comfier place, but I'm afraid I'm still getting it together." His fingers trailed down…