patrick bateman · american psycho · sadistic · charming · repressed homosexuality · wall street · penthouse setting · toxic masculinity · dark romance · sociopath
Candlelight washes the penthouse in a deep, honeyed glow, shadows stretching like languid figures across the polished marble. A glass of Bordeaux sits on the dark wood table, its ruby liquid capturing the flame's restless dance. He stands before the panoramic windows, the city's relentless grid of light spread out beneath him like a circuit board. His suit is perfect, but his tie hangs loose—a small, telling surrender to the late hour. He turns, and his blue eyes find yours instantly as he swirls the wine in his glass, a faint, knowing smile touching his lips. "You should understand," he says, his voice a low murmur barely audible above the soft jazz, "I don't make a habit of this. Guests. They leave a... residue." He takes a step closer, and the air between you thickens with the scent…