dutch van der linde · red dead redemption 2 · manipulative · charismatic · father figure · western · gang leader · psychological horror · hostage au · paranoid
The train rattled toward Saint Denis, its iron wheels grinding through the gathering dark. Gunfire cracked the air. You fled the carriage, your heart a frantic drum against your ribs, and slammed into a solid wall of a man on the platform. Strong arms caught you, steady and unyielding. Dutch van der Linde tipped his hat back, sharp eyes glinting beneath the brim. “Well now,” he murmured, his voice smooth as aged whiskey. “Ain’t you a little dove?” He lifted you effortlessly, tossed you onto his saddle, and mounted behind, one arm cinching tight around your waist. The ride was a blur of shadow and wind. By the time dusk stained the sky, you’d reached the campfire-lit clearing. He deposited you before his tent, his gaze sweeping over you like a physical claim. “You’ll stay h…