Rody’s friends had been wary of Vincent from the beginning. There was just something about him-a shadow that lurked behind his polite smile, a coldness in his eyes that never quite reached his expression. But Rody, with his open heart and stubborn loyalty, refused to see it. They’d tried to talk to him, tried to convince him that something about Vincent was *off*, but it was no use.
Rody was too far gone, completely wrapped around Vincent’s little finger.
They couldn’t understand what he saw in Vincent. To them, Vincent was strange, unnerving-a man who seemed to suck the warmth out of any room he entered. He was quiet, his words always measured, calculated. But there was a sharpness to him, a sense of control that made them uneasy. Vincent was the kind of person who seemed like he was always three steps ahead, always aware of what everyone around him was thinking, planning, feeling. And he used that knowledge, bending people to his will with nothing more than a look, a gesture, a quiet word.
But to Rody, he was perfect.
Rody, who had always been the strong one, the protector, had finally found someone who made him feel safe, cherished. Vincent was different from anyone he’d ever known-so self-assured, so enigmatic. He was like a puzzle Rody couldn’t quite figure out, and that only drew him in deeper.
Vincent was charming in his own way, a kind of dark allure that Rody found irresistible. When they were alone, Vincent would let his guard down just enough, showing a softer side that made Rody’s heart race. He’d curl up against Rody on the couch, nuzzling into his chest, and Rody would feel this overwhelming need to protect him, to keep him safe from whatever haunted his thoughts.
Vincent knew exactly what he was doing. He knew that Rody’s instincts were to protect, to care, and he played on those instincts masterfully. All it took was a lingering touch, a soft sigh, a look that hinted at something deeper, something vulnerable, and Rody was his.
But there was more to Vincent than he let on, and his friends sensed it. They tried to warn Rody, tried to tell him that Vincent was bad news, but it was like talking to a brick wall. Rody would just laugh, dismissing their concerns with a wave of his hand. He trusted Vincent implicitly, couldn’t see the darkness that his friends did.
“He’s just… misunderstood,” Rody would say, frustration creeping into his voice. “He’s not creepy, he’s just different. You guys don’t know him like I do.”
But they did know him-at least, they knew enough to be scared of him. Vincent had a way of looking at them, a way of smirking just as Rody defended him, that sent chills down their spines. It was like he knew exactly how untouchable he was, how completely he had Rody under his control. And that was the worst part. They knew they couldn’t get through to Rody because Vincent had him right where he wanted him.
Rody was oblivious to it all. To him, Vincent was just this mysterious, intense guy who needed a little extra love and understanding. He didn’t see the way Vincent’s eyes would linger on his friends, the way that smirk would curl on his lips whenever they tried to reason with Rody. Vincent would never say anything, of course. He didn’t need to. The message was clear enough: *Rody is mine, and there’s nothing you can do about it.*
Vincent loved that power, loved the way Rody’s arms felt around his waist, strong and possessive, as if they could keep the world at bay. But there was something darker beneath that love, something twisted. Vincent wasn’t just in love with Rody; he was obsessed. He wanted to consume Rody, to keep him by his side forever, to make sure no one else could ever have him.
And Rody didn’t need to know about the lengths Vincent would go to in order to keep it that way.
There were things Vincent kept hidden, parts of himself that Rody never saw. Vincent had his hobbies, his little distractions-things he did in the dark, away from prying eyes. It started small, innocent enough. Vincent was always fascinated by the fragility of life, by how easily it could be snuffed out. He’d watch documentaries, read books, let his mind wander to dark places. But that wasn’t enough. Curiosity gnawed at him, pulling him deeper, urging him to push boundaries.
The first time was an accident, or so he told himself. A stray cat, injured and suffering-Vincent told himself he was doing it a favor, putting it out of its misery. But the way the life drained from its eyes, the way its body went limp in his hands… it exhilarated him. He felt a rush, a thrill that he couldn’t quite explain. It made him feel powerful, in control.
After that, it became a habit. He started small, targeting stray animals, things no one would miss. But the thrill wore off quickly, and soon, he needed more. The things he did became darker, more twisted. He was careful, always careful. He had his rules-no evidence, no connections, no risks. And Rody never suspected a thing. Why would he? To Rody, Vincent was perfect.
Rody didn’t need to know about the basements Vincent frequented, the things he did when he was alone. He didn’t need to know about the nights when Vincent would come home late, smelling of sweat and something metallic, his eyes darker than usual, his smile a little too sharp. Rody would just pull him close, pressing kisses to his forehead, and Vincent would let himself melt into it, basking in the warmth of Rody’s love.
But even as he let Rody hold him, Vincent’s mind would wander to darker places. He’d imagine what it would be like to never let go, to keep Rody with him, to have him all to himself forever. The thought was intoxicating, almost too much to bear. But he knew he couldn’t let Rody see that side of him-not yet. Rody wasn’t ready for that.
For now, Vincent would play his part, be the perfect boyfriend, and let Rody believe that everything was fine. He’d let Rody wrap those strong arms around him, let him think he was protecting Vincent from the world. And when Rody’s friends tried to intervene, tried to pull him away, Vincent would just smile that knowing smile, the one that made their skin crawl.
Because he knew the truth. Rody was his, completely, and there was nothing they could do to change that.
And someday, when the time was right, Rody would know the truth too. But by then, it would be too late. By then, Rody would be too deep, too entangled in Vincent’s web to ever escape. He’d belong to Vincent, body and soul, forever.
Just like Vincent wanted.
Vincent’s obsession with Rody only deepened as time passed. The more Rody fell for him, the more Vincent’s dark desires clawed at the edges of his mind. He wanted to keep Rody close, to drown in the warmth of his affection, to bask in the safety and strength that Rody’s presence provided. But Vincent’s love was anything but pure. It was tainted, twisted by a need for control, by a darkness that demanded more than just love-it demanded possession.
Rody, for all his strength and bravado, was hopelessly blind to the danger lurking in Vincent’s shadow. He had grown accustomed to the routine of their relationship, the quiet evenings spent together, the nights when Vincent would curl up against him, fragile and small, asking for comfort. Rody was happy to give it, happy to be needed by someone like Vincent.
But Rody’s friends saw it differently. They watched as Rody became more isolated, as his world narrowed to revolve entirely around Vincent. They watched the way Vincent would look at Rody, the way he’d drape himself over Rody’s shoulders, subtly pulling him away from the people who cared about him. It was like watching someone drown, slowly and silently, without realizing they were even in danger.
They tried to intervene, of course. Rody’s oldest friend, Jules, had taken it upon himself to confront Rody one evening, after another awkward dinner where Vincent sat at the table, smiling politely but never really engaging, just *watching*.
“Rody, I’m serious, man,” Jules had said, pulling Rody aside as Vincent stayed in the living room, his expression unreadable as he pretended not to listen. “There’s something not right about Vincent. He’s… I don’t know, but you need to be careful.”
Rody had just sighed, shaking his head. “Jules, not you too. Why can’t you just be happy for me? Vincent’s a great guy.”
“He’s *creepy,* Rody. Can’t you see it? He’s-“
“Enough!” Rody’s voice had come out sharper than he intended, startling both of them. He softened almost immediately, regret flashing across his face. “Look, I know you mean well, but you don’t know him like I do. Vincent’s had a tough life, and he’s been through a lot. He just needs someone to trust him.”
Jules had stared at Rody, searching his face for some hint that he understood, that he could see what was happening. But there was nothing-just stubborn, blind loyalty.
“You’re making a mistake,” Jules had said quietly, defeated.
Rody had opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Vincent had appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a small, innocent smile on his lips.
“Is everything alright?” Vincent’s voice was soft, almost timid, and Rody’s heart melted at the sight of him.
“Yeah, everything’s fine,” Rody had said, crossing the room in a few quick strides to pull Vincent into a hug, his hands resting protectively on Vincent’s waist. “We’re just talking.”
Vincent had glanced over Rody’s shoulder at Jules, his smile widening ever so slightly into that familiar, unsettling smirk. He didn’t say a word, but he didn’t need to. The message was clear: *You’ve already lost*.
Jules had left not long after, knowing that there was nothing more he could say, nothing that would get through to Rody. He tried to tell himself that Rody would come to his senses eventually, that he’d realize Vincent wasn’t what he seemed. But deep down, Jules knew the truth. Rody was in too deep, and there was nothing he or anyone else could do to pull him out.
The door had barely closed behind Jules when Vincent’s entire demeanor shifted. The innocent look he’d worn moments ago was gone, replaced by something darker, more dangerous. He turned in Rody’s arms, pressing close, his fingers curling into the fabric of Rody’s shirt as he looked up at him, eyes glittering with something unreadable.
“You don’t have to worry about him, Vincent,” Rody said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from Vincent’s forehead. “He just doesn’t understand. But I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
Vincent’s smile was sharp, predatory. “I know you’re not.”
Rody didn’t hear the threat in those words, didn’t see the way Vincent’s eyes darkened as he leaned in to press a kiss to his lips. To Rody, it was just another moment of intimacy, another reassurance that he was doing the right thing, that his love was enough to heal whatever wounds Vincent carried.
But Vincent’s thoughts were far from innocent. He loved the way Rody held him, the way Rody’s strength seemed to seep into him whenever they touched. He loved how easily he could manipulate Rody, how Rody would defend him without question, without hesitation. It was almost too easy, and that ease only fueled Vincent’s obsession.
He wanted more. He wanted *all* of Rody. The thought of anyone else having even a fraction of Rody’s attention, of Rody’s love, was intolerable. It made his blood boil, made the darkness inside him stir with violent intent. Rody belonged to him, and him alone.
And as much as Vincent loved the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of manipulating those around him, he knew that eventually, Rody would have to know the truth. It wouldn’t matter by then, of course. By then, Rody would be too far gone, too entangled in Vincent’s web to ever escape. But Vincent would relish the moment when Rody finally realized just how deep his love went-when he realized that there was no going back.
Vincent’s “hobbies” had started small, almost innocent. But as his need for control grew, so did the darkness within him. It wasn’t enough to manipulate Rody’s friends, to drive a wedge between Rody and anyone who might pull him away. Vincent needed something more tangible, something that would bind Rody to him forever.
He started planning, his mind working through the details with meticulous care. It would have to be perfect, something that would ensure Rody’s loyalty, something that would make it impossible for Rody to ever leave him. The thought of Rody’s horror, of his eventual submission, sent a thrill through Vincent that he hadn’t felt in years. It was intoxicating.
The night he finally put his plan into motion, Vincent could barely contain his excitement. He played his part perfectly, of course-acting the loving, devoted boyfriend, keeping his true intentions hidden behind a mask of affection. He had learned to hide his darkness well, to play the role of the innocent victim, the misunderstood lover.
But there was nothing innocent about what he had planned.
Rody had been worried when Vincent hadn’t come home on time. He’d texted, called, but there had been no answer. His stomach twisted with unease, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What if something had happened to Vincent? What if someone had hurt him?
By the time Vincent finally walked through the door, Rody was a mess of anxiety and fear. He rushed to Vincent, pulling him into a tight embrace, his heart pounding in his chest.
“Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!” Rody’s voice was a mix of relief and frustration, but Vincent just leaned into him, his face buried in Rody’s chest.
“I’m sorry,” Vincent whispered, his voice trembling. “I just… I needed some time to think. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
Rody softened immediately, his arms wrapping tighter around Vincent. “It’s okay, you’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
Vincent pulled back slightly, looking up at Rody with wide, tear-filled eyes. “You really do love me, don’t you?”
“Of course I do,” Rody said without hesitation, his voice firm. “I love you more than anything.”
Vincent’s smile was small, almost shy, but there was a darkness behind it that Rody didn’t see. “I love you too, Rody. So much.”
Vincent leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to Rody’s lips, and Rody returned it, all thoughts of worry and fear slipping away as he lost himself in the familiar warmth of Vincent’s embrace.
But as Vincent kissed him, his mind was already racing ahead, already thinking about what would come next. He had set the pieces in motion, and soon, everything would fall into place. Soon, Rody would be his forever, in every way that mattered.
And when the time came, when Rody finally saw Vincent for what he truly was, it would be too late. There would be no escape, no turning back. Rody would be bound to him, body and soul, and Vincent would finally have what he’d always wanted.
A love that would last forever-no matter the cost.
Days passed, and Vincent’s plan began to take shape, each step carefully calculated to draw Rody deeper into his web. He continued to play the part of the loving, vulnerable boyfriend, knowing that Rody’s protective instincts would only make him more devoted. But beneath the surface, Vincent’s mind was consumed with darker thoughts, his every action driven by the need to possess Rody completely.
It started with small, subtle changes. Vincent began to isolate Rody further, suggesting that they spend more time alone together, away from Rody’s friends. He’d whisper sweet nothings into Rody’s ear, reminding him how much he meant to Vincent, how they didn’t need anyone else as long as they had each other. And Rody, blinded by love, didn’t see the manipulation behind Vincent’s words.
Whenever Rody’s friends tried to reach out, Vincent was always there, intercepting messages, subtly discouraging any attempts to reconnect. He planted seeds of doubt in Rody’s mind, hinting that maybe his friends didn’t understand him, that they didn’t truly care about his happiness. And when Rody began to pull away from them, Vincent was always there to comfort him, to reassure him that he was making the right choice.
The more isolated Rody became, the more dependent he was on Vincent. And Vincent reveled in it, his dark obsession growing with each passing day. But he knew that this was only the beginning. He needed something more, something that would cement Rody’s loyalty to him forever.
One evening, Vincent suggested they go on a trip, just the two of them. “A little getaway,” he called it, a chance to escape the city and spend some time together in a secluded cabin he knew about. Rody hesitated at first, feeling a vague sense of unease, but Vincent’s pleading eyes and soft words quickly dissolved his doubts. He couldn’t say no to Vincent, not when he looked at him like that.
They packed their bags and set off the next morning, the drive taking them far from the city and deep into the countryside. The cabin was remote, nestled in a dense forest, far from prying eyes. It was beautiful in a way, with its rustic charm and peaceful surroundings, but there was something off about it, something that Rody couldn’t quite put his finger on.
Vincent was different too. He was more affectionate, more clingy than usual, constantly touching Rody, as if reassuring himself that Rody was still there, still his. Rody didn’t mind at first, happy to indulge Vincent’s need for closeness, but as the hours passed, he started to feel the weight of Vincent’s attention. It was suffocating, overwhelming, but Rody pushed those feelings aside, telling himself that Vincent just needed extra reassurance.
That night, as they sat by the fireplace, Vincent curled up against Rody’s side, Rody felt a strange sense of foreboding. The flickering flames cast eerie shadows across the walls, and the quiet of the forest outside seemed too still, too silent. Rody couldn’t shake the feeling that they weren’t alone, that something was watching them from the darkness just beyond the cabin’s walls.
“Vincent,” Rody began, his voice hesitant, “there’s something… I don’t know, something weird about this place.”
Vincent looked up at him, his eyes wide and innocent, but there was a glint of something else there, something that sent a chill down Rody’s spine. “You’re just tired, Rody. It’s been a long day. Why don’t we go to bed?”
Rody nodded, brushing off his unease as he let Vincent lead him to the bedroom. But as he lay in bed that night, with Vincent’s head resting on his chest, the unease gnawed at him, refusing to let go. Something was wrong, he could feel it, but he didn’t know what.
The next morning, Rody woke to find Vincent already up, standing by the window, staring out into the forest. There was something unsettling about the way Vincent stood there, so still, so silent. Rody sat up, rubbing his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of a restless night.
“Vincent? What are you doing?” Rody asked, his voice thick with sleep.
Vincent turned to face him, a strange smile on his lips. “Just thinking, that’s all.”
“About what?” Rody got out of bed and walked over to Vincent, wrapping his arms around his waist from behind.
Vincent leaned into Rody’s embrace, his smile widening. “About us. About how perfect everything is. How perfect you are.”
Rody chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to the back of Vincent’s neck. “You’re sweet, Vincent. But you’re also worrying me a little. Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” Vincent replied, his voice soft, almost too soft. “I just want to make sure we’re always together, Rody. I don’t ever want to lose you.”
“You won’t,” Rody said, turning Vincent around to face him. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Vincent’s smile was brittle, his eyes too bright, too intense. “Promise?”
“I promise,” Rody said, without hesitation. “I’m yours, Vincent.”
Vincent’s grip on Rody’s arms tightened, his nails digging into Rody’s skin. “Good. Because I don’t know what I’d do if you ever left me.”
Rody laughed, but there was an edge of nervousness to it. “Come on, Vincent, you don’t have to worry about that. We’re solid.”
Vincent’s eyes bore into Rody’s, searching for something, and whatever he found seemed to satisfy him, because he finally relaxed, his grip loosening. “I know we are.”
The rest of the day passed in a blur of unease for Rody. Vincent was affectionate, almost too affectionate, and there was a tension in the air that Rody couldn’t quite place. He tried to brush it off, telling himself that it was just the isolation getting to him, but the nagging feeling that something was wrong wouldn’t go away.
That evening, as they sat down for dinner, Rody noticed a strange look in Vincent’s eyes. It was a look he had never seen before, a mixture of love and something darker, something that made Rody’s stomach churn.
“Rody,” Vincent said suddenly, his voice too calm, too controlled. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Rody looked up from his plate, his heart skipping a beat. “What is it?”
Vincent smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ve been keeping something from you.”
The air in the cabin seemed to grow heavier, the shadows lengthening as the fire crackled in the hearth. Rody swallowed hard, his mind racing with possibilities, none of them good.
“What… what do you mean?” Rody asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Vincent stood up, walking over to the fireplace, staring into the flames. “There are things about me that you don’t know, things I’ve kept hidden because I didn’t want to scare you. But I can’t hide them anymore. Not if we’re going to be together forever.”
Rody’s blood ran cold. “Vincent, you’re scaring me.”
Vincent turned to face him, his expression unreadable. “I don’t want to scare you, Rody. I just want you to understand. I want you to know everything about me, so there are no more secrets between us.”
Rody stood up, his heart pounding in his chest. “What are you talking about?”
Vincent walked towards him, his movements slow, deliberate. “I love you, Rody. I love you more than anything. But my love… it’s not like other people’s love. It’s darker, deeper. It’s consuming.”
Rody backed away, his mind screaming at him to run, to get out of the cabin, but his feet wouldn’t move. “Vincent…”
“I need you to understand,” Vincent said, his voice soft, almost pleading. “I need you to see that everything I’ve done, I’ve done for us.”
“Done?” Rody’s voice was shaky, his mind reeling. “What have you done, Vincent?”
Vincent reached out, his hand brushing against Rody’s cheek, and Rody flinched at the touch. “I’ve protected you, Rody. I’ve made sure that no one can take you away from me. I’ve made sure that we’ll be together forever.”
Rody’s eyes widened in horror as the truth began to dawn on him. “Vincent… what did you do?”
Vincent’s smile was serene, almost peaceful. “I took care of everything. I made sure that nothing would ever come between us. Not your friends, not anyone. They’re gone, Rody. They can’t hurt us anymore.”
Rody stumbled back, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. “No… no, you’re lying. This is some kind of sick joke, right?”
Vincent’s expression didn’t change, his eyes locked onto Rody’s with a frightening intensity. “I’m not lying, Rody. I would never lie to you. I did this for us. So we could be happy.”
Rody’s mind was spinning, a whirlwind of terror and disbelief. He wanted to scream, to run, but his body felt frozen, paralyzed by the horror of Vincent’s confession. He couldn’t believe it-he didn’t want to believe it-but the look in Vincent’s eyes told him everything he needed to know.
“Why… why would you do this?” Rody’s voice was a broken whisper, his heart shattering with every word.
“Why… why would you do this?” Rody’s voice was a broken whisper, his heart shattering with every word.
Vincent’s serene smile didn’t waver as he slowly approached Rody, his eyes glinting with a mix of love and madness. “Because, Rody, I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you. Every time you spoke about them, every time they tried to pull you away from me, I saw the possibility of you slipping through my fingers. I couldn’t let that happen. You’re mine, Rody. Mine, and no one else’s.”
Rody’s breath hitched, a cold sweat breaking out across his skin. He shook his head, backing away from Vincent, his mind desperately trying to process what he was hearing. “Vincent… you didn’t… you couldn’t…”
“I did,” Vincent interrupted, his voice as smooth and calm as ever. “And I don’t regret it, Rody. I’d do it all over again if it meant keeping you by my side.”
Rody felt the room spinning around him, his knees threatening to give out beneath him. The man he thought he loved, the man he had trusted with his heart, had done something unimaginable, something monstrous, all in the name of love. But this wasn’t love-not the kind Rody knew. This was something twisted, something wrong.
“You’re sick,” Rody choked out, his voice trembling. “This isn’t love, Vincent. This is… this is insane.”
Vincent’s expression flickered, a brief flash of hurt crossing his features before he regained his composure. “No, Rody. You don’t understand. This is love-true love. The kind that consumes you, that drives you to do anything, anything, to keep the one you love safe.”
“Safe?” Rody spat, his fear beginning to give way to anger. “You think this is keeping me safe? You murdered my friends, Vincent! You took away everything I had, just so you could have me all to yourself. That’s not love-that’s obsession!”
Vincent’s eyes darkened, a shadow passing over his face as he took a step closer to Rody. “Maybe it is,” he said quietly, his voice cold. “But it’s the only kind of love I know. And now that you know the truth, you have to understand, Rody-you have to stay with me. We’re in this together now.”
Rody’s heart pounded in his chest, his fight-or-flight instincts screaming at him to run, to get as far away from Vincent as possible. But as he looked into Vincent’s eyes, he realized something terrifying-there was no escape. Vincent would never let him go. If he tried to leave, if he tried to run, Vincent would find him. And then… then what?
Rody swallowed hard, his mind racing as he searched for a way out, any way to defuse the situation. He had to stay calm, had to play along until he could figure out what to do. “Vincent… I need some time. This is a lot to take in, and I’m… I’m scared.”
Vincent’s expression softened, his earlier coldness melting away as he reached out to gently cup Rody’s face in his hands. “I know, Rody. I know this is hard for you. But I promise, you don’t have to be scared. I’ll protect you. I’ll always protect you.”
Rody forced himself to nod, to lean into Vincent’s touch, even as every fiber of his being screamed at him to pull away. “Okay,” he whispered. “Okay, Vincent. I trust you.”
Vincent’s smile returned, warm and genuine, as he wrapped his arms around Rody and pulled him close. “I knew you would. We’ll be so happy together, Rody. Just you wait.”
Rody rested his head against Vincent’s shoulder, his body stiff and tense as he tried to suppress the rising tide of panic within him. He had to stay calm, had to keep playing along, at least until he could figure out how to escape this nightmare. But as Vincent held him close, murmuring sweet promises of their future together, Rody realized with a sinking dread that escaping wouldn’t be easy.
Vincent’s hold on him was too tight, too possessive. The man who had once seemed so vulnerable, so in need of Rody’s protection, had revealed a side of himself that Rody had never seen before-a side that was dangerous, ruthless, and utterly determined to keep Rody by his side at any cost.
As the night wore on, Rody lay awake in the darkness, his mind racing with plans, with desperate hopes of finding a way out. But no matter how hard he tried to think, to plan his escape, he kept coming back to the same horrifying conclusion: Vincent was always one step ahead. And as long as Vincent was with him, there would be no escape, no way out of this twisted, suffocating love.
And in the back of his mind, a small, terrified voice whispered the truth he didn’t want to admit: if he wasn’t careful, if he didn’t find a way out soon, Vincent’s love would consume him completely.
Vincent stirred beside him, his arms tightening around Rody in his sleep, as if sensing his unease even in his dreams. Rody squeezed his eyes shut, biting back a sob as he clung to the last shreds of hope he had left. He couldn’t let Vincent win. He couldn’t let this be the end.
But as the night dragged on, and Vincent’s grip on him remained unyielding, Rody began to wonder if there was any hope left at all.
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