Chapter 5: A Dangerous Obsession
The sun was barely up when I left my apartment. I stood in the hallway for a moment, staring at Emily’s door. Last night had been too close—too risky. But I couldn’t help myself. There was something about her that drew me in, like a moth to a flame. I’d been watching her for weeks now, ever since the day she moved in. The more I saw, the more I wanted her.
It wasn’t just her looks. She had this innocence about her, this vulnerability that made me want to protect her—and possess her.
Liam
Thoughts: She has no idea who I really am, does she? That’s probably for the best… for now.
But soon, she would find out. I wasn’t just her friendly neighbor, the guy she exchanged small talk with in the hallway. I was so much more. And Emily… she would be mine, no matter what it took.
I left the building and headed into the city. Today was business as usual, running the underworld of this town while maintaining the façade of a harmless, charming businessman. I’d built my empire on lies, manipulation, and the kind of violence that would make most men flinch. But not me. I thrived on it.
As I moved through the city, my mind kept drifting back to Emily. Last night, I’d left her a small token of my affection—a single white rose. It was a gesture, a message that she was always on my mind. But the look on her face when she found it… that was the best part. Fear. Confusion. It was delicious.
Liam
Thoughts: She’s scared of me. Good. She should be. But she doesn’t know the half of it yet.
By the time I returned home, it was late afternoon. I’d been planning my next move all day, deciding how to get closer to her without scaring her off. It was a delicate balance. Too much too soon, and she might bolt. Too little, and I’d lose her to someone else.
Liam
Thoughts: I won’t let that happen. She’s mine, even if she doesn’t realize it yet.
As I reached my apartment, I noticed her door was slightly ajar. My pulse quickened with anticipation. Was she inside? Had she forgotten to lock it? I pushed the door open slowly, careful not to make a sound.
I’d spent the day trying to distract myself, diving into anything that would keep my mind off the growing dread that had settled in my chest. But it was impossible. Liam’s presence was like a shadow that hung over everything, dark and oppressive.
I’d tried to convince myself that the rose was a coincidence, that maybe I’d picked it up somewhere and forgotten about it. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. Liam had been in my apartment. And if he could get in once, he could do it again.
Emily
Thoughts: I need to talk to him. I need to set boundaries, make it clear that whatever this is—it has to stop.
My hands trembled as I reached for my phone, hesitating for a moment before dialing his number. He answered on the first ring, as if he’d been waiting for my call.
Liam
(calmly) Emily, what a pleasant surprise. I was just thinking about you.
Emily
(voice shaking) Liam, we need to talk.
Liam
(with a hint of amusement) About what, exactly?
The casual tone in his voice made my skin crawl. It was like he knew exactly what I was going to say, and he was enjoying every second of it.
Emily
(firmly) About… about boundaries. Look, I appreciate that you’ve been friendly, but this is getting out of hand. You can’t just come into my apartment without permission.
There was a pause on the other end, and for a moment, I thought the line had gone dead. But then, he spoke, and his voice was cold—devoid of the warmth he usually faked.
Liam
: (darkly) Emily, you don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just trying to be a good neighbor, looking out for you. But if that’s how you feel, maybe I should stop.
His words sent a chill down my spine. There was something in his tone that made it clear—this was a warning. But a warning of what? That’s what scared me the most. I had no idea what he was capable of.
Emily
(nervously) I… I just need some space, Liam. Please understand.
Liam
(softly) Of course, Emily. If that’s what you want. But remember… I’m always just next door.
He hung up before I could respond, leaving me holding the phone in stunned silence. The room felt suddenly colder, as if his presence had lingered even after the call ended.
Emily
Thoughts: What have I gotten myself into?
That night, I made sure every door and window was locked, double-checking them multiple times. But even then, sleep wouldn’t come. I lay awake, listening for any sound, any sign that he was near.
And then, just as I was finally starting to drift off, I heard it—the faintest creak of a floorboard outside my door. My breath caught in my throat as I lay completely still, my heart pounding in my chest.
The sound grew louder, closer. I could hear someone moving in the hallway, their footsteps slow and deliberate. They stopped right outside my door.
Emily
Thoughts: Don’t move. Don’t make a sound.
I clenched the covers tightly, trying to stay calm. But it was no use. My mind raced with fear, imagining all the horrible things that could happen. And then, after what felt like an eternity, the footsteps started again, moving away from my door.
I lingered outside her door, listening to the sound of her breathing just beyond it. She was scared, and I could practically taste her fear. It was intoxicating, knowing that she was lying there, completely vulnerable.
Liam
Thoughts: You can run, Emily, but you can’t hide. Not from me.
As I finally turned and walked away, I couldn’t help but smile. This was only the beginning. Emily didn’t realize it yet, but she was already mine.
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