Imagine Book 2 (Requests Welcome)

Killer Obsession- Jerome Valeska (Gotham)

Fem Y/N

The night was quiet, save for the soft crunch of Y/N's boots on the scattered leaves blanketing the forest floor. Fog settled low, weaving around the gnarled roots and trunks like ghostly fingers, and the faint, sweet scent of circus popcorn lingered on the chill in the air. She pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders, feeling a shiver dance up her spine. There it was again—that prickling sense of being watched, as though the night itself had eyes.

As a contortionist and dancer, Y/N was used to bending and twisting her body in ways that most people couldn't fathom, defying limits with grace and precision. It was part of her allure. But now, alone in the silence, she felt her pulse quicken. She cast a glance over her shoulder, her eyes searching the shadows for any sign of movement, wondering if she was only imagining things.

"Hello?" she called softly, her voice disappearing into the dark. The only answer was the rustling of leaves in the wind. She turned back around, focused on her destination—a small clearing where she was supposed to meet her boyfriend tonight. It was their secret spot, a place hidden away from the chaos of the circus and its prying eyes.

But then a familiar voice, soft yet sharp, sliced through the silence behind her.

"Waiting for someone?"

She spun around, heart racing, to see Jerome Valeska stepping out from behind a tree. His face held that signature grin, sly and unhinged, his eyes gleaming with an intensity that always made her feel both seen and trapped. The corners of his mouth twisted up, as though he was savouring her reaction.

"Jerome," she breathed, her pulse still racing. "You startled me."

He took a step forward, and she noticed the way his gaze roamed over her, lingering, almost possessive. "Sorry, Y/N. I just couldn't resist. It's such a dark night, and you look so... lost," he murmured, his words dripping with an eerie gentleness. "I wanted to make sure you weren't... alone."

His presence was both a relief and an unease. Jerome was someone she'd known for years, practically growing up together in the travelling circus, yet lately, he'd been...different. He was always around, always watching, his eyes trailing after her with a strange intensity that had started to feel like more than just casual interest.

Still, she managed a small laugh, trying to shake off the sense of dread creeping into her thoughts. "I'm not lost, Jerome. I'm just meeting someone. I thought you knew."

"Oh, I know," he said, his grin widening. "But... it seems like he's running a little late. Isn't he?"

Y/N glanced past Jerome, scanning the edge of the clearing as though her boyfriend might appear at any moment. The minutes had ticked by too quickly. Her boyfriend wasn't the type to keep her waiting; he knew she hated being alone in the woods at night. But now, with Jerome here, she felt oddly more aware of her surroundings, her skin tingling as his eyes studied her with unnerving focus.

"He'll be here any minute," she said, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.

Jerome chuckled softly, his laugh low and almost musical in the darkness. "Will he, though? Are you sure he's the type to keep promises? I mean, what's a guy like that doing with a girl like you anyway?"

His words struck a nerve, making her cheeks flush. "What do you mean?"

Jerome stepped closer, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin. He didn't take his eyes off her, and in that moment, she realized just how close they truly were. "Oh, come on, Y/N. A guy like him doesn't deserve you. He's... plain. Ordinary. Boring. You, though..." His eyes roamed over her as if she were something precious, something he couldn't bear to let go of. "You deserve someone who sees you. Someone who really gets you."