Stay Close to Me is a dark psychological romance told through dual perspectives—Melisa Hardvort, a broken young woman clinging to survival, and Sebastian Vale, a wealthy, violent, and deeply unhinged man whose love borders on obsession.
Melisa, 24, lives a life shaped by poverty, exhaustion, and quiet resilience. Juggling school and night work to care for her sick grandmother, she endures constant humiliation for her status—until one brutal night shatters what little safety she has left. Assaulted by a group of men at her workplace, Melisa returns home only to discover her grandmother murdered, leaving her completely alone in the world. Traumatized, grieving, and hollowed out by loss, she teeters on the edge of giving up.
Unbeknownst to her, she has never truly been alone.
Sebastian Vale—an escaped psychiatric patient diagnosed with antisocial and obsessive tendencies—has been watching Melisa for years. Adopted for money, abused, and shaped by violence, Sebastian believes love is something taken, not earned. When Melisa once showed him kindness on a rainy night, it became his reason for living. Since then, he has followed her silently, protecting her in his own twisted way.
When Melisa’s attackers are brutally murdered one by one, she begins receiving black roses and horrifying “gifts” that suggest someone has avenged her pain. The comfort is terrifying. As Melisa struggles between fear, relief, and confusion, Sebastian sinks deeper into delusion—convinced that every act of violence proves his devotion, that Melisa belongs to him, whether she understands it or not.
As their paths slowly converge, Stay Close to Me explores the blurred line between protection and possession, love and control, trauma and obsession. It is a haunting story about how monsters are made—and how love, when warped by pain, can become the most dangerous thing of all.

This book contains graphic depictions of violence, emotional turmoil, and intense psychological distress. It also explores themes of substance abuse, self-harm, and mental health struggles. Reader discretion is strongly advised. Some scenes may be triggering and please proceed with care and compassion for yourself.


Chapter 1 - Author’s Note Content Warning