And now…
Now he stood straight, and there was something almost catlike in his posture as he moved. He’d stayed back before—he’d kept himself at a distance, like his goal was to frighten me as much as it was to watch me.
It wasdifferentthis time.
He wasn’t staying away.
He walked across the parking lot at Til’s with purpose…
And he was staring at me.
Instinct overtook me—a terror so deep-seated I couldn’t explain it. I’d known all along he was dangerous, but now that he was approaching me, my body knew if I didn’t move…
If I didn’t get out.
If I didn’trun…I’d never get the chance to run again.
I darted for my car and started the ignition, peeling out of the parking lot without paying attention, recklessly enough that I had to swerve to miss oncoming traffic.
It didn’t matter, though—I saw the man turn his head as I went.
He watched me flee with a smile.
I didn’t want to go home right away. He’d been at my apartment before, so there was every chance he’d go there next. Some part of me thought it would be a good idea to call the police, but another part of me knew they wouldn’t care.
It was a small town.
I was astripper.
The assholes liked to come into the club at night sometimes for a private dance, but when it came down to it, they wouldn’t really care about some stalker I may or may not have.
I’d seen it happen before.
I pulled over and grabbed a coffee, hoping the familiar taste of sugar and chocolate would at least help me calm down. My hands were shaking so violently I was surprised I didn’t spill it.
Why was it sodifferenttoday? Was it because he’d been gone for a while?
Was it because I’d convinced myself that maybe Hudson was right and it had all been in my head?
Or was it because when I saw him this time, it really felt like he sawmetoo?
I didn’t know.
I just knew the coffee in my hand was making my stomach hurt, and I didn’t have anywhere to go but home. At least Hudson wasn’t working today. I didn’t have to tell him what was happening, but there was something comforting about knowing I wasn’t going home to an empty apartment.
It was better than nothing, and the drive wasn’t that far from work. The sun was just setting when I pulled into the parkinglot. When I glanced around, relief swept through my chest, even though I was wary of letting myself sink into it.
I didn’tseethe man. And more, I didn’tfeelhis eyes on me.
I just wanted to get home, maybe take a shower and lock myself in the bedroom.
I wanted to sleep for a week.
I wanted—
I’d barely gotten my keys into the door when the knob twisted and it was thrown open.
Hudson was there, and I could smell the beer on his breath before I saw the glazed, stormy expression on his face.
