Page 19 of Pretty Prey

“Why didn't you tell me sooner?”

“Tell us. Why didn't you tell us?” Dove asks, with an unnecessary amount of attitude.

“It's not that big of a deal, don't make a fuss.”

I huff and shoot to my feet, stripping off my jean shorts, tank top, and flip flops. This line of questioning is wearing down my already frayed nerves.

“Why does it even matter? You all will be going your separate ways in a month or so, and we all know what that means.”

I spin on my heels, stomping away to the pool's edge. Maybe I'm being dramatic or bitter, but it's true. Soon enough, they will all be off to college, and I'll be left alone. Even if I do go to college, I won't be going with any of them, and I'll be left alone to fend for myself.

The water is cool, but I love it. My skin becomes peppered with goosebumps the instant my toes hit the surface, but I plunge my body under anyway. The sound of the lifeguard's whistle causes me to flip around to see what's going on, but when I turn, my eyes land on a familiar figure leaning against a tree. His hat is on, and the same red bandana is covering his face.

I guess my shadow really can't stay away from me for too long. That turns me on, thrilling me to my core, even though I know it's fucked up and makes me clinically insane. But all I can think about is how he knew personal information about me, not things discussed here. This tells me he's from home, someone from Maple Brook Falls, meaning it might just be who I think it is, and who I desperately want it to be.

Will he show me who he is if I get down on my knees and beg?

Her Shadow

CHAPTER 24

I've been giving my little firework some space for the past couple of days, trying to respect her need for space and to come to terms with her new reality. One where she has no set plan and no bullet point list of things she has to do. I want her to relax, to enjoy this time with her friends, because this is the last time they'll be camping together for God knows how long.

This morning, when I found her at the lake for her morning swim, I could see in her eyes that she was sad and searching the shadows for me, for any movement or sound that came from the tree line. I thought maybe I was the reason she was upset. My heart hurts as I watch her climb up onto the dock and sob into her palms. I wanted to go comfort her, but I didn't have my disguise, and I wasn't ready to show her who I am yet.

I need her to see me watching her, to know I'm there keeping an eye on her. That's why now I'm leaning against a tree with my arms folded across my chest, watching, waiting for her to spot me. A little boy runs on the pool's edge, causing the lifeguard to blow his whistle, drawing her attention. Perfect.

Before she can fully rotate to find the cause of the whistle blow, she's locked her gaze onto mine. I simply nod at her. She smiles, frozen in place, refusing to even blink, probably out of fear that if she does, I'll be gone the instant her eyes open back up.

Annie comes over the edge of the pool, putting herself between my prey and I. What the fuck.

I returnfrom going grocery shopping for some of the supplies I need for tonight. Then I slip into her tent, leaving a note for my little prey, telling her to meet me here at midnight, if she wants to find out who I really am.

I have spent two days thinking about telling her and what her reaction might be. She might freak out because I'm twenty years older than her, and old enough to be her dad. Maybe she will panic over the fact that I've known her for months and never once made a pass at her, or tried to show her any sign of interest.

About two hours later, I'm lighting a candle when there is a faint knock on my camper door. She is early by ten minutes, such an eager little beaver. I pull my bandana into place and put my baseball cap on, dimming the lights.

“Hi.”

She stands on my steps wearing just a mesh top, a pair of short black shorts, no bra, and I'd bet no panties.

“Come in.”

I step aside, letting her pass by before closing and locking the door behind her. She brings in the scent of campfire andchlorine as she waltzes by. I swear my cock instantly throbs as she sits down on the couch, folding her legs under herself.

“Why are you still covering your face? You said I'd get to see you.”

I go to the fridge and grab her a bottle of water. She's going to need it for what I have planned.

“Not yet, little prey, but you will by the end of the night. First, drink your water like a good girl.”

She obeys, taking a long sip of the water I opened for her.

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes,” she says without hesitation.

“Good, because you need to trust me for what comes next, to know I won't hurt you and will respect your limits. Do you have a safe word?”