Page 131 of Trick or Stalk

I bend to pick them up, feeling foolish.

When I stand, Hades is watching me.

“You’re jumpy.”

I shrug, putting the books back. “Too many horror movies lately.”

He studies me. “Is that all it is?”

I hesitate, thinking about the movement outside the window.

The footsteps I heard against the wooden floor.

The feeling of being watched.

I swallow hard. “Yeah.”

His eyes remain on mine.

“Just the movies.”

I head toward the front door, refusing to think about it anymore.

He’s here.

I’m safe.

I pull the door open, the bell jingling above me. I feel Hades right behind me. He’s so close, my hands shake.

Not because I’m afraid.

Something deeper.

A desire I shouldn’t feel for a man I hardly know.

I lock the door, then turn to face him. “Thank you so much.”

He stares at me.

I clear my throat. “For saving me. And for... staying.”

A slow smile spreads across his lips.

There’s a wicked look in his eyes.

But then it’s gone. “Always.”

I study him, the word rolling through my head.

Headlights shine on us as they pull into the parking lot. I turn to see Gracie driving a truck. Walter and Penny are in a car seat beside her. Penny stands, tail wagging at me as she looks out the window.

“I think she’s happy to see me.” I turn to Hades.

But he’s gone.

I blink.

Weird.