Page 164 of Trick or Stalk

He chose stupidity.

He didn’t listen.

And when Presley started running and ducked into the alley, that’s when I stopped finding him irritating.

That's when I wanted to hurt him.

I don't want Presley to be afraid because some asshole refuses to listen when she tells him no. Afraid to walk alone and hear footsteps gaining on her. Afraid someone will hurt her.

That fear isn't his.

It's mine.

The thought should probably concern me.

It doesn't.

I want Presley safe from everyone else.

And just a little afraid of me.

Well, maybe more than a little.

But tonight, something changed. She collided with me and nearly screamed.

Then she realized who I was.

She tried to pull away... and I let her.

Something shifted in her eyes. I saw it happen.

When Caleb appeared in that alley, I stood in front of her, protecting her from him.

But more importantly, she stayed at my back.

Mine.

I fucking liked that, too.

When he ran off like a little bitch, I barely noticed.

I was too focused on her.

But nothing compares to what happened afterward.

She asked, “Are you coming with me?”

I exhale slowly.

Jesus Christ.

She asked her stalker to walk her to safety.

There's something deeply wrong with both of us.

I think I like that most of all.

Wilder looks up from the couch. “Why do you look happy?”