Page 194 of Trick or Stalk

Hades: Find my next book yet?

Guilt crashes through me. My pulse still hasn't slowed from what happened tonight.

I type.

Me: Actually, I was working on that when something interrupted me.

The typing bubbles appear.

Hades: Something?

I turn around, looking at the stairs.

My fingers hover over the screen.

Me: It's complicated.

His response comes almost immediately.

Hades: Should I be worried?

A bitter laugh escapes me.

If only he knew.

Me: Probably not.

Three dots bounce, then his message appears.

Hades: You know you can call me if you need me.

My smile fades.

I stare at the words. If you need me.

Less than five minutes ago, I stood upstairs with another man's hand on my breasts and between my legs.

Now Hades is checking on me.

Guilt settles heavily in my stomach. “This is so fucked up,” I whisper to myself.

I lower myself onto the stool behind the counter.

My phone vibrates again.

Hades: Presley?

I bite my lip, debating what I should say.

Finally, I type the only reassurance I can manage.

Me: I'm okay. Promise.

I hesitate and then type another message.

Me: And yes. I have another book for you.

His answer appears.