Page 244 of Trick or Stalk

When I pull back, something almost vulnerable flashes through his eyes.

Then it's gone.

“Come on,” I say. “I need another coffee.”

“You have a problem.”

“And yet you're still here.”

His hand settles at the back of my neck. “I told you.” His eyes hold mine. “I'm not going anywhere.”

My heart squeezes.

I believe him.

As we walk deeper into the house, I realize something far more dangerous than being chased through the woods.

I'm falling in love with him.

CHAPTER 34

Presley

I take Hades’s hand and step out of his truck, feeling like a dark Cinderella being escorted to the ball. Except this is the annual Hollow Creek Halloween costume party at Greycourt.

I stare at the imposing structure in front of me, my mouth dropping open slightly.

Greycourt looks like something straight out of a gothic novel. Which, considering I spend most of my days surrounded by books, is probably the highest compliment I can give a building.

The sprawling estate rises out of the darkness at the end of a long, winding drive, all weathered gray stone, black shutters, and tall windows glowing amber against the night.

Hundreds of carved pumpkins line the drive. Some have traditional jack-o'-lantern faces. Others are carved into elaborate witches, ravens, skulls, and haunted houses. Candles flicker inside them, casting dancing shadows across the lawn. Fog curls over the ground.

“Holy shit.”

Hades looks at me. “Impressed?”

“This is amazing.”

“I'll take that as a yes.”

“You've never been here?”

“No.”

“Me either.” He flashes me a smile that makes my knees weak. “I haven't exactly spent a lot of time attending Halloween masquerades.”

I turn toward him. Hades is an unfairly hot Gomez Addams. Just like he was last night. Only tonight, he looks even better. And this time, I let him wear the mustache.

I smile.

His eyes narrow. “What?”

“Even though we recycled our costumes from last night, Gomez never looked so good.”

He smiles, and I swear, my panties grow damp.

His gaze moves slowly over me.