Page 257 of Trick or Stalk

Me.

It was always me.

I should have told her sooner. I know that.

But every day she gave me something else I wasn't willing to lose.

Her smile.

Her trust.

Her number.

Her laughter.

Her body.

And like the selfish bastard I am, I took every piece she offered while stealing the ones she didn't know she was giving me.

Because I wanted too much.

I wanted to be the man who frightened her. And the man she ran to when she was afraid.

I wanted her looking through the window for the mask. Then looking at her phone, hoping for a text from Hades.

I wanted all of it.

All of her.

And this morning, standing in the woods with Presley wearing my sweatshirt and looking at me like I was someone she trusted, I finally understood that having her wasn't enough.

I wanted her to know me.

Every version. Every fucked-up piece.

I just thought I had more time.

A black SUV pulls away from Greycourt. I catch sight of Presley in the passenger seat.

My entire body tightens.

Go.

My truck is less than fifty yards away.

I could catch them before they reach town.

I could be waiting when she gets home.

I know every turn between here and her house. I know the shortcuts. I know which roads are faster after dark.

I know exactly what she’ll do when she gets inside.

She'll lock the door. Check the windows. Find Penny. Probably make coffee she won't drink.

She'll—

Fuck. I know too much.