Page 260 of Trick or Stalk

I turn my head slowly. “Why the fuck do you think I'm still standing here?”

Wilder studies me for a second. “Fuck.”

“What?”

“You really do love her.”

I don’t say anything.

Then, because he’s Wilder, he tries to make a joke. “You look like you’re about five seconds away from murdering everyone at a Halloween party.”

“Then stop talking.”

For once, he listens.

I look toward the empty driveway again, wishing I could change things.

I even debate going after her. Parking far enough away that she wouldn't know. Walking the trail. Staying beyond the trees. Making sure she's safe. She'd never have to see me.

My body is already turning toward the parking lot before I stop myself.

Her words echo inside my head again. Don't follow me.

I close my eyes. Fuck.

Then I open them.

She didn't say don't call or text me. Or never come near me again.

My mind immediately reaches for the loophole. Because that's what I do. Find the opening. Take the access. Convince myself it isn't really crossing the line if I only step over it a little.

No. Not this time.

Presley told me what she wanted.

For once, I'm going to fucking listen.

Even if it kills me.

I start toward the parking lot.

Wilder falls in step beside me. “What are you going to do?”

“I don't know.”

That stops him.

I make it several steps before realizing he's no longer beside me.

I turn around. He's staring at me.

“What?”

“You don't know?”

“No.”

“Hades, you've had a plan for everything since we were kids.”