Page 301 of Trick or Stalk

“I regret taking the choice away from you.”

Something in my chest shifts.

He continues before I can respond. “I don't regret wanting to scare you.”

Of course he doesn't.

“I don't regret the mask. I don't regret wanting you to look into those woods and wonder if I was there.” His eyes darken. “I don't regret chasing you.”

A shiver moves down my spine. Goddammit. Wrong reaction. Completely inappropriate reaction.

My body has apparently missed the memo that we're having a serious conversation.

Something flashes in his eyes. He doesn't act on it.

That might be the most impressive thing he's done all evening.

“What I regret,” he says, “is deciding you didn't need to know enough to choose whether you wanted any of it.”

I look down at my hands. “The mask wasn't the worst part.”

“I know.”

My gaze snaps back to his. “You do?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“Because you wanted him.”

Heat crawls into my cheeks. “Hades.”

“You did.”

“I know that.”

“You missed him.”

“Please stop sounding pleased with yourself.”

The corner of his mouth twitches. “Sorry.”

“No, you're not.”

“No. I’m not.”

Despite myself, I laugh. It breaks something open inside me. Not forgiveness. But something.

I shake my head. “You are so fucked up.”

“I know.”

“And irritating.”

“I know.”

“And apparently a murderer.”