Page 21 of The Stalking King

A criminal’s desire, I try to remind myself. He admitted his business is blackmail, stealing information, and using it to his advantage. I’ve seen him assault a man like it was nothing.

Lia: Just because this situation is crazy doesn’t mean we have to be.

Maksim: Speak for yourself. I’m already crazy. I’ve had to be. Because of this life I chose. So, if I come off as unhinged, that’s why.

Lia: You’re very raw over text. I mean, you’re pretty raw in person too. But this is something else.

Maksim: I’m good at hiding how I feel. I’ve spent a long time honing that skill. In my world, it can be dangerous to show emotion, even a moment of it. But sitting in the dark, typing this, it’s like I can let myself go a little. I don’t have to be such a tough bastard.

A smile spreads across my lips, reckless and wild. I try to take my own advice. Take a beat. Slow this down. Keep my head on straight, so I’m not whisked away like some princess in a fairytale. Maybe I am like Cinderella though, just a bit, spending all these years grinding and toiling only to have my Prince Charming save me from it all…

Another laugh escapes me. This one is far darker. What am I even thinking? What deranged thoughts am I letting grow in my mind?

Lia: You don’t know me, Maksim.

Maksim: I know enough. I know you care more than most. That you work harder than most people can even imagine. I know you’ve been waiting for a chance to live.

I type quickly, anger bubbling up inside me.

Lia: And this is my chance?

He’s turning this situation into something it has no right to be. I’m a regular Joe swept up in the madness of his world. Not the object of some projected desire.

Lia: Is this about keeping me safe, or making me yours?

I stare at my message, not clicking the send button. Hesitation grips me. I know I’ve got every right to send this message. But the confusing truth is, I don’t want him to think I’m completely against the idea of something happening between us.

My thoughts go to the moment we almost kissed yesterday. He was standing so close, heat radiating from him, looking down at me with those gray eyes that make me melt. I remember the way he looked months ago, the respect each time he glanced at me, the shock that I was willing to speak to him like a regular guy.

I delete the message.

Lia: And the big, strong man is my chance to live?

Maksim: You called me big and strong. I’ll take that, my light.

I bite down as another jolt of desire goes through me. And something else, something softer.

Lia: Not many people know that my name means that.

Maksim: It’s a beautiful name. It fits you well. You ARE a light, Liora. Especially in this grim, dark world.

Lia: I don’t plan on being in this grim, dark world forever. I was just stupid and stood up to the wrong man.

Maksim: Never call yourself stupid.

I can feel his fierceness through the phone.

Maksim: Don’t do that. You’re brave and courageous. You’re the type of woman any man would be lucky to have.

Lia: Reminder, Maksim, you don’t know me.

Maksim: I know you twirl your hair when you’re anxious. I know you can’t stand creamer in your coffee. I know you have to take a moment before visiting a patient to smile. I know you put everyone else before yourself.

I let his words sweep me along for a few stunningly beautiful moments. How can he pick up on all of this just from minutes together? I’ve never felt so seen.

No. I need to take control. I can’t let this go too far, we only just met. If we were in person and he were saying this, I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself though. Ah, the magic of texting…

Lia: I need to get ready for work.