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“I have no interest in being analyzed by two men I don’t know,” I said, pulling my eyes from the street lights.

“Oh, come on.” Amelia sat up and clasped her hands. “We’ll have a few more drinks with them and dance a little.”

I forced a laugh, shaking my head when my phone buzzed. My heart raced as unknown popped up on the screen, and I shot my gaze to Amelia who didn’t seem to notice. I glanced down, a surge of fear pebbling my skin. I probably shouldn’t reply, and yet the alcohol in my bloodstream had me speed-typing a response.

Unknown: Going to a club like you don’t belong to someone already? I’m disappointed. Should I remind you what happened to the others?

Me: They’re only friends. And I don’t belong to you.

The confirmation of him ruining my dates had my heart violently thudding. What exactly happened to all the men I’d tried seeing?

Three dots popped up before they went away, repeating once more. My forehead creased, and I wondered if he was having a hard time replying. Did I render my admirer speechless, or did I piss him off?

Amelia smiled at her phone, and I assumed she was trying to get the guys’ location. A few more streets raced past when my phone lit up again, my skin pricking.

Unknown: They aren’t worth your time.

Me: You don’t even know them.

Unknown: Doesn’t matter. None of them are good enough for you.

My face flamed as I numbly stared at my phone, frustration quick to follow. With a clench to my jaw, I sent my reply as soon as our car stopped outside of the club.

Me: And you would be?

Unknown: Especially not me. Tell your driver to turn around and take you home, or you’ll discover what happens if you let one of them put their hands on you.

Me: You don’t get a say in who I hang out with, and I’m not going home. Stop texting me.

And stop ruining my dates.

Great. So if he couldn’t have me, no one could?

I shook my head even though a headache beat behind my eyelids—one of uncertainty and fear. The man might be following my every move, but he didn’t own me. He didn’t get to choose who I dated or saw in my free time.

Would he really do something to them? A part of me believed they were wasted words, but the other part? Doubt crept in. My admirer didn’t seem like the type to make idle threats.

I didn’t wait for his response and shoved my phone away to exit the car, Amelia behind me. It was the first time I had told my admirer to not contact me, and yet guilt rushed in.

I would have loved to pass my feelings off as simple infatuation—curiosity, even. Truthfully, I liked his steady presence, even if he was ruining my dates. After everything that had happened these last few months, he’d been the only one to quell the loneliness that always seemed to creep in. So I’d let his persistence go. I’d pushed it aside for over a year, but maybe that needed to stop. I needed boundaries.

Amelia smoothed her dress and grinned, unaware of my souring mood. Music blared from the club’s entrance as we walked toward the back of the line and past the bouncers.

Then someone called her name.

Two men stood in line, both with brown hair and eager smiles. They waved before moving over to allow us in—Amelia’s friends. Neither were my type, but they were both attractive and tall. If I drank enough, I bet I’d even go home with one.

“Oh good, you’re here!” Amelia said.

She introduced me, and I gave them a friendly smile as we planted ourselves in line, earning impatient groans from the people behind us for cutting. The crowd inched forward, and we exchanged college stories when one of the bouncers walked the length of the sidewalk to check ID’s. The gruff man stopped and glanced at the tablet in his hands, brows rising, before pointing to Amelia and me.

“You two can come in,” the bouncer grumbled, giving us a quick once-over. “You’re on the VIP list.”

“What?” Amelia blurted. “That’s not possible.”

My brows pinched.

“Possible.” The bouncer glanced at our ID’s again. “Sutton Hale and Amelia Belmonte. The boss said you’re on the list for the VIP section of the club and to remain there all night.”