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“Yeah, it’s just one of your never ending bad qualities. Not only did you break into my home, but you’re also invading my privacy? What the fuck?”
“Enough with the dramatics, Cherry. How long have you had a stalker?”
“It’s none of your business.”
“I’m making it my business. Now answer my question before I lose the last bit of patience I have with you.”
“With me?” she exclaimed. “You think this is my fault? I didn’t ask for a stalker, Adrian.”
“Up until three months ago you didn’t do a damn thing about it, so I’ll ask you again, when did it begin?”
“I thought it would go away.”
Although I didn’t show it, I was blown away by her response. “You think a stalker is just going to disappear? You’re smarter than that. Why didn’t you report this to the authorities sooner?”
“I already told you. I thought it would go away.”
“How long, Paige?”
“I’ll only tell you if you stop using that tone with me.”
“Paige…”
“Yes! That one!”
Taking a deep breath to compose myself, I questioned again more calmly. “How long, Cherry?”
“Give or take a year.”
I glared at her and she simply shrugged.
Trying to remain in control of my emotions, I followed up with, “Do you have any idea who could be stalking you?”
She shook her head.
“And Belle? Your mom? Do they know about this?”
“No.”
“Paige—”
“I didn’t want them to worry about me, okay?”
“And Cade?”
“What about him? I haven’t spoken to him for as long as I haven’t talked to you. Why would I—”
“Because no matter what, you’ll always be fucking family!”
She grimaced, bowing her head.
“Why didn’t you come to me?”
“Come to you?” Her brows pinched together, raising her eyes to me. “Why would I ask you for help? I haven’t seen or spoken to you in ten years.”
“It doesn’t matter if you hadn’t in fifty fucking years. When it comes to your safety, you know I’d do anything to protect you.”
She opened her mouth, but the intense expression on my face was enough to render her speechless.
“Your safety is the only that matters now.”
“They don’t have enough evidence to find the person who’s stalking you. Whoever it is isn’t going to stop until they get what they want.”
“I don’t even know what that is.”
“It’s you.”
She considered it for a moment. “If that were true. Why haven’t they done—”
“You call the letters, the photos of you sleeping, the pictures of you at work, at the grocery store, at the fucking park, nothing!? They know where you live, what kind of car you drive, where you work out, they know your every step. The gifts and the phone calls. The list goes on and on about how much they know you to hurt you or get to you.”
I could see it in her eyes, I was getting through to her. Slamming the nail in the coffin, I warned, “You want to know what happens next? I’ll be the first to tell you. You’re either going to get kidnapped or you’re going to end up in a body bag! Do you understand me?”
“You’re scaring me!”
“It’s about fucking time someone does! I’m not leaving here without you. We can do this the hard way, which involves me dragging you out of here kicking and screaming if I have to. Or we can do this the easy way where you go and pack your bags like my good girl.”
“I’m not your anything. I never was. All you’re doing is reminding me of how much I hate when you boss me around.”
“But look what it’s done for your perspective, at least you’re recognizing I’m always in control.”
“What are you going to do, huh? The cops don’t even know who’s doing this to me. Why would you?”
“Because I have all the money and resources to find this motherfucker and put them behind bars where they belong.”
She deeply sighed.
“I know this is a lot to take in.”
“You’re a lot to take in!” She abruptly stood. “Up until a week ago, I hadn’t seen or spoken to you in ten years and now you’re swooping in here like you’re suddenly Prince Charming and I’m expected to swoon. Well newsflash, asshole. I still hate you.”
“Are you willing to bet your life on it?”
“I can protect myself.”
“Is that right?” Stating yet another fact, I added, “You’re afraid of the dark, Cherry.”
“I’m not anymore.”
“Bullshit.” I gestured to the room. “There’re night lights all over your apartment.”
“Oh my God! Can you not be perceptive for once in your life?”
“Let’s face it, Paige. You need me as much as I need you.”
“Is this what this is about? You’re just playing hero because you want me to be your EA?”
“Don’t insult me, Paige. You know me better than that.”
“I don’t know you at all.”
“Well then, you’re going to get to know me really fucking quickly. Since you won’t be leaving my side.”
“Great. I get stalked and now I’m getting punished for it.”
