Chapter 1
Hael
My phone has remained oddly silent today. A sliver of unease slithers down my spine as I walk to the front of the classroom to hand in my history paper. Halloween is around the corner, and I’m glad to have one of the more difficult assignments behind me.
Exiting the class, I head to the dining hall to meet my best friend, Piper. We don’t see each other a lot outside of school because she’s got a man who’s so damn obsessed with her, she can hardly breathe without him.
I’m not jealous. Yes, I am. Mostly, I’m kind of lonely.
Ever since my dad lost that security contract and left the state, we’ve hardly spoken. When we do, he doesn’t listen to me, and the calls have become shorter and less frequent. The stranger’s messages have been the most contact I’ve had with anyone since they started several weeks ago.
From the things they’ve written, I can tell it’s a man, and I think he’s got a crush on me, but he refuses to reveal himself.
Sometimes he sends me pictures of things he believes I’ll like—a fancy coffee he’s drinking, bright, blooming flowers, a sunset.
Ordinary images that always manage to make me smile.
“Hey, Hael.” Jeremy Gates slings an arm across my shoulders, charming smile in place. He’s on the college basketball team, and we have a history class together.
“Hi, Jeremy.” Offering him a friendly smile as we enter the building, my eyes go on the hunt for Piper, but I don’t see her. Her last class ended before mine. Maybe Galen came to visit her.
I sigh while Jeremy chatters in my ear as we stand in line to grab food. Nothing appeals to me, so I go simple with a blueberry crumble muffin and an apple juice. Before paying for it, however, Jeremy is there with his card.
“Thanks.” I smile at him again and make my way towards a table. He follows and sits next to me. Our hips touch on the bench, and he hooks his foot around mine so we’re tangled up.
“Listen, Hael. I was really hoping you’d let me take you for dinner. I’ve been working hard to get your attention since the spring, and since you’re usually alone, I figure you could use the company.” His observation hurts because it's accurate.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, but I ignore it and ask instead, “Just dinner?”
Jeremy is cute in the boy-next-door kind of way, but he’s also a jock, and I’m a typical bookworm. I’m hesitant about our differences.
“Just dinner and dessert, because, why not, right?” His charming grin sways me.
“Okay, sure, dinner,” I respond.
His smile widens, and he leans forward. I anticipate a kiss on the lips; instead, he drops one on my throat and groans.
“You smell so good, Hael.” His voice is heated, and I pull back as he does. “I’ll pick you up tonight at seven.” He takes off to sit with his friends before I can ask how the hell he knows where I live.
It’s possible he noticed when he saw me walking home. I’m only a couple of blocks from here, but it’s creepy he didn’t ask.
My phone buzzes again as I’m about to unwrap my muffin, so I pull it out, hoping it’s Piper. It’s not. It’s him, and boy, has his attitude changed.
Stalker Dude: Stop flirting with assholes. I have enough bodies to bury.
Me: Who the hell is this? Why do you keep texting me? Are you watching me?
Stalker Dude: You’ll find out soon enough. In the dark of night, when your hands are between your legs, think of me. Think of the dirty things I’ll do. Then scream.
Me: You’re sick. Leave me alone!!
Stalker Dude: Never. You’re mine, Hael. My good girl looking for a bad man. Daddy won’t be able to save you this time.
Me: Leave. Me. Alone.
Blocking his number, I run my fingers through my hair and tug, wanting to scream.
What the hell happened? He’s been kind of sweet in his previous texting, telling me how pretty I look when I smile, complimenting an outfit I wore.
I realized he had to be watching me but hadn’t considered how thoroughly until now.
He knew Jeremy was flirting with me. I hadn’t really reciprocated it, but I was smiling with him. Some men deem that flirting.
Unknown: Don’t fucking ignore me, Hael.
Well. Hell.
Me: What do you want? Really want with me? What’s the purpose of this?
I’ve asked a million times before, and he’s always worked around an answer.
Unknown: Simple… You.
Growling because that’s not specific, I answer back.
Me: Maybe you shouldn’t be a creepy stalker dude then. Maybe you should have introduced yourself to me in the beginning. Maybe I would have liked you. Now you creep me out. Psycho.
Unknown: Good. Be scared of me. Of the things I plan to do to you. Be scared that you’ll become addicted and never want to leave. Be scared you’ll want more.
Me: You’re a monster. I’ll never want anything from you.
Unknown: That’s not what your body tells me in the middle of the night and you’re squirming for more of my cum in that virgin cunt.
Me: WTF! I’m calling the cops.
Unknown: I dare you.
I shut off my phone, wanting to whimper, cry, and curl up in a corner. This can’t be happening. Food forgotten, I grab my things and run home. Unlocking the door, I slam it shut before engaging the locks.
Leaning against the wooden panel, I struggle to contain my fear. To keep myself from completely breaking down because underneath the outrage and fright is something else…something new…something desirable.
I’m so screwed up.