Page 2 of Chase

The problem with becoming obsessed with a woman who has no interest in you is that it feeds the need for the chase. At first, I was unsure if she was comfortable with my presence, but recently, I’ve learned she is. A few days ago she slowed down when distance opened up between us, almost allowing me to catch up. Then she looked me square in the eye as we boarded the train and smiled broadly. Since that day, I haven’t tried to hide. She’s enjoying being pursued as much as I’m enjoying the hunt.

The sound of quick, light footsteps disturbs my troubled musings. When I look up, I see her familiar platinum blonde hair and trim, toned body scaling the rickety staircase at the back of the club. Samantha glances over her shoulder before pushing open the door. Our gazes meet and her mouth quirks into a small smile, then she disappears from view behind the fire door.

Her appearance is my cue to go and take my seat, the one I’ve been occupying for weeks. At the front and center of the stage, I can get the best view of the woman I want to touch but, morally, must try to resist.

Chapter two

Guilty Pleasures Gentlemen’s Club, London

Samantha

“The suit is here again,” Mia announces. I shrug, trying to act relaxed about the fact that the guy I’m dating’s brother appears to be obsessed with me. My roommate pulls her abundance of red waves into a knot and secures it on top of her head with a pin. “That’s what, five nights in a row? He’s sitting at the front again, with a perfect view of the pole.”

“I’m sure he is,” I mutter, keeping my attention fixed on myself in the mirror as I apply another coat of bright red lipstick.

“Does he know you know that he’s following you?”

“I would assume so, considering he’s shit at it.”

“Does his brother know?”

I turn to face my friend, and she smirks.

“No,” I answer bluntly.

“Why would you not tell your boyfriend that his brother is following you?” she says, her lips widening into a grin.

“Connor is not my boyfriend. We’re fucking. I don’t do relationships, you know that. Who else I’m involved with is none of his business—he agreed to my terms when I accepted his invitation to dinner.”

“You’re involved with your stalker?” she teases, picking at the open wound. The bizarre enjoyment I am getting out of being followed increases with each day.

“Stalker is a bit far-fetched, don’t you think? Stalkers are meant to be dangerous.”

“As far as I know, the definition of a stalker is someone who follows you.” She lifts her phone from the table beside her and starts tapping at the digits. “Yes, according to the Cambridge English Dictionary, a stalker is someone who illegally follows and watches someone over a period of time.” She grins, then adds, “Especially a woman.”

“He’s not doing anything illegal,” I mutter. “He’s just…there. Watching.” Still sitting at the dressing table, I look into the mirror and my friend's eyes stare straight back at me.

“And that doesn’t freak you out? Especially after…”

“No, I mean it did at first. But he’s not like him. It actually makes me feel…” I pause, finding it difficult to explain how having a dangerous man following me around the dark streets doesn’t bother me like it should. “I feel safe. I just know he won’t hurt me.”

She pushes her lips together, trying to hide her laughter. Her face is lit up with amusement at my pathetic response.

“And you’re enjoying it,” she says, teasing. “Two brothers, and both of them want in your panties. And from the color of your cheeks, you wouldn’t be against the idea. Dirty bitch.”

“I do not—” I begin to protest, and she waves my argument away with a red fingernail.

“Yes you fucking do. Anyway, back to my question. Do you not think the brother you’re officially seeing should know about the other one’s obsession?”

“No. My situation with Russell is not any of Connor’s concern.”

“I have a feeling your fuck buddy may have a different opinion than you on that.”

“That’s his problem, not mine. He knows the situation. Open relationship or none.”

“Relationship,” she says with a chuckle. “Fuck’s sake, Sam. One minute it’s fuck buddies and stalkers, and the next you’re creating relationships with multiple men.”

“Stop twisting my words,” I snap.

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