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“Yeah?”

“Am I reallyyourstalker?”

She nods, and seconds later, my lips are on hers again.

Our kisses are slow and languid, an unhurried exploration, and the water has gone cold, but I barely notice it, lost in her.

She breaks away with a shiver, and I reluctantly turn off the faucet. “I guess we used up the warm water. We should get you warm.”

I pull out slowly from her quivering body, watching as she leans against the cool tiles. My hand moves up to cup her face gently, tracing the long curve of her jaw.

This isn’t a dream.

I get out first and grab one of the oversized hotel towels to wrap her in. She follows me out, and I rub her skin to chase away the goosebumps.

“Thank you.” The next words from her lips are almost too quiet for me to hear. “For protecting me and… I’m glad it was you that night and not him.”

“I—”

“Please, not now. We said one night, right?” She gets out of my hold and walks away, pausing in the doorway. Her back is turned to me. “Are you coming to bed when you’re done?”

“Yes.”

And just like she is leaving the bathroom, she is too far away for me to grasp. Again.

Back in the room, I grab my phone and head outside to the balcony after taking a look at Mary’s sleeping form in the bed.

I call the number I first called when I had to take care of Chris.

It doesn’t even ring once before he picks up. “Took you long enough.”

“Do it when I’m flying back.”

“Greet Elijah from me.” He hangs up without saying goodbye. At least some things stay the same.

I glance back through the glass door at the beautiful woman lying in bed.

My phone buzzes again.

Richard?

Chapter 46

Mary

Connor’s been outside for some time now. I can only hear muffled words through the balcony door.

I’m so confused about everything. One moment, I want nothing but him, and the next, I’m scared. Scared he’ll leave the next morning. It’s better not to hope, right?

Why am I even thinking like this? He won’t leave. He’s my stalker. He never left me since then. He never really—

“Blue?”

I startle and sit up in the bed, the sheets rustling.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” His eyes are soft. Smiling?

“It’s fine.”

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