Page 126 of Knight

R0GUE_N3XUS:I’ll be waiting.

The screen goes dark. The computer resumes its shutdown like nothing significant just happened. Like my heart isn’t trying to break free of my ribs.

One hour to decide if I’m really going to do this.

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE

Knight

After four weeksof watching through cameras, stalking her movements like some kind of digital voyeur, she’s here. I stay in the shadows while she enters. The way I stalked her through my apartment that first night—though this time, I’m not armed, and prepared to kill. I’m just ... waiting for the right moment.

She hesitates, like she’s testing the air for danger, before stepping inside.

“I don’t know why I’m here.” Her voice carries that mix of quiet and steel I’ve missed more than I care to admit. “Your message said no games, but this feels like one.”

Guilt crawls up my spine, and I move stealthily across the room. Her head tilts slightly, a subtle acknowledgment of my presence, but she doesn’t turn and face me.

“You know, normal people just call.” She drops her bag beside the door. “They don’t hack library computers to get someone’s attention.”

“When have I ever been normal?” The words come out rough. “Besides, phones are overrated. Anyone can make a call.”

“Oh, I forgot. You prefer stalking through cameras and sending large, unwanted, bank deposits.” Her voice is ice. “How’s that working out for you?”

“Stalking is such an ugly word. I prefer creative reconnaissance.” It’s a weak deflection, and I know it.

“Really?That’s the defense you’re going with?” She turns, and the anger in her eyes is impossible to ignore. “The cameras mysteriously reposition every time I work late, obscene amounts of money appear in my account every couple of days, andyou’restanding here making jokes?”

“It’s what I do best ... Well, that and surveillance. I’ve really perfected my camera angles.” The joke falls flat. She doesn’t smile.

“Stop it!” She steps toward me, her fury crackling in the air like a live wire. “You don’t get to stand there making jokes after four weeks of silence. You pushed me away, then watched me through cameras like some kind ofcreep. And when you decided watching wasn’t enough anymore, you sent money. Now what? You think you can hack my computer and summon me here, and everything will be fine?”

“Would it help if I said I was wrong?”

“About which part? Pushing me away? The surveillance? The money? There are so many fuck-ups to choose from, Knight.”

I’m close enough to her now to feel the heat radiating from her body. “All of it. Though I maintain the camera work was artistic.”

“This isn’t funny.” Her fingers curl into fists. “You don’t get to joke your way out of this one.”

“Humor’s my best defensive mechanism. I’m also good at brooding silently in dark rooms.”

“Trust me, I noticed.” Her voice could freeze hell. “I especially enjoyed the part where you went from making love to me to pretending I didn’t exist. Really showed off your range.”

Her words are a blade I can’t dodge.

“Eva—”

“No.” She throws one hand up, palm facing me. “You don’t get to use my name like that. Like you haven't done anything wrong.”

“Would you have talked to me if I tried?”

“We’ll never know, will we? Because instead of acting like an actual adult human being, you decided hiding behind cameras and throwing money at the problem was easier than having an actual conversation.”

“When you put it that way, it does sound somewhat disturbed.”

“Somewhat?” Anger drives her forward until she's in my space now. “Try completely and utterlyinsane. What did you think was going to happen? That I’d just accept the money? Pretend not to notice the cameras? Wait patiently while you worked through your issues from a safe distance?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of coffee. Maybe dinner.” I try to smile, but it’s weak, faltering.

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