Page 48 of Stalker

“Who said I’m frightened?” My defiance wasn’t like it normally was.

“You’re running away.”

I laughed, the sound bitter in my ears. “I’m leaving because this is ridiculous. Childish. Who plays these types of games? Who longs to be hunted like some wild animal? More important, why? Is getting ahead in society so important people are truly willing to degrade themselves this way?”

There was nothing but the light rustling of wind against the leaves.

“Evidently you were the type to play this game, but for many the game is not about humiliation, but a need to find one’s inner self, to let go of restraints.”

I stopped and issued a strange-sounding snarl. Why was I angry with this unknown man standing in the shadows? He was just doing his job, and I was certain that’s all this was. Maybe the brothers wanted the notoriety. Then why not come out in the open about the mysterious society? What if they were hurting, even killing people? I had to stop my mind from churning with possibilities or I’d never have a decent night of sleep again.

“Bullshit. Not like this,” I stated, my tone now laced with defiance.

“Why hide from who you are and what you want?”

Now the unknown player was pissing me off.

“I’m not running, but I am making a choice.”

My protective armor had taken over. I was shivering from the chill in the air as well as coming down from the first wave of adrenaline.

I waited for another full minute before continuing to walk. Without knowing where I’d been taken, escape would be difficult, but at least I wasn’t being chained like some beast and forced into the game.

No, you agreed to the terms.

The inner attorney in me was always quick to remind me of my principles. As well as my foibles.

“Tell me this,” the voice whispered again, only this time the person was closer, standing so near I could almost feel his hot breath.

“What?” I stopped again, uncertain why I was bothering.

“Did it excite you, the thought of being chased, of being hunted by a wild creature?”

“Hell, no.”

“You’re not a very good liar.”

“I’m not lying.”

“Is that what you really need to tell yourself?” he asked. “What about taking risks? What about indulging in your greatest passions? What about all the fantasies you have at night, the longing to dip into the very darkness that’s intrigued you for years?”

A moment of raw heat pressed against my heart. It was as if the man could read my mind. Or as if he knew about my extracurricular activities. No, that was impossible.

I reminded myself the only knowledge he should have about me was based on the answers to the questions. Except… I’d been forced to use my real name on the nondisclosure for legal purposes. Shit. Shit. Shit.

They’d been smart to do so in case I was a reporter or some FBI agent, but I’d obviously fallen prey to my own desires as well as Mr. Wells’ wishes.

My mind was racing with possibilities. This wasn’t a good situation at all.

“I tell myself I’m a human being. Yes, I enjoy taking risks. As long as they are guarded. I’m no fool. Anything could happen here. You and your band of merry men could be killers.”

“Then why be up front with who we are?”

I laughed. “I learned a long time ago the best way to mask crimes is by pretending to be out in the open.”

“Very true, but in this case, very wrong. However, you are the master of your own destiny.”

Was he even closer? I turned in a full circle, expecting to see him standing right there only inches away. I could still feel him, including a whiff of his aftershave. The lingering scent was full of musk.

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