Page 56 of Ruin Me Gently

It clearly wasn’t control. It wasn’t some desperate power play or a pervy attempt at dominance.

This was something else. I just didn’t know what.

And I hated not knowing.

I grabbed my sandwich, ready to shove the thoughts aside when my phone buzzed again.

Mr Stalker

Are you eating it?

Lilith

Ok, no. We’re not glossing over this. How do you know our exact orders?

Mr Stalker

I just do.

Lilith

That's not a proper answer.

Mr Stalker

It’s the only one you’re getting

Lilith

Ok. So what’s your real job? Private investigator? Spy? Hacker? What exactly do you do to know that I like extra pickles?

Mr Stalker

I moonlight as all three. Private investigator by day, spy by night, cybercriminal on the weekends.

Lilith

Wow. A real Renaissance man.

Mr Stalker

Some would say.

Lilith

Oh yeah? Who would say? What are their names? Where do they live? Where can I find them?

Mr Stalker

Nice try.

Lilith

Alright, Mr. Stalker.

Mr Stalker

Oh? I have a nickname?