You had people watching me and didn’t think I deserved to know?
Do you have any idea what that does to someone like me?
She deleted the last one, retyped it with shaking hands.
If I feel like I’m being watched, and I am being watched because you decided to keep me in the dark, then it’s not paranoia.
I deserve to know the difference.
She watched the three dots appear on his side, then quickly sent another message.
You had me followed. And you didn’t think to TELL me?
I’m sorry. But after seeing you spooked, after your car got hit, I couldn’t just let it go. If anything happened to you…
She exhaled, heartbeat climbing. The alley came back to her in sharp flashes. The silence. The shadow. Then Gideon, breathing hard, arm sliding around her shoulders like armor.
So Christian’s people texted you? And you rushed over?
Exactly. They sent me a pin the second they spotted trouble.
A warmth spread through her chest, reluctantly.He’d dropped everything.He’d come like a storm.
You should have told me sooner. Damn it.
I know. I didn’t want you looking over your shoulder constantly. I wanted you safe. Not scared. That wasn’t my intention.
The knot in her chest loosened.
Controlling? Yes. But also... undeniably hers.
God, hemeantit.
She sank into the couch.
Says the guy who told me “Go inside like a good girl.”
His reply came fast.
So, you do listen sometimes.
She barked a laugh, scrubbing a hand over her face.
In your dreams, Blackwell.
This time the pause felt longer. When the message finally arrived, it was stripped down. Bare.
Arden, I am sorry I kept it from you. But I can’t handle letting you face this alone.
She sat with that one. Let it fill the quiet.
I get it. Doesn’t mean I like it. But yeah… you helped.
Thank you.
Another buzz.
If you need me. Anytime. Call or text. Especially if you feel followed again. No hesitation.
