I don't flinch. "I'm choosing to live without you shadowing my every step."
She flinches.
Maybe I'm finally getting through to her?
I add, "You've crossed the line, Blue. You pop up in hallways and lurk near entrances. You follow me from a distance like I wouldn't notice, but I always do."
"No, you don't," she claims.
My pulse races faster.
Don't take her bait.
I declare, "It all ends tonight. Your parents didn't raise you to be a stalker, so go home, get a good night's rest, and wake up tomorrow being the normal woman they raised."
She lets out a humorless laugh. "Stalking you? Brax, you've lost your mind."
"Stop pretending this behavior is normal," I order.
"That woman you just kissed is the one who isn't normal!" she hurls.
"That's it. I'm done being the nice guy. I'm talking to your father."
She recoils like the name physically hit her. "You wouldn't."
I sarcastically chuckle. "I would. And I will. Adrian can help you get your shit together."
Her voice cracks behind the anger. "You're serious."
"Completely."
She shakes her head, eyes darting everywhere except my face. "I'm trying to protect you."
I scoff, "I don't need protection from you."
"Yes, you do! You've lost your standards! Hell, you've lost your damn head! The only place for Valentina is a coffin!" she threatens.
My entire body tightens in one swift surge. I step closer, put my hand under her chin, and push her head up. I lean over it and seethe, "Watch your mouth."
Blue laughs, sharp and furious.
"This isn't funny," I say through gritted teeth.
Her expression hardens. It reminds me of Adrian's when he's about to kill. She claims, "She's trash and there's only one thing to do with trash."
A chill digs into my bones. I have to stop myself from lowering my hand and squeezing her neck until her breath leaves her body. If she were a man, I wouldn't hesitate. But she's a young woman. A troubled, delusional one that needs help.
I release her and step backward, afraid that if I don't, I might hurt her. "Last warning, Blue. And I advise you to take it seriously. You stay away from Valentina. If you come near her..."
"If I come near her, what?" she pushes, the corner of her mouth curling.
Before I can think, I blurt out, "She's mine. If anything happens to her, you'll see what I'm capable of."
Her breath catches.
Then I take a step toward her, forcing her backward, and putting any sympathy I've had in the past for her aside. "You want the truth? I'd pick Valentina over you every time."
It breaks something in her expression. For a moment, I think she might cry. She whispers, "Why?"
