Declan’s eyes narrow. “He looks at you like he wants to eat you. You replaced me fast.”
I laugh again. “You weren’t irreplaceable.”
His voice rises. “You don’t get to just move on like nothing happened.”
“I absolutely do,” I say. “That’s the whole point. New chapter, new me. You should try it.”
He takes a step toward me. I don’t retreat.
“I could ruin you,” he says. “I could send this letter to Netflix. TMZ. Every outlet that ever ran your story.”
“You already read it,” I say. “So what’s stopping you?”
He blinks.
“Let me guess,” I add, sweetly. “You thought I’d panic. Beg. Thank you.” I smile. “You really don’t know me at all.”
His jaw flexes. “You don’t scare me.”
“That’s a shame,” I say. “You should be afraid of women who don’t need you.”
He scoffs. “You think you’re untouchable now.”
“No,” I say. “I think you’re transparent.”
I step closer and lower my voice—soft enough to make him lean in without realizing.
“You pre-read my mail,” I say. “You showed up uninvited. You’re threatening me with tabloids.” I tilt my head. “That’s not heroic behavior, Declan.”
He opens his mouth. Closes it.
“And the anonymous troll online,” I continue. “The one leaving comments about karma and prison justice?” His eyes flicker, just once, and I laugh. “It’s you.”
“That’s not?—”
“You stalked me,” I say. “From behind a keyboard. Adorable.”
He snaps. “You don’t get to mock me!”
“I do,” I say. “Because you let me.”
Silence stretches—thick, humid.
Finally, he steps back. “This isn’t over.”
“I know,” I say. “You’re not subtle.”
His eyes harden. “Ya know, it’s ironic, you livin’ in a convent paradin’ around like a saint considering you’re practically the devil’s daughter.”
I laugh. “That has a nice ring to it, might copyright that line. Thanks again, Declan. As always, it’s been a pleasure.”
I shut the door in his face. He pauses a long moment on my porch as if he’s actively plotting my revenge before he turns and walks off, the threat lingering behind him like heat on asphalt.
I close the door. I lock it. I stand there for a long moment, the envelope still unopened in my hand.
Declan is a problem now.
Not a big one. Not yet.
