I turned down the corners of my lips reflexively. “I wouldn’t call him a ‘psychopath.’ He’s just… very committed.”
She scoffed. “If you’re friends withhim, there’s no way in hell I’m going with you. I don’t believe half the crap he’s been saying, and the other half is nonsense. I’m going home.”
“Someone just tried tokidnapyou, Flora. With aknife.” I kept my voice steady, eyeing her hard. “You have two options. Come with me, or go back to your apartment, where your stalker will probably try again. And I won’t be able to scare him away.”
“I installed a deadbolt and reinforced my locks. I’ll be fine.”
“And I am very proud of you for that, but it won’t be enough,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m not going to be gentle about this. Either you come with me, or I’m sleeping on your apartment floor tonight.”
Her mouth opened and closed before she countered, “Why the hell would you do that?”
“I think you know,” I muttered.
“No, I don’t,” she said quietly, glancing back at her apartment. “And, frankly, I deserve to hear the truth, since apparently you and Spencer are both up in my business.”
There was no denying the terror in her face—or the sharp, burnt sugar scent clinging to her. Fear. I fucking hated it. Flora should never smell like fear. She should only ever smell like herself—pure, sweet honey and rose, happiness.
If I had anything to say about it, she’d never be scared again. But first, she was going to have to be pissed at me or start believing me.
“Do you trust Percy Garnett?” I asked.
“I don’t know him, not really. We just share a class together,” she said softly, tilting her head.
“Then let me make a call.”
I pulled out my phone, found Percy’s name, and tapped FaceTime.
“What are you doing?” Flora asked.
“You’ll see.”
When Percy answered, his face filled the screen. He looked relaxed—clearly at home—stepping into the kitchen to take the call.
“Hey, Bear. This is a random call. Everything okay?”
“Not really. Can you tell Flora how you know me? You’re a public person, not a stranger like me.”
He blinked. “I’m sorry. What?”
“Someone just tried to kidnap Flora, and I’m trying to prove I’m safe. Can youpleasetell her how you know me?”
Percy’s eyes widened, the gravity of the situation settling over him. “Oh shit. Is she okay?” He craned his head, trying to see past the phone, as if that were possible.
“I’m fine—” Flora said, crossing her arms as her eyes rolled.
“I’m not letting her go home tonight,” I cut in. “I want her to come with me, but she thinks I’m a stalker or something.”
Percy burst out laughing. “Oh God, I wish I could’ve seen that. Hey, Flora—Bear, pass her the phone.”
Reluctantly, I did.
“Hi,” Flora said awkwardly.
“Sounds like you’re having a rough night,” Percy replied, his tone so much gentler than I could ever pull off. I almostenvied that about him, but there wasn’t time for jealousy. We needed to get this little collaboration moving.
“That’s one way to put it,” she admitted. “You know this guy, then?Bear?”
Oh fuck. She said my name… Focus.
