Dig my phone out with the other.
I open the group chat.
Me: Found another one. Watching him now. Need intel. Stand by.
A second later, a heart reacts to the message.
Noah. He always hearts the alerts.
Sweet boy.
I press the lock button.
Glance up.
Mall entrance. Empty.
He hasn’t come out yet.
But he will.
And when he does?
I’ll see what he drives.
Tag the plates.
Build the profile.
Track the patterns.
If he’s worthy?
He’s mine.
A few minutes later, he steps out.
Casual. Unhurried.
A small bag in his hand.
Too small for jeans.
Like the mall was just a detour, not a destination.
Still watching everything around him.
Like it might come alive and try to bite.
Or like he’s looking for someone.
He doesn’t glance toward me.
Doesn’t hesitate.
Just crosses the lot with that same controlled stride.
Stops at a black SUV.
