I am, however, capable of handling myself, and I don’t need a fucking babysitter.
Taking a deep breath, I huff it out, keenly aware ofTobias behind me, even though I can’t see him. It’s like my body is ultra-sensitive to his presence; no matter how badly I try to tune him out, his aura reaches out to remind me that he’s still there.
My hands clench into fists, and I cross my arms over my chest.
I don’t care what kind of self-righteous mission he thinks he’s on, I hate Tobias. He claims he’s trying to protect me, to fulfill some promise to Sebastian, but all I feel is trapped. Beneath his thumb, under his watchful eye.
If I wanted a man to keep track of my every move, I’d have a boyfriend.
Tobias couldn’t be farther from that.
As the line moves and we drift closer to the entrance, Tobias shifts to stand beside me silently, his thumbs hooked into his pockets. He doesn’t even look out of place—there are several other people with masks around us.
Just a few more minutes, I tell myself over and over.
A few more minutes and I’ll be rid of him for the night. I can’t wait.
But what if he shows up after the concert to make sure I get back to my hotel? What if he shows up at my hotel to check on me?
Shit.
I’ve never been lightcore stalked before, and I’m not sure I like it very much. Maybe if it was someone who wasn’t a giant pain in my clit it would be more enjoyable.
I frown, mulling over ideas of how I could possiblyget him to leave me alone, but none of them are very convincing. I could call Niki and ask Sebastian to tell him to back off. I could call the cops. I could tell him to join me inside and embarrass him so badly that he gives up and leaves.
Hmm. That last one is promising.
I tap my foot, my mind churning with ideas as the line slowly moves forward.
Would it really be such a bad idea to have him join me? Especially if he watches from a dark corner and leaves me alone all night? I could still have a blast and, at worst, he could watch my drink when I go pee. I could even get sloppy drunk without worrying about my safety.
I purse my lips, debating. The idea has merit, even though I don’t want him anywhere near me. But, again, it could be worse.
“Are you going to wait around outside until I leave?” I ask without looking in his direction. I stare up the line toward the pair of burly bouncers guarding the door.
He doesn’t reply, so I cut my eyes in his direction.
“Gonna stalk me back to my hotel?”
Again, no reply.
I grit my teeth so hard they ache.
“You’re a fucking child,” I murmur under my breath, my irritation soaring to new heights. I’ve never met anyone who pushes my buttons so expertly, but Tobias does it like he’s getting fucking paid for it.
“Are all human women like this?” he asks, finally looking in my direction. “First, you want me to listen to you. Now, you don’t. Which is it?”
“I want you to go to Hell,” I grumble.
He laughs once. “Been there, sweetheart. Not a fan, if I’m honest.”
I huff a deep breath and look up at the sky. I’ve almost lost my desire to go to the club at all; I’d much rather head back to my hotel and crawl up in bed with a good movie, but I still don’t trust that he wouldn’t follow me there and camp outside my room.
“I guess if you stay you can keep handsy men away from my drinks,” I grumble, already regretting the words as they leave my mouth. “Make yourself useful or something.”
It’s not like he’ll be any fun, anyway. He’s a stick in the mud, the ultimate grump.
This man wouldn’t know fun if it bit him in the dick.
