Page 6 of They Break Beauty

We’d agreed we wouldn’t talk, that we’d needed to make a clean break. But maybe he’d had a moment of weakness.

That theory was shot to hell in the next moment when a response came right back.

Blocked ID: Guess again.

Brianna: No games. Who are you?

Instead of answering, whoever it was redirected.

Blocked ID: You look well. Happy. Is it real?

Brianna: Until I know who you are, no personal information.

Blocked ID: Smart woman. Enjoy your first class.

When I didn’t respond—because this was super weird and no small amount of creepy, honestly—he continued sending texts in spite of it, not the least bit put off.

Just adding to the creepiness.

Blocked ID: Loving the boots.

Shit. I shot my head up and rapidly scanned the immediate area, trying to locate anyone suspicious through the crowded hallway.

It was impossible. There were just too many people, too many possibilities.

Another text notification jolted my attention back to my phone.

Blocked ID: Don’t go to the homecoming party.

My eyes narrowed at the message.

Brianna: Excuse me?

Who the hell was this stranger to tell me what I should and shouldn’t do?

Blocked ID: Don’t go.

Brianna: I don’t take orders. Especially not from a creepy stranger texting me out of nowhere.

Blocked ID: Creepy? No. Concerned? Yes. Too many of the frat members aren’t safe. Especially at that party.

Brianna: I can take care of myself.

Blocked ID: Don’t put yourself in a position to test that.

Brianna: We’re done here. Don’t contact me again.

Blocked ID: I can’t agree to that.

Brianna: It wasn’t a request.

Blocked ID: I don’t take orders.

Brianna: Neither do I.

Blocked ID: Love the fire. You’ll see me soon, Wildflower. Until then, behave.

I stared at my phone for several moments in utter disbelief.

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