Page 46 of Sinful Scars

“That’s literally the definition of stalking.”

“Is that what you’re doing? Stalking me?”

“I think you already know the answer to that.”

I swallow, waiting for the fear to finally hit me. But with each passing second, I only seem to grow more relaxed in his presence.

“What do you want to know about me?”

Despite him being willing to open up a little, I can tell from the slight edge in his voice that he feels uncomfortable, and I don’t want to risk pushing him away. Especially when it’s taken me this long to get another chance to speak to him.

“Whatever you’re willing to share.”

He’s quiet for a moment, but the silence doesn’t feel uncomfortable.

“The last time I felt truly happy was when my mother was alive.”

My chest tightens at his words, and I find my hand reaching for my necklace as I think of my own mother. I’m well aware of the kind of grief that haunts him.

“How did she die?”

“She was sick. But it was a quick illness.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“After she died, I was sent to live with my father.” He pauses, as if deciding on how much to tell me, and I can’t help but stifle a yawn as I’m hit with a wave of tiredness.

It seems the adrenaline of having a stranger sneak into my bedroom has worn off, and I’m back to fighting the urge to sleep.

“My being here is meant to be helping you sleep, not preventing it.”

“I’ll try and sleep.”

Though I highly doubt I’ll get even a wink of sleep with all the caffeine currently making its way around my bloodstream, I settle down against my pillows, soothed by the knowledge that he’s watching over me.

“Thank you for being honest with me,” I whisper into the darkness as I pull the covers up around my shoulders. “I hope that in time, you’ll want to share more.”

"Trust me," he murmurs as my eyelids grow heavy. "The less you know about me the better."

14

LEV

I should have knownthat Elle would be pretending to be asleep. I haven’t snuck into her apartment since the night I left her necklace on the counter for this very reason. There was no way she wouldn’t have worked out that it was me who put it there, and she’s not exactly been subtle about her desire to know my identity.

It was naive of me to think she wouldn't try to catch me in the act.

So, I’ve stayed away, for the most part.

I’ve still been watching her day and night but at a safer distance. I wish I could explain to Elle that I stay hidden not just to protect myself, but to protecther.

Ever since I brought Elle to my cabin, I’ve indulged too often in the fantasy of us. Being around Elle makes me feel almost normal, not that I really know what normal feels like. But for those brief moments where we’ve shared a few words, or when we kissed, everything went quiet, and I was overcome by a sense of peace that I’ve never felt before.

Which is exactly why I need to stay away.

The blackout today served as a wakeup call. The blankspot in my memory is a warning sign, reminding me of what I’m capable of.

But tonight, I had no choice but to sneak back into her apartment.

---