Page 56 of Stalker's Toy

She leaves, all by herself.

I don’t even hesitate.

She won’t see me.

Not unless I want her to.

It’s like she’s begging me to follow.

Alone and exposed, like she knows I’m the one watching.

As the sun sets, I keep her in my sights.

That cherry red hair, that trailing shadow.

I stick close, like I’m part of the dark itself.

There’s no debate. No question.

I keep my eyes on her. I follow like I’m wired to, like it’s in my blood.

I’m determined. I know she’ll lead me whereI want to go.

I stay on her trail, slip through the stragglers walking down the street, close enough to hear her footsteps.

It fills me with the kind of energy only she can.

My heart races, matches her rhythm, the beat of her boots on wet pavement.

The excitement builds with every step, every second, every flash of her hair.

I watch, relentless, all-consuming.

I watch the way she doesn’t know, doesn’t even guess.

I need it.

Rain starts as we reach her neighborhood.

I pull up my hood, duck my head, stay just out of view.

The dark hides me, keeps me close, keeps me dangerous.

I pull on the bandana I brought with me.

I can’t risk her knowing it’s me.

Not until she’s mine.

Not until she craves me the way I crave her.

She’s at her flat now.

I can’t help myself.

I can’t.

She gets inside, but I’m not far behind.

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