Page 38 of Pretend
He’s been watching me sleep, too?
What in the actual hell?
Is that my hair? Did he cut off my hair?!
I stop walking for a second, and I panic. Blood rushes to my ears, and I lose my balance when a rush of strong winds hits me.
My phone is about to die.
He’s stalking me.
I act quickly, typing in three numbers, and hold the phone to my ear.
“911, what’s your emergency?” a female operator asks me, but the voice sounds choppy with static.
“Ma’am, someone has been texting me weird things. I think I’m being sta-”
“Hello? Ma’am, I can’t hear you. The line is weak.”
“I said, someone is watchi-”
The line goes dead.
Shit!
Damn it. I should have called the police when I had the chance earlier.
I panic at the realization that every second is precious. I look around again, but all I see are trees swaying.
Think Alessia.
Think.
I call the first person that pops into my head. It’s the only one that makes me feel safe recently yet scared at the same time. I don’t know why I do. I should be dialing 911 again, but instead, it’s Daegan’s number that is reflected on the screen. It rings once before he answers, and I’m met with a deep, chiseled voice that’s been seared into my brain. His voice sends chills all over my body.
“Valentine.” He says my name like he’s surprised. I’m sure he is. I can only assume what he’s thinking.
The Admiral’s daughter is a mess.
Why is she calling me so late at night?
Doesn’t she have a boyfriend to bother?
I would be lying if I said I hate it when he calls me Valentine, but I don’t.
“Mr. Hannibal. My phone is about to die any second, so I’m going to make this short.” I rush out with a shaky tone. “I uh…I’m stranded. I’m on Lockdown Road, near the Fast and Speed gas station. I’m around five miles away from it. I need help. I know we don’t know each other well, and I’m sorry to bother you, I really am, but?—“
My phone dies.
“Shit,” I curse to myself. I stop shielding my dead phone and hold it tight in my hand. I look around to see if I can see anything out of the ordinary, but nothing.
What a hell of a start to my birthday.
13
DAEGAN
ONE MONTH EARLIER
