Page 75 of Fakers with Benefits

“It’s not the first time this has happened, and it won’t be the last. The letters have followed a pattern—when they’re delivered, how, even the language in them.”

“And you got one tonight?” he asked, sounding uncharacteristically cautious and quiet.

“Yes. It broke their usual patterns, which is what makes tonight’s letter extra concerning. It’s not the right day, place, or the usual delivery method. They also changed the language within the letter.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means they’re not just threatening me anymore.”

His lips parted in a little O. He blinked slowly. “They threatened me?”

“Yes.” I laid my hand over his, where it rested on his knee. “I’m so sorry, Nicky. I never would have started this arrangement if I thought you’d get brought into this. To be honest, until tonight, I wasn’t taking them seriously. I should have, but I was reckless.”

“What did they say they’d do to me?”

“They threatened to use you as a way to get to me.”

“How afraid should I be?” He threaded his fingers with mine and gripped my hand tight. “You said you weren’t taking them seriously until now. What changed?”

“They threatenedyou.”

He nodded slowly, his face drawn up in a look of thoughtful concentration. “Would you be this worried if they hadn’t threatened me and broken their patten?”

“No.”

“Do you think I’m in danger?”

“I don’t know,” I said honestly. “But we’re doing everything possible to find whoever is sending them and end this.”

“Am I safe here?” he whispered.

“Yes.” I shifted closer and took his free hand in my other one. “I’ve dealt with this kind of thing before. I have security measures in place, and my team is the best of the best. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re safe.”

“Okay.” He smiled, but it wasn’t his usual cheerful grin. This smile was shy and sweet and filled with trust. “I believe you.”

“Are you okay? I didn’t want to scare you, but you have a right to know what’s happening.”

“I’m fine.” He tilted his head to the side and studied me. “Vlado made you tell me, didn’t he?”

“No.”

“Really?”

“He might have suggested it,” I conceded.

“Can I ask one question?”

“Sure.”

“Has anyone ever tried to hurt you before? Like how the letters are saying?”

“Yes.”

“Can I ask a follow-up question?”

“You can ask whatever you want.”

“Has anyone ever gotten close enough to hurt you?”

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