Page 49 of Forget Me Not

“That’s not very nice, Rhea. After everything I’ve done for you, you should show a little more gratitude.”

“What the hell have you possibly done for me?”

“Easy. I’ve saved you, and I continue to save you each day.” He stops, folding his hands behind his back.

“You really are delusional, aren’t you?” I walk around him, thankful that he isn’t grabbing me or trying to cage me in again.

“I see quite clearly, actually. And when I’m with you, I like what I see.”

Gagging, I keep walking, putting as much space as I can between us. Except Alaric doesn’t know the concept of personal space and he seems to insist on following me—down the hall, out the door, and right into Taryn’s.

“I have to work, Alaric. Will you please just go?”

“How can I keep you safe if I’m not around?” The surety in his voice is unnerving. For some reason, I think this guy really thinks he is helping me.

I clock in and go about my day, pretending he’s not there while he just stares. Waiting, watching, observing my every move.

Taryn forces me to wait on his table, and I’m shocked when he leaves me a one-hundred-dollar bill for a tip. However, the note he left I could go without…

You will never want for anything else in this life as long as we’re together.

I crumple up the paper and make sure he’s watching as I throw it in the trash. Then, I flip him my middle finger.

With a book open in his palm, he shakes his head, grinning as he crosses his legs and sinks into the chair. I have to force myself not to stare at him.

It’s just my luck that the psychopath harassing me looks like a fucking Adonis. Why couldn't he be repulsive? Instead, he’s probably the most attractive man I’ve ever crossed paths with. One I would one hundred percent give the time of day—if he wasn’t such a whacko.

In fact, I did give him the time of day. I did everything in my power without throwing myself into his lap the other night. But look where it got me. I gained myself a stalker, who just so happens to be a gorgeous sociopath who loves to read.

Customers come and go, making the day go by quickly. I move from one table to the next, and I couldn’t be happier that we’re actually busy this morning. Not only am I making a good amount of tips, it’s also a distraction from Alaric, who’s still here—four hours into my shift.

When he closes his book and sets it on the table, my heart jumps into my throat. Maybe he’sfinallyleaving. I stop punching an order into the computer at the waitress station and watch him over the top of the screen. His chair slides back, his eyes gander around the room, and he stands.

Yes. Go. Leave me alone!

With his book down and his iced tea still half full, he walks around the table and my pulse pounds with anticipation. Hopefully he’s realizing I’m not as exciting as he wants me to be and he’s giving up.

Not even giving me a slow sweep, he walks past all the tables to the back of the room.

I step out from the waitress station, not taking my eyes off him. But when he pushes open the door to the men’s bathroom, my shoulders slump in defeat.

He just had to take a piss. Guess four glasses of iced tea will do that to ya.

A minute later, I’m carrying a tray of hot food from the kitchen and I see him emerge from the bathroom.

With my palm in the air and the tray resting on top, I head for the table. But Alaric wants to be a smart-ass and he stops right in my path.

“Excuse you.” I go to walk around him, but he sidesteps, blocking my way. “Would you move?”

“Have dinner with me tonight.” The casualty in his tone makes me laugh internally. It’s as if he really thinks I’m going to say yes.

My lip curls in disgust as I steady the tray on my hand. “Fuck off.” I walk around him again, and once again, he steps in my way. “Move, Alaric!”

“Not until you agree.”

“Move now or I’ll shove this entire tray of food in your face.”

He snickers. “You wouldn’t dare.”

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