Page 56 of Forget Me Not

RHEA

I never went backto work. After I got back to my room, the panic flared again, and with it came a whole new set of emotions I wasn’t prepared for. I called and told Taryn I still wasn’t feeling well, so I’m currently sitting in a hot bath while Alaric waits outside the bathroom door because, apparently, that’s what sociopaths do. He hasn’t said anything, but much like last night when I slept, I know he’s out there.

Taryn was super understanding about the situation and said I could make up the hours Saturday night. I was pretty ecstatic because weekend nights are where the money’s at. Before we hung up the phone, she asked me about Alaric and I was honest in telling her that I don’t know anything about him and he’s just some guy staying here at Gladys’s.

She also mentioned that if he pulls a stunt like he did earlier, he’s not welcome at the tavern anymore. I had no idea what he did until she told me about it and I have even more conflicting feelings where he’s involved. On one hand, he’s insane. But on the other hand, he swore he would protect me, and he kept that promise. Even if it was just from getting my feelings hurt. Which is more than I can say for any guy I’ve ever known.

I sigh heavily, sinking deeper into the water. I’m almost hoping he does something like that again so I can work without constantly being watched. Except, he’s Alaric, I’m sure he’d find a way to keep his eyes on me. And for some insane reason, I think I like knowing I have a bodyguard out there.

Ever since he alluded to being the guy in the black car who was following me, I can’t help but feel this strange connection to him. It’s crazy. I know. He’s obsessed with me. Not to mention he’s got some serious sociopathic tendencies. But he’s been on this ride with me for a while now and he’s still here.

Over the months, before coming to Lockhaven, there were times when I would feel lost or alone and I’d look out a window and see that car. In some strange way, it made me feel less forsaken. Like I was actually in someone’s thoughts, or maybe even worthy of being cared about. I can’t begin to understand my thought process because I’m not normal either. I guess Alaric and I do have that in common.

My eyes catch his white shirt lying on the floor and I stretch my arm out of the bathtub to grab it. Maybe I’m insane too, because I haven’t left his shirt out of my sight since yesterday. Having it makes me feel the same comfort I felt when I would see that black car.

Balling it up in my hand, I take care not to let it dip in the water. Slowly, I bring it to my nose and inhale deeply. Of course he’d smell like a fucking dream.

Gorgeous. Rich. Built like a god. Smells good. Have I mentioned his body?

He’s got all the qualities I would quite literally kill for in a man. But he’s also got all the ones I don’t want.

He’s depraved. Then again, so am I.

He’s violent when he doesn’t get his way. Kinda like me, although I’d say I’m more manipulative.

He’s overprotective. Which is actually sort of flattering.

No! What the hell am I doing?

Am I actually making excuses for this man? He drugged me. He’s been stalking me. Not only that, he’s threatened me.

You scream, I’ll tell everyone in this house who you really are—a lying thief. You try to run, I’ll follow you. If you so much as open that pretty mouth and mention a single word of this, I will take you somewhere no one will ever find you.

Those were his words right before he pulled out a knife and threatened to kill Tyler. He’s unhinged. I’ve crossed paths with many different personalities, but Alaric’s is by far the most unsound.

My phone beeps from on top of the toilet lid, and I jump so hard, Alaric’s shirt tumbles out of my hands and into the bathtub.

“Goddammit!” I curse, quickly fishing it out and wringing out as much water as I can before flopping it onto the bathroom rug.

Sitting up, I stretch my neck to try and look at my phone to see what the notification was. God, I hope it’s Dex. I’m really starting to worry about him. I hope he didn’t go and do something stupid that got him locked up, or killed even. Dex does dealings with some shady-ass people, so there’s no telling why he’s ghosting me.

Not wanting my phone to have the same fate as Alaric's shirt, I lean out of the tub and swipe the screen to find that it wasn't a call or text from Dex, it’s a text from Tyler.

Tyler: Just checking in to see how you’re feeling. Taryn said you left work early because you still weren’t feeling well.

If only that were true. I wish I came home because of some virus that I could actually get over. Instead, I’m here because of sheer humiliation.

I still can’t believe that fuckwad jock at Taryn’s. I sincerely feel bad for the woman he marries one day. Instead of being a man and pulling me aside, he made a mockery of me just to get a few laughs from his friend. I say friend because the other one wasn’t laughing at all.

Still leaning over the edge of the tub, I type out a quick response to Tyler.

Me: I’m feeling a lot better. Thank you for asking.

Tyler: Glad to hear that. Let me know when you’d like to reschedule our dinner plans. Was looking forward to hanging out.

My fingers tremble as I type out a lie. I don’t want to lead him on, but I don’t want to hurt him either. The truth is, I’m not sure I will reschedule my date with Tyler. Alaric's threat rings in my ears and fear of what he'd do to Tyler clenches at my gut.

But that’s not the only reason—I’m also hopeful Dex will respond soon and I can leave this town. Not because I want to, but because I have to get away from Alaric. And Tyler. He’s too good for me and the drama that comes with my life.

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