Page 62 of Hurt Me Not
“You're funny, so I'm gonna give you one last warning. Leave Pearl’s side, or the only one dead will be you.”
This wasn't a standard prankster or even an entry-level stalker. This person was crazy. And he obviously knew Pearl.
“What do you want with her?”
“Whatdon'tI want with her?” There was a sound in the background I couldn't make out. “She's mine. Only mine. Last time, I was naïve and ill-prepared, but now I have more resources than I ever imagined. I’m coming for her, and there's nothing you can do to stop me.”
He hung up, and I was left there, frozen.
What the fuck just happened?
Then I started processing it.
Last time,he said.This wasn't the first time he’d come after Pearl.
Who would want to do anything like this to her? Pearl never engaged with anyone. I’d never gotten around to hiring that information broker, but maybe I really should have.
Wait. The school. The way she reacted to my questions…
How did something like this happen? Why didn’t she tell me?
Pearl stirred under me, and when my eyes glanced at her, I realized she was already looking at me wide-eyed. I had been caught, but more importantly, I needed her to tell me what was going on.
I waved her phone at her.
“I think it's time we talk.”
Pearl had the fluffiest blanket I could find wrapped around her and a drink in her hand. The fake fireplace roared behind her, and the light from the city leaked into the darkness of the apartment.
All the color had drained from her face after what she’d told me. All of it.
I couldn't even help pretend what she had just told me hadn’t rocked me. I felt like I was going crazy.
First, I didn’t know how she could have kept something so important from me. Second, I blamed myself for not doing my due diligence.
Over the last couple of years, I’d been too busy to keep detailed tabs on her. Plus, I had been stupid enough to try and give her space. In my mind, I’d felt like she needed privacy.
That only changed when I found out she had quit school.
Who gives a shit about space or privacy when it could've gotten her killed?
I had no idea there was a fucking stalker out for her. And not just any stalker. One who had no qualms about taking matters into his own hands when he didn't get what he wanted.
She could have died. I could have lost her.
“Why didn't you tell me?” I asked, leaning against the couch in front of her. The material squeaked as I shifted on it.
I need a fucking drink.
Pearl was the only thing keeping me from leaving this apartment immediately, hunting that man down, and killing him myself. I’d never stained my hands with blood before, but I had fantasized about it. Especially when it came to my father.
I wouldn't hesitate. For Pearl, I would do anything. If I needed a good-enough reason to do it, Pearl was the best reason there was.
I moved toward the bar cart and poured myself some vodka, taking a quick shot before filling up the glass again and pouring Pearl one. The heat burned my throat, but it was nothing compared to the anger that was boiling through my entire body. I was practically shaking with it.
“It isn't exactly dinner time conversation.”
I let out a bitter laugh.
