Stalker

“Noah.” His voice is grim. “I have a favor to ask. It's Karen's daughter, Cynthia. She thinks someone broke into her place. Can I get you to run a security check and maybe act as her bodyguard for a few days until we figure out what's going on?”

My breath catches in my throat, my body humming at the thought of having an excuse to be in Cynthia’s presence. This is like a dream come true, only guilt gnaws at my stomach when I realize that this wouldn't even be necessary were it not for me being such a creep to begin with.

But there’s no way I can say no—nor do I want to. The thought of being Cynthia’s protector, of being the one she turns to to keep her safe, is too enticing.

“Have her meet me at your place in twenty minutes,” I tell him before I hang up.

I'll always be her protector—even though the only person she needs protecting from is me.

* * *

Cynthia:::

My heart is still pounding a mile a minute. I can't believe someone was in my apartment. I can't imagine who would do something