he time Kevin got home, I'd practically stressed myself to exhaustion. For the past several hours, I had tried to figure out what I should do and came up with next to nothing. I struggled to think of anything I should be doing. Going to the police? Already done that. Had it helped? Absolutely not. Telling anyone about my situation? Yeah, no can do, unless I wanted to test the fucked-up person who had suddenly barged into my life. The only thing I'd decided on was moving back to my apartment. I didn't feel comfortable staying at Kevin's when I had some creep following me. I didn't want to get my best friend involved in this. What if I stayed here and that person thought I'd told Kevin? What if I got Kevin hurt because of it?106I didn't know if I was taking this too seriously, but then again, I'd never been in this situation before. Getting messages and threats from a creep was scary, especially when I didn't know what that person was capable of. I tried to reassure myself with the fact that I hadn't received any threats directed at me, so maybe as long as I told no one and stayed away from the guys, I and everyone else would be safe...right?24But for how long? How long did I have to stay away from them? Weeks? Months? A year? Two years?53Just this morning, before all this, I'd made up my mind about the guys. As soon as I threw away the 'what if' questions that plagued me and actually listened to what I wanted, I'd known that I wanted to try making us work again. My talk with them cleared up my doubts and insecurities. At first, I'd been afraid that what we had hadn't been real, that I'd been a game to them; I'd been scared that if they could lie to me, then they never cared about me like I cared about them. I'd let my overactive brain run wild. But, after speaking with them, I could see how wrong I'd been in my assumptions. Their eyes held the same pain as mine did. Their mouth bled truth through their words. They'd made a mistake—a mistake that hurt and broke our trust, yes, but it was still a mistake. Deep down, I knew that they never meant to hurt me.17So yeah, this morning, I'd decided to forgive them. I'd realized that what Callan, Mateo, and Gideon had given me these past weeks made up for their one mistake. They'd given me my dreams; to experience pain, pleasure, submission, and domination. They gave me the courage to go after what I wanted, to accept that what I wanted wasn't wrong, weird, or disgusting. They built me up, made me comfortable in my own body, and made me see myself in a different light—a better light.11Most importantly, with them, I'd been alive; I'd been happier than ever and found thrill and excitement in days that used to be dull and uneventful. And so, thinking of that instead of the 'what ifs' made it an easy decision.3As cliché as it sounded, they brought colors into my life, and I hadn't realized I'd seen everything in shades of grey until they came along. I wasn't ready to let go of the colors, the thrill, and the happiness—I wasn't prepared to let go of my guys.72So, for how long did I have to stay away from them? Because if there was one thing that would kill me, it would be watching them move on with someone else while I kept my distance to keep them safe. Of course, I would do it if it meant them not getting hurt, even if it would end up hurting me.35It seemed I was just as self-sacrificing as the heroines I'd read in books, only...I was about a hundred percent more afraid than they ever were. But hey, I never said anything about being a badass like them. I was only a girl who didn't know any better.3"We're home!" Kevin's cheery tone filled the living room, making my heart ache for the same cheery feeling I'd felt only a few hours ago.3Kevin gave me a quick hello before bustling into the kitchen with a grocery bag, followed by Thomas, his unofficial boyfriend. I'd already known he was coming to eat dinner with us from Kevin's text, but I'd totally forgotten about it.

Kevin had already gone to work by the time my alarm rang. I didn't have any classes until later today, and for once, I would show up, even if one of those classes I had was Mateo's.4My thoughts went back to the guys like it always did. In the weeks that I had known them, they'd taken over my entire mind, and if I could admit it to myself, they'd taken over my whole heart as well. That was why what they'd done cut me so deep because I hadn't just trusted them; I'd fallen for them too.7What if...Kevin was right. If I searched hard enough, I would always find something to worry about next. What if they hurt me again? What if I would never be able to trust them like I'd once done? What if I decided to let them go and then regret it for the rest of my life? There were so many things I could second-guess about, and I would never get an answer to them until I made up my mind.3So, instead of what ifs, I focused on what I truly wanted. Did I want them gone, or did I want to give them a second chance and work through this? I deep dived into my feelings and analyzed each one of them, trying to find out which one of those options appealed the most to me. A smile tugged on my lips as I realized my answer. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders when I knew what I was going to choose. Decision making always did that to me, it weighted me down, even the smallest thing, but when I finally made up my mind, I was a hundred percent sure and felt a hundred times lighter.1The intercom buzzed to life, bringing me out of my overactive brain. Walking to the door, I pressed down on the intercom that would allow me to speak."Who is it?" I asked.1"I have a delivery for one Emma Fields?" A woman asked through the speaker.109Puzzled, I told her I'd be down to collect it. What was this about a delivery? I couldn't stop wondering about it as I went down the two flights of stairs and opened the door. I didn't even notice the woman as my eyes zeroed in on the massive bouquet she was holding. It was a beautiful mixture of white, blue, red, but mainly lavender-colored flowers.10My breath caught as she handed it to me. "Can you sign on this tablet?" the woman asked, offering a pen. I did as she asked, and then she was on her way.Breathing in the scent of the bouquet, a small smile rested on my lips. I had an idea, or three, on who sent this to me, and my heart was going crazy thinking about either of them sending me flowers.26I spied a note in the bouquet, and I hurried upstairs so I could read it. Kevin being the lover of flowers and plants, already had many vases to choose from, even for one as big as this.Putting them in the water, I snatched the card, eager to see what it said.My favorite color is blue. Callan's color is red. Gideon's is white. If you mix every one of them together, you'll get lavender.104You once told me that was your favorite color.9No one could suit us more perfectly than you.1You match us, Gorgeous.2Yours truly, Mateo

Good, because I want to be here whenever you're going through something." With a last squeeze, he let go of me. He took with him all the warmth as he did, leaving me alone in a guilt wrapped in coldness.Walking over to the bed, I took a seat. "So, what are your boyfriend up to?" I asked, bringing his attention away from my lies and secrets.His grin lit up the place at the mention of his now official boyfriend. Kevin had never been the relationship kind of guy, but I suspected it had been more because he just hadn't found the right one and not because he didn't want to be in a relationship. It made me happy seeing him this in love, even if it brought a small pang in my chest. I mentally shoved away the bitter jealousy, it had no place here when it came to the happiness of my best friend.4Kevin joined me on the bed. "He's out job hunting, but he'll be free this afternoon if you'd want to hang out?" His eyes widened in excitement, "I know! We could go bowling. It's been ages. Or we could go to the arcade."5Kevin's last suggestion took me a little by surprise, but it shouldn't have. The arcade was his place; the place where he found peace and relaxation when he needed it. I'd been there with him a few times, but he didn't share his place with just about anyone. It was further proof that they were a great match.4"That sounds fun," I said regretfully, hating to disappoint him when he was this excited."But?" he asked, hearing the word 'but' hanging in the air. "Let me guess, you can't?" There was a note of...not anger, but frustration in his tone."I have work today, so no, I can't." It wasn't the only reason I couldn't, but I wasn't exactly going to tell him that."Oh," he sounded surprised, like my excuse was actually valid for once. "You're really going after what happened yesterday?"I shrugged. "I need the money. Besides, nothing really happened. The guys were there to stop it."Kevin's lowered his brows. "Still, it must've been traumatic. Are you sure you're ready to get back there this soon after?""Why wouldn't I be? Like I said, the guys didn't let it go that far." Maybe it was the shock, or the thought of staying home alone that made me want to do anything but. It wasn't like I was safe at home either. I gave the untrusty door a side-eye, because I'd now seen that it wasn't unbreakable, and Kevin hadn't even put much effort into making it vibrate like it did.3"Girly, you're taking this way too easily.""Or you're taking it way too seriously," I volleyed, shifting my gaze back to a frustrating looking Kevin.3"Em, someone put their hands on you and wanted to do much more. How are you so calm about this?" he asked."Seriously though, nothing happened. Sure, it was scary when he grabbed me, but it only lasted a second before Gideon and Callan showed up. Gideon will be there tonight too; he'll make sure I'm safe."2He shook his head in confusion. "For someone who broke up with them because they broke your trust, you sure trust them a lot."

As I walking home from the stadium. I texted Kevin and told him that I had finish my part of the dare, I recalled all the thing I did in the stadium, doing cartwheels and marching with the band. I told Kevin it was his turn to do the dare but he was a scaredy cat and did not show up. He stop replying my texts and I realise there was something wrong with him. I went over to house

Everything about this was crazy. I mean, who the hell showed up out of the blue to follow me, take pictures, and write me creepy notes?8Most importantly, who sent threatening texts if this was just a prank?52My mind couldn't handle this. So, it shut itself off.2Shock.2I knew it was shock I was experiencing.This couldn't be real. I didn't want this to be real. I wanted this to be a nightmare, that I would wake up in Kevin's bed and this would all be gone.4Going into panic mode helps no one, least of all myself, I reminded myself. I couldn't allow myself to overanalyze and speculate because then...then I'd get sick with worry. The thing about the brain was that it could lead you down rabbit holes—holes that you would struggle to get out of.5I felt stupid, so fucking stupid for letting myself play into the unknown's game, but what could I do? I didn't know what this person was capable of. Obviously, he or she was insane, and insane people were the scariest because you never knew what to expect from them.62Whenever I read books where the heroine had a stalker—was that was this person was? —I was always irritated at how dumb the heroines were for not seeking help. They'd been either overconfident thinking they could fix it on their own or sacrificed themselves to keep those they cared about safe. I always cursed those women out because clearly this wasn't something they could manage alone—it was too big for them to battle by themselves.66Now...Now I thought I understood. While I had known it was a book, the heroines hadn't. And while I knew the book guaranteed a happy ending, they hadn't. They couldn't risk anything because, to them, it was real life, and real life wasn't straightforward—there was no arrow pointing them in the right direction and no knowing how it would've turned out if they got help. They couldn't take the chance of doing something that might hurt someone else. And I...I couldn't either.61YOU'LL ALSO LIKETHE CONTRACT (The Chosen Series #2)273K13.5K{MATURE +18} I am strong, I am resilient, I am fire... ******************************************************************************************* Grabbing hold of my...Not So Delicate ||18+64.1K1.5K"Bastard." She whispered. "Your bastard." He whispered back. ~~~~~~~~★~~~~~~~~ A shy at first girl but wild once you get to know her. Her innocence i...Aching For His Discretion - DISCRETION SERI...757K30.9KDISCRETION SERIES - Stand Alone - BOOK #5 ♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎ " I only trust you, Tesoro.. " He muttered once again, not budging when I tried to pull my arm, a...His Slave152K2.4K"Remember what I said at the coffee shop?" He asks, and I cringe. "I can report you, slave. And trust me, I will. And you know full well what that entails...My Master, My Husband (BOOK 1)803K14.4KTHIS BOOK IS 18+/ NOW ON KINDLE VELLA WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS! "Alright, I'll tell you the rules twice, and I'll need you to memorize them, write them down and give t...Dominant & Submissive | 18+51.9K1.6K"Good girl, now, call me Daddy!" He whispers, his voice sexy as fuck. "Daddy!" I voiced out, but it came out as a whispering threat. "Louder!&q...DOMINANT✔ (DSD SERIES, BOOK ONE)1.3M31.4K⚠️⚠️Rated Mature ⚠️⚠️ 🌟🌟I do not own rights to images on the cover or the song lyrics in the book. All rights go to the photographers and writers. 🌟🌟 CHRISTINA HASE ...I might be dumb—Hell, I was probably making a big mistake—but until I knew how serious this was, I didn't want to involve anyone, especially if it meant keeping those I cared about safe.

there, pretty lady." Thomas grinned at me from the kitchen, helping Kevin with the groceries and putting them away in the fridge.330"Hi, Thomas. How's your day been?" I asked, doing my best to keep my voice steady and normal. It would be hard keeping shit from my best friend, especially since he knew me so well, but I had hoped he'd shrug it off as me still being emotional, which I guess he would expect me to be.5"Better now. I've missed my man like crazy," he said, nodding at Kevin. I smiled, but it felt strained, knowing I was the reason he hadn't seen him. Thomas noticed and grimaced. "I really didn't mean it like that. It's like they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder," he said. "I'm also glad that you had him. I know the need for a friend to lean on."47"Yeah, he's been great to me."Thomas didn't know all the details of what had gone down, but I was pretty sure he'd pieced together some of it, like the fact that I'd been dating three men, though he hadn't judged me. Not once.9I turned towards Kevin, who was leaning against the counter with a small smile on his gorgeous face, but he looked haggard. "How was work?"He sighed dramatically. "If I have to work one more shift with Oliver, I will end it all."159Oliver worked at the café with us. He was entitled and lazy because his aunt owned the café and felt he could get away with anything––which was correct; he did get away with not doing shit. I rarely had to work with him, but Kevin wasn't as lucky. The last time I'd worked with him...God, it had been hell. Oliver had busted into the lunchroom while he knew I was changing, which was uncomfortable in itself. Still, worse was the look he'd given me when Mateo picked me up after my shift. Long story short, Oliver had asked me out on several occasions, and I'd given the excuse that I didn't date, which he now knew wasn't true—even though it hadn't been a lie when I'd said it. He hadn't looked too happy about that.212I shuddered just thinking about that guy.2"Eh...Emma?"Shaking off the mental image of Oliver's angry eyes, I looked at Kevin, who was now staring at the bouquet of flowers and forgotten desserts—chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate cake.1"What's all this?" he asked, but he already knew the answer to that, seeing as he'd taken the liberty of reading one of the notes which were currently in his hand. I didn't mind, something I figured he already knew. We didn't keep secrets from each other. I frown. We didn't use to keep secrets. Now, though...it was inevitable."The guys sent me apology gifts." I shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal, but my heart still bounced around just thinking about them. That was...until I remembered the other gift I'd gotten. I had to steel myself from the fright that wanted to take over my body again. I couldn't let Kevin know something was wrong.2He whistled as he read one of the cards. "This makes even me fall a little bit in love with them," he muttered, making Thomas laugh. Thomas didn't know much about...the guys, but at the same time, I didn't care if he found out. It wasn't like I was ashamed, though my mind still cringed a bit out of old habits. "Do you want to talk about it?" Kevin asked louder.4"Not really," I said. If I did, I was afraid I would break down, and I couldn't afford that right now. My mental state was fragile enough already.4"Fair enough, but you know I'm here if you ever do want to talk."1"Yeah, I know. You're a good friend, Kevin."14"You're just as good, girly." He joined me in the living room with a smile, but it dipped as soon as he saw the bag next to the sofa."What's going on?" His eyes went from the bag to me, his gaze filled with confusion and surprise. I could see Thomas quietly walking to Kevin's bathroom to give us some privacy."I think it's time I got back to my own place. I'm sure you're missing some alone time with your man." My smile felt stiff and unnatural, but if he noticed, I hoped he thought it was more so because of what had happened in the past few days instead of what might have happened while he was at work.18"That's bullshit, and you know it. You can stay for as long as you want," he stated, looking about ready to throw my bag back into his room. I knew he wouldn't be a fan of me leaving, especially after seeing how much of a wreck I'd been in. To be honest, I was sure he'd preferred it if I stayed longer.