“Excuse me?” He had to be kidding. I couldn’t deal with Andre for that long.
“This is non-negotiable,” he said. “I’m not going to argue with you.”
My eye began to twitch. I hated being bossed around, even if it was on behalf of my safety. “Well, sorry to burst your bubble,” I said casually, “but you won’t be able to watch me every evening.”
His expression was haughty. “And why is that?”
“I’m going to be out of the country in the next few days. I already booked the flight for next weekend.” It was a white lie, but only until I got the chance to jump on the Internet and book a flight.
“Where are you going?” He was suddenly much too close. “And why have you not cleared it with me? You must clear all travel arrangements with me first.”
“Puh-lease Andre,” I said, pushing him back to a more appropriate distance. “I don’t have to clear personal travel with you. Plus I’ll probably be safer out of the country.”
He came in close, once again invading my personal space. He was distracting at this distance, with his high cheekbones, strong jaw, and expressive eyes, and the electricity between us was almost overwhelming. “You’re not. You’re not safe away from me.”
I rolled my eyes. He was one wrong comment away from me losing it.
He continued. “No one will attack you so long as you’re with me. I’m coming with you.”
“Andre, no. This is about my father. It’s personal.”
“If I remember correctly, we were both mentioned in his letter. That means this includes me.”
I hesitated, thinking over his words and trying to find a good counter argument. Andre could see my momentary acquiescence, and he moved on it. “Great. Forget about your ticket. We’ll take my jet.”
My jaw slackened. “No—”
“There is one thing you have not mentioned,” Andre interrupted. He searched my face. “Who kidnapped you?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged, attempting nonchalance. How was I supposed to explain the man in a suit?
Andre studied me. “You’re lying.” He rubbed his chin and looked out the window. “But why?” he asked, more to himself than to me. He turned to me. “Are you protecting someone? Perhaps a lover?” I could tell it bugged him to say that.
“Ugh, no Andre. That’s sick.” I cringed. The thought of intimacy with the man in the suit was nauseating.
I sighed, taking a seat on my bed. “Last night I was taken by someone who I’ve known for my entire life.”
Andre sat down in my computer chair, dwarfing it. He looked as though he was prepared to listen.
“I really don’t know much about who he is—I don’t even know his name—but I don’t think he’s involved in any plot to kill me. He’s haunted me for as long as I can remember. And he followed me here, to the Isle of Man.”
I looked at Andre, wondering if he believed a word I’d said. I wouldn’t. But, judging by his expression, he seemed to.
“He’s followed you your entire life? Have you ever mentioned this to anyone?” The corners of his eyes were strained, worried.
I shook my head. “Who’d believe me?” Hesitantly I looked into his eyes, and I’m sure he saw the vulnerability laid bare in my own. “I’d always assumed he was a hallucination. Last night was the first time he actually made physical contact.”
Andre’s foot began jiggling, and he ran a hand through his hair. “I believe you,” he said quietly. “But I’m hoping he’s not who I think he is. How did he abduct you?”
I concentrated on my pile of textbooks sitting on the desk. “I woke up when I heard him calling my name. He was out on the balcony.” I sighed. “He appears and disappears at will. And he makes himself known only to me, even when others are present.”
I thought back to my twelfth birthday. He had stood outside on my front patio, next to my adoptive mom and a neighbor who she was chatting with, both oblivious to his presence. “I don’t know how he does it, or why he’s so powerful. Most of all, I don’t know why he has chosen to haunt me.”
Chapter 20
The next day as I sat waiting for history to begin, Caleb made a beeline for the seat next to me. I stifled a groan. Not another problem to deal with. I had enough on my plate already.
He dropped his bags, slid into his chair, and leaned towards me. “Hey,” he said hesitantly, “I heard about the attack. Are you okay?”
“Yeah I’m fine,” I said, twirling the pencil in my hand.
“I heard you were hurt pretty badly,” he said, eyeing my unblemished skin.
I shrugged. “I heal quickly. No big deal.” I was a big, fat liar. It was a big deal, and I was still shaken up by it. I really hoped he wouldn’t ask about the guy I killed. That was a subject I couldn’t pretend to be cavalier about.
He studied me, then sighed and rubbed his face with his hands.