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“I don’t really know how to explain. I don’t know who he is, but…” Fuck, how do I even begin to explain the stranger? He’s this guy who is potentially a weird stalker, but also I feel like he might be the only person in all the realms who truly understands me. Fuck. “Sometimes he’s around, and he… understands me.”

Alice’s brows furrow, and she shakes her head. “Start from the beginning, Sum.”

I nod. “Okay. I noticed this person was watching all of my stories, and sometimes they would message me. Initially, I pushed back, but then we started talking, and he…” I hesitate again. “Occasionally materializes and we… talk.”

“Materializes?” Alice asks.

I nod. “But I don’t know who he is. It’s hard to explain.”

“But he’s not dangerous?”

I quickly shake my head, but her question sinks into me after my snap answer. Honestly, I have no idea who he is, but I know he is dangerous. He just isn’t dangerous to me. I’m being so incredibly stupid, but it’s so fucking nice to vocalize my darkness and know that he won’t judge me for it. A part of me craves to free that side of me, but no one else would understand.

“I know it sounds crazy, Al. But I… trust him,” I say, the words spilling easily from my lips. They must be the truth or a lie so convincing that even I am convinced.

“Will he protect you?” she asks. There is no judgment or cynicism in her voice, just genuine interest.

“I think so.”

Alice nods, thinking for another moment. “Okay. That’s all that matters. More people to protect my Summer.”

“Do I tell Con?”

“Do you think he’d have a problem with it?” Alice asks.

I shrug. “Probably not. Connor's not a jealous person.”

Alice lifts her chin a little. “Should he be jealous?”

I blink, looking at her. “I love Connor.”

“I know.” Alice’s lips twitch. “But I’m guessing there’s a little more to this than you’re telling me.”

“What?”

Alice laughs. “I’m guessing this… dude doesn’t want to be just friends.”

I shrug, looking away. “We’ve had words about boundaries.”

Alice snorts. “Yeah? You had a boundaries discussion with your stalker?”

I frown. “He’s not a stalker. He’s…” I pause, unsure what he is. Okay, maybe the way he watched me could make him seem… stalkerish, but I am not going to admit that to Alice.

“A what?” Alice asks, cocking one brow.

“A friend,” I finish.

“Right.”

I sit back on the couch, thinking. “I should talk to Connor, make sure he’s cool with it. Right?”

“I mean, yeah.”

I look up at the ceiling. “Also, I beat up Max.”

“On purpose?” Alice asks.

I nod and then notice the time. “Connor will be here soon.” I pick at a loose thread on the blanket. “Do you think he’ll break up with me?”