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His audacity astounds me.

Unknown— "Angel, we both know who this is. I'm the one you can't resist—Rhyland."

Fury coils within me at his arrogance. Angel?! I don't belong to anyone, especially not this shadowy stranger. The memory of his velvet voice makes me shiver, infuriating me further.

Me—"Angel? Give me a damn break. Do you think a lame pet name makes this better?"

I roll my eyes, seething as I hit send. The nerve of this guy! His immediate reply pops up.

Unknown— "I'll call you whatever I want, Angel. You're mine."

His audacity fuels my anger. How dare he act so possessive over me! I'm nobody's property.

Me— "Listen up, asshole. I don't belong to anyone, got it? Now tell me how the hell you got my number before I call the cops."

The bubbles taunt me as I await his response. He's hesitating, considering his options. My threat of police action must have given him pause.

Finally, his message appears.

Unknown—"I have my ways, Angel. But we both know you won't turn me in. We both have an interest in one another."

Damn him and his cocky assumptions! I should report his stalking ass immediately. But something holds me back...a dangerous curiosity I can't seem to shake.

Me— "You're right about one thing—you do seem to know a scary amount about me. Care to share how?"

I must know more about this mysterious man who easily gets under my skin. My phone pings.

Unknown— "All in due time, Angel. For now, just know I'll always be close by."

Cryptic bastard. I huff in frustration.

Me— "Yeah, 'cause that's not creepy at all. Leave me the hell alone already!"

I scowl at the screen, hoping he would stop pursuing me. Yet, a part of me hopes for another message. My reaction disgusts me—why does he captivate me so? My phone obliges, lighting up once more.

Unknown— "You're even more alluring when you're fiery. I'm not going anywhere. You didn’t seem to mind my attention last night."

Arrogant ass! He needs to get a clue that this sick game of his won't work on me.

Me— "Look, dickwad. I'm NOT your damn "Angel." Stop harassing me, or I WILL call the cops on your pathetic stalking ass. Got it?"

I seethe as I hit send, imagining my fingers wrapping around his throat. The nerve of this presumptuous prick! Assuming I'm his possession, that I won't fight back. Ha! Last night was an accident, and I don’t plan on repeating it. My phone vibrates with his irritating response.

Unknown—"Your passion is admirable. But we both know there are more constructive ways to channel your fiery spirit."

Oh, I'll show him passion and fire, alright! I'll kick his ass six ways to Sunday and throttle him with his own intestines!

Me— "Here's an idea, jackass—take your deranged delusions, shove them up your ass, and lose my number while you're at it. We clear?"

My chest heaves, adrenaline surging. I relish the thought of him sputtering over my text, realizing I'm not some meek victim he can intimidate. But the three bouncing dots appear, mocking me.

Unknown— "Crystal clear, Angel. I admire your strength. But you won't deter me so easily. I know you feel something, though you fight it. Give this a chance. You won't regret it."

Give this a chance? Is he out of his goddamn mind?! There's no way I'd ever willingly let this stalker-vampire slither into my life.

Me— "Let me make this real simple—fuck off and die, you deranged dipshit! Oh, wait… you did that already. I'd rather swallow acid than "give this a chance." Lose my number and get a fucking life!"

I hit send forcefully as if driving the message through his thick skull. My hands tremble, partly from rage and partly from that traitorous flutter low in my belly.