Page 15 of Stalked

“Yes, sir. We're lab partners.”

“That's wonderful. Lia's always been passionate about science, but the arts are where her heart lies.”

The conversation flows more easily than I expected. No interrogation about my intentions, no subtle threats. Just normal questions about school and future plans.

Diana returns with water. “Your corsage for Lia is beautiful,” she comments, nodding to the clear box in my hand.

“Thanks. The florist helped me pick something that would match her dress.”

“Very thoughtful,” she says with a genuine smile.

I relax slightly, sinking into their comfortable couch. These people are nothing like what I expected. They're... kind. Normal.

My conversation with Lia's parents is cut short by a soft footfall on the stairs. I turn, and the glass of water nearly slips from my hand.

Holy fuck.

Lia descends the staircase in a dark green dress that hugs every curve before flaring at her knees. The color makes her amber eyes shine like gold in firelight. Her black hair cascades over one shoulder in loose waves, and she's wearing makeup that enhances rather than masks her features—subtle except for those lips, painted a deep red that makes my mouth go dry.

“You look...” I start, but words fail me. I've seen Lia angry, flustered, focused over a lab experiment, even coming apart on my screen—but I've never seen her like this. Radiant.

She reaches the bottom step, a shy smile playing at the corner of her mouth. “You clean up nice, too, Blackwood.”

I'm wearing a simple black suit with a green tie that matches her dress. I set down my water and approach her, suddenly aware of her parents watching us.

“This is for you,” I say, opening the clear box containing a corsage of white roses with dark green ribbons. My hands are steady as I slip it onto her wrist, but my pulse isn't. Her skin is warm beneath my fingers.

“It's beautiful,” she whispers, and for a moment, it's just us.

Diana breaks the spell. “Let me get a picture of you two!”

We pose for what feels like a dozen photos before I finally hook Lia's arm through mine. “Ready?” I ask.

“Yes, I'm ready,” she replies, her voice carrying a hint of something I can't quite place—anticipation, maybe. Or apprehension.

“Have a wonderful time,” Robert calls as we head toward the door.

“Don't worry about getting home too late,” Diana adds with a smile.

In my car, silence settles between us like a physical presence. I start the engine, stealing glances at her profile as I pull away from the curb. The tension is so thick that it could be cut.

Finally, at a red light, I turn to her. “You look drop-dead gorgeous, Lia. I mean it.”

“Thanks,” she says softly, smoothing her dress over her thighs. No sarcastic comeback, no eye roll. Just a simple acceptance that throws me more than any sharp retort could have.

The light turns green, and I focus on driving, sneaking glances at her profile when I can. The silence between us isn't exactly comfortable, but it's not hostile either. It's charged—like the air before a storm.

When we pull into the school parking lot, the bass from inside thumps against the windows of my car. Clusters of students in formal wear mill around the entrance, laughing and taking photos. I cut the engine and turn to Lia.

“You ready for this?” I ask, watching her fingers fidget with her corsage.

She meets my eyes, a hint of uncertainty flashing across her face. “Are you?”

I reach over and take her hand, rubbing my thumb across her knuckles. “I asked you, remember? I know exactly what I'm doing.”

The tension crackles between us as I step out and walk around to open her door. When she stands, the parking lot lights catch the sparkle in her dress, and I have to force myself not to stare.

I offer my arm. She hesitates for just a second before sliding her hand through it. The warmth of her pressed against my side makes my heart rate spike.