Are You Watching?

Chapter Sixteen: Amoret

"Come on in," I say, urging the man through the doorway. He steps inside, an awkward smile flitting across his lips before he looks down, like meeting my eyes evokes fear within him.

He's dressed in simple clothes- a pair of jeans and a basic tee- but there's an unmistakable effort behind it. His hair gleams like it's just been washed, his nails freshly painted, and even his shoes look pristine. He's strikingly handsome, the kind of realization that messes with my head more than I want it to. His eyes, deep and captivating, refuse to meet mine, and I almost wish they would. It's alarming to think this way, especially when a part of me knows he might be the one breaking into my home and leaving a trail of bodies.

I keep telling myself that Vesper Valle isn't anything special- that I want nothing to do with him. I've been repeating that ever since I saw him again at his workplace. But the more I try to convince myself, the more I realize I'm not sure I believe it. I invited him here for answers, nothing more. But if there's even the slightest chance he isn't who I suspect, I can't say I'd throw him out right away.

I wrinkle my nose as he passes, stopping just inside the foyer, his eyes darting around like he's taking in every detail. "Are you high?" I ask bluntly, catching the unmistakable scent of weed floating through the air.

His eyes go wide as he turns to me, clearly busted. I hadn't pegged Vesper as a stoner, but honestly, it tracks. The poor guy could use a little mellowing out- and, knowing him, it probably works better than any medication on the market.

"I just- I took a hit... or two," he trails off, a little panicked.

I bite down on my bottom lip, stifling a laugh. Poor thing- I must've rattled him so much he needed a little buzz just to show up. As I close the door, I eye him with a grin. "Are you nervous, Ves?" I tease.

"A little," he admits, though his expression tells me it's more than a little.

I want to tell him he should be, but I keep it to myself. He's so nervous, he's visibly trembling, and somehow, it's just darling. But his anxiety is contagious; it's like his nerves are seeping into me, stirring up my own. Vesper does not get to make me nervous. Not at a time like this. I swallow it down, knowing I need to keep control before his jittery energy completely throws me off and I give in to just how cute Vesper Valle can be.

"I apologize for the invite with no explanation as to why, but there was something I wanted to talk to you about," I tell him, getting straight into it. I have no interest in letting him get comfortable right now.

He tilts his head. "Is this about WWA?" he questions, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "I figured that's what you wanted to speak of when you texted me, but-"

"No," I interject, pushing away from the door and sauntering up to him, keeping my tone cool. I figure I'll start with the most disappointing part of my stalker- his writing skills. "I wanted to talk to you about the letter you left."

His eyes drop to the floor before flickering back to mine, his brows knitting together. "What letter?"

He looks genuinely confused, and right then, I decide his acting skills are unparalleled. The thought makes me grit my teeth, annoyed by how convincing he is. I hate being lied to. But what I hate even more is just how much I want him to be genuine. I want him to be that sweet, nervous guy with heart eyes for me. Maybe if he was, I could allow myself a chance at a real connection with someone- a friend.

After meeting with him, I've done some thinking, and honestly, I don't have many other options. Maybe we could be good friends. We share a history, after all. He understands things no one else does, and I think that's something I could appreciate. It could be nice.