Her words settle over me like a hug, warm and reassuring. “You really think so?” I ask, my voice small.
“I do,” she says. “But what matters most is whetheryoucan start believing that, too.”
“I’ve never thought about it that way. But… holy shit, I think you’re onto something.”
She smiles. “I thinkyou’rethe one that’s onto something. I’m merely here to help you find your way.”
Later, as I sip on a refreshing glass of sparkling water, I replay the moment in my mind. Dex’s smile, his quiet confidence, the way he remembered my favorite things without me even realizing it.
Maybe heisdifferent.
But even if he is, I’m terrified. Terrified of letting someone in, of opening myself up only to be hurt again.
I glance at Sabre, who’s curled up on the couch beside me, and stroke his soft fur.
“Baby steps,” I whisper. “We’ll figure this out. One day at a time.”
CHAPTER 140
THE WRONG TARGET
MARGAUX
The next day, I’m hanging out with Dex. He wanted to take me around the neighborhood and he’s brought me to a cute local bar.
I mention the anonymous messages to Dex casually, thinking they were nothing more than the random kindness of a stranger.
He shifts in his seat, his face turning a shade darker. For a moment, I wonder if he’s blushing.
“It was me,” he admits, his voice low, almost sheepish. “I sent the messages.”
“What?” I blink, confused. “Yousent them?Why?”
“I was… monitoring the situation from afar,” he says carefully. “Making sure you were safe.”
My stomach drops. “What do you mean, ‘monitoring the situation’? Were you spying on me?”
He hesitates, then nods. “Well, yeah. I was worried about you. So I hacked into some of your stuff—just to keep an eye on things.”
My heart starts pounding. “Youwhat?”
“I didn’t mean to?—”
“Were therecameras?” My voice is trembling now.
He glances down, guilt written all over his face. “There were cameras,” he admits quietly.
A wave of fury and embarrassment crashes over me.
My prior relationship was already a humiliating mess—the idea of someone watching it unfold, analyzing my every moment, makes my skin crawl.
On instinct, I leap out of my seat and run from the bar.
I hear footsteps behind me, and Dex grabs me gently by my arm.
“Margaux, let me explain,” he pleads.
“You broke my trust, Dex!” I scream, my voice raw with emotion. “How could you do this to me? You, of all people!”