“I want you to stay away from Tate.”
The man looks at me in confusion. They always do. Why can’t they understand how important Tate is? He deserves so much more than they could ever give him. Men like this one are why I have to take things into my own hands. I gave him a chance to do it himself, but he didn’t listen. He even went to the police to try to stop me. I don’t blame him, though. He doesn’t understand what he means to me and what I’m willing to do to see him happy. Soon he’ll see I’m the only one who can give him what he truly needs.
I pull my switchblade from my back pocket and flick it open. The street lights don’t illuminate the alley very well, but the small amount of light is just bright enough for the man to see the glint of the blade. I stalk closer and he backs into the brick wall. Raising the knife, I slice across his throat and watch as the black-red fluid pours from the cut. I’m sure there are easier, less violent ways of removing these men from Tate’s life, but I’ve concluded that this is the only permanent solution. The only one hundred percent guarantee they will never return.
I do this for you, Tate. Everything I do is for you.
Chapter One
One Month Later
Corvin
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I ask Tate as he adjusts the tie around his neck.
“No. But Stuart’s a good guy, he wouldn’t set me up with some creep.” His green eyes shift to the window and he breathes out a sigh of relief that the curtains are closed.
“What about your stalker? I could drive you, so you don’t have to go alone.”
“I can’t have another guy drop me at my date, Corvin.” He drops his hands in frustration at both my words and the mess around his neck. I automatically reach for the silk material and untangle the intricate knot he’s created.
“I know it’s not ideal, but wouldn’t you rather be safe?” I ask as I deftly secure the tie at his neck, then smooth the material over his chest.
“It’s just some creep following me around. I’ve never actually seen him, and he hasn’t done anything to suggest I’m in danger. It was one note months ago. Other than the chills I get when I think he’s around, there’s nothing to suggest I should worry. You shouldn’t either. I’ll be fine for an early dinner date. And yes, Dad, I’ll call you when I get there and when I leave.”
Tate steps away from me to check himself in the mirror. His sandy colored hair is slicked back, with not a single hair out of place—it’s the complete opposite of its unkempt, yet sexy natural state. Tate’s beauty is understated. Part of it comes from him hiding behind his work, and part from his natural shyness around anyone other than me. He’s adorably awkward and clumsy. Most guys don’t appreciate the man he is, which is why he’s resorted to accepting blind dates set up by his coworkers after being ghosted by every date he’s arranged from online dating sites. He’s desperate to find someone, but his stalker has discouraged him from going out socially and finding a date himself.
Tate and I have been friends since middle school when I punched out Bobby Wilson for tripping him in the cafeteria. Bobby was a bully, and while I couldn’t save all his victims from his special brand of torture, I made it a mission to do what I could. I still remember the way Tate’s green eyes had shimmered with barely restrained tears. I’d invited him to share my lunch with me that day, and then the next, and the day after that. Before I knew it, Tate was following me everywhere. I didn’t hate it, so I’d started striking up conversations with him, until eventually we became best friends.
I came out just before we started high school. I was determined to have the best time and be true to myself, and I’ve continued to live my life the same ever since. Tate, on the other hand, took his time. He slowly came out of the shell he kept wrapped around himself, with only a little—okay, a lot—prodding from me.
“If the guy turns out to be a freak, or a loser in any way, call me. I’ll take you out to a movie, or dancing, whatever will make you feel better.” I cringe at how desperate I must sound.
Did I forget to mention I’m head over heels for Tate? Well, I am. Have been since our junior year. Of course, he doesn’t see me or feel the same way toward me, or this date wouldn’t be happening.
“You’re going to jinx it if you don’t stop being so pessimistic. I really think this date will be a good one. Stuart told me a little about the guy and we have a lot in common.”
Tate turns to me and holds his arms out and gestures to himself, silently asking how he looks. He looks good… too damn good. “You’ll do,” I tell him instead of any one of the many compliments floating through my mind.
Tate rolls his eyes. “You’re jealous because while I’m out possibly meeting the man of my dreams, you’re stuck here with your hand.” He snickers at his own joke, snorting a little as he tries to control his laughter.
“You’re not that funny, T. Besides, I could go out and find myself a guy to bring home if I wanted. But, I won’t. I’ll stay home just in case you need rescuing, because that’s what friends do.” And it has nothing to do with the fact that I am jealous, just not in the way Tate thinks.
The laughter fades from Tate’s face and a more serious expression takes
