Chapter 17

Zach’s POV:

“I feel so fucking foolish for thinking he was different.”

Gigi sat beside me at our favorite boba shop, listening in silence as I went on about the scene I had found – and left – my room in.

“People don’t change, I mean I knew that. And that was why I tried not to get too close to him, I did my best to make sure this was purely academic.”

“But why would he do something like this?” She asked calmly.

“Because he’s a self-absorbed, sadistic fuck, that’s why.”

Gigi didn’t say anything, but I noticed her jaw clench as she brought her lips to her straw reluctantly. I had barely touched my drink.

“Still, it doesn’t add up. Why would Ryder be stalking you, what would he gain from that?”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Don’t you get it? Clearly, he’s not over taunting me and making my life a living hell. I’m sure it’s some sort of coping mechanism for whatever insecurities he’s hoarding.”

“You’re not understanding me, stalking is not in the same category as taunting or bullying. That’s a serious allegation.”

I looked up at her. “Whose side are you on?”

“I just want you to think things through, you’re very emotional right now and it might seem like you’ve got all the pieces together but there might be things you’re not putting into consideration.”

My gaze hardened as anger rose up in my throat like a bile. “Here’s something to put into consideration, I’m going to confront him.”

Gigi’s eyes turned the size of saucers. “No, you’re not!”

“I am. You said it yourself; this is not the same as tossing my books on the ground in the hallway, and if I treat it like it is, lord knows what he’s going to do next.”

“Zach, if he’s not the stalker it might be insulting and he’s bigger, and stronger than you. And if he is the stalker, well he is bigger and stronger-”

“Yeah, I get it.”

“Do you?”

“Gigi, I tolerated his shit in the past because I was scared of him. Look where that got me. I’m not going to let this go any further, and nothing you say can change my mind.”

“Fine, I’ll come with you.”

“No. I’ve got you in enough trouble with Brittany as it is. I need to handle this myself.”

“Yeah, you’re crazy-”

“No, I’m serious.”

She looked at me, still not convinced.

“Besides, he’s stronger than both of us combined. This way, if he is dangerous, at least you’d know to alert the authorities.”

Her shoulders relaxed a bit at that. “I don’t like this, Zach.”

“Me either, but I have to handle this or else nothing’s ever going to change. You said it yourself…” “I know what I said.”

“Bite back.”

She paused to look at me for a moment. “Be careful, don’t go biting more than you can chew.”

“Oh, I fucking would.”

When I got to Ryder’s house that evening, it was already late and surprisingly he’d already left a million messages in my phone. I was making sure Brittany was gone and it was just him by the time I got there.

I wanted to make this as civil as I honestly could, but that would just not be possible with that animal around.

My legs remained frozen to his porch for several minutes as I debated my approach. I had deliberately left my laptop at home and came with only my phone.

Just in case.

Finally summoning courage, I rang the doorbell. It echoed through the house and I was going to ring again when the door pulled open to reveal a rather disheveled Ryder standing behind it.

That beating he took must’ve really done a number on him.

I made a mental note to campaign for a raise for that security guy.

“You’re finally here… where’s your laptop?”

“We need to talk, Ryder.”

His eyes fell as he read my tone, whatever charm left in them vanishing completely.

Immediately, I regretted coming on so strong. I already knew he didn’t like me, but it seemed was about to find out the extent of that distaste.

Reign it in a bit, Zach.

“Is everything alright?” he asked, and I nodded.

“I just have some questions for you, is all,” I managed a small smile and he hesitated before relaxing a bit, pulling away from the doorframe so I could walk in.

Here goes everything.

I walked in and led the way to the living room, my eyes scanning everything for any sign of danger while simultaneously plotting any escape routes if the front door becomes inaccessible.

It may seem like I have been overreacting, but when you’ve lived a life on the spectrum of the majority of the world’s hate for as long as I have, you learn the merits of being overly cautious sometimes.

Finally, I decided on a chair and sat, looking up to find Ryder standing with his arms folded and a stern look on his face.

“Won’t you sit?”

“I’m fine,” he replied, his voice clipped.

I fought the urge to shrink into myself; this was not the time for that at all.

For once, it was time I faced my demon.