Josh’s POV
The thrill never got old.
I watched her from across the street, hidden in the shadows like a predator stalking its prey. There was a rhythm to this game, an intoxicating pulse that I could feel deep in my chest. Elle didn’t know it yet, but I was already under her skin. The moment she opened her door to that little gift—the broken doll I had left for her—I knew I had her exactly where I wanted.
I could almost hear her sharp intake of breath as she saw it, feel the tremble in her fingers as she slammed the door shut. Panic. Fear. Desperation. It was all written across her face, and the thought of it sent a jolt of pleasure through me. She thought she could get away from me, that running to Mason was her way out. But there was no escape. Not for Elle.
Not from me.
I leaned ag
