Chapter 45

FORTY-FIVE

O n the way back from the hospital, we stop at Evan's dorm so he can pack. We decided he will move in for a little while. I'll feel better having them both under one roof, and he wants to help protect Alice. We drop Lally off, and she has a whispered conversation with Alice.

When we get back, we sit her on the couch, both of us standing before her. "We need to talk, and you need to listen."

"I'm sorry for lying." She hangs her head.

"Not about that. That will be later," I warn her before softening my voice. "Alice, this is serious."

I know this is going to be hard, but she deserves to know. Keeping her in the dark won't help her at all.

Crouching, I take her hand. "The person who attacked you tonight, who sent those flowers, and who . . . who killed those boys—it's the same person."

"What do you mean?" she asks, scared.

We lay everything out, and I keep nothing from her. I won't lie to my sister, not about this. She needs to know. It's her life, and he is targeting her, so she needs to understand how serious this is.

After, she's pale as she stares at us. "He's targeting me . . . to kill me?"

I share a look with Evan, who sits at her side, and he takes her hand. "No, I don't think it's to kill you. I think he wants to . . . possess you. He thinks you are his. Has there been anyone like that in your life recently, Alice? Anything at all could help."

"No, no one, I swear." Tears fill her eyes and begin to flow down her face. "What if he hurts you two? What if he doesn't stop?" Her bottom lip begins to tremble. "I couldn't live if something happened to either of you."

"Hey." Evan tugs her into his arms. "That isn't going to happen, you know that. We can handle ourselves. We are more worried about you, you silly, kind girl. We will figure out who this is, and we will stop them, okay?"

"But to do that, I need to know you are safe. You will be with one of us at all times, is that understood? Apart from school, you won't go anywhere else," I warn, laying down the rules. "I mean it, Alice. I won't have you in danger, not even for your independence. I'd rather you hate me but be alive."

"Okay." She sighs, glancing between us. "I'll do as you say."

Evan and I share a look, silent messages passing between us.

We will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

It's been suspiciously quiet for days, and it's putting me on edge as we wait for something to happen. I watch Alice like a hawk, and she is never alone. Both Evan and I escort her everywhere. It means I have no time for racing, and I've cut my hours at work, but I'd do much worse to keep her safe and happy. Her fear is starting to wear off and turn to annoyance, but it can't be helped. I'd rather she hate me than be dead.

We accompany her to visit her friend in the hospital, but he doesn't want to see her. I guess he's scared. I don't blame him. Evan said word has gotten around campus that some maniac is obsessed with her, and everyone is avoiding her apart from us.

We have been in the background, looking into the person behind Clarissa's father's care as quietly as we can, but we haven't gotten anywhere. I know Evan has approached his society about it, and they are also searching, so it's just a matter of time until we find this creep, but for a young girl, time goes slowly, especially with an overbearing brother.

It's Friday, and she wants to go out. She won't, but I can see it in her face. She's desperate to be normal and not miss out on college life. I might not understand that, but I can comprehend her wanting to be happy. I hate seeing her so downtrodden, and even Evan's sunshine can't seem to warm her.

I can't stand my sister's sadness, so I sigh deeply. "How about we have some friends over tonight?"

She perks up, looking hopeful. "Really?"

"Really. Evan can invite Lally and Tommy, and I'll ask Bones and Skylar to come over. We can watch movies and chill. We are safe here anyway. It can be like a mini party," I suggest reluctantly. At least if it's here, I can keep her safe. Besides, with us here, the creep wouldn't stand a chance.

She giggles. "You hate parties."

"I do, but I love you." I sigh as I glance at Evan, who's giving me a thumbs-up behind her back. "Both of you idiots."

"Aww, so sweet," Evan teases as he heads my way, grabbing my neck and tilting my head up as he places a soft kiss on my lips. Alice gags as Evan chuckles and grins down at me, his eyes sparkling. "Does that mean I get to see you dance?"

"Never," I vow vehemently.