My phone dings. I smile at Mum’s impatience. She must be asking if I’m there yet. For the third time in the past half an hour.
My smile falls when I read the text.
Unknown Number: You look so enticing in that short pink dress.
I swallow, my heartbeat picking up speed as the silence — and the emptiness — of the underground car park registers.
Does this mean he’s here? Or did he follow me from home?
Since I became almost sure it’s Adam, I blocked the number. A few days later, I had a text from another unknown number saying I can’t escape him.
So I asked Frederic to change my number a week ago, pretending some reporters have it and are bothering me.
I could’ve done it myself, but that would mean I’d have to register the new number with my personal details. Papa’s campaign team have special security measures to keep all our personal information classified.
Frederic immediately got it for me, and I thought I’d be done with Adam’s stalking habits.
The text in front of me is proof that it’s not over.
How the hell did he get my number? Sure, his father is a member of the party, but he wouldn’t possibly ask Papa for it, right?
Deep breaths. You can do this, Silver.
I can keep it to myself until after Papa wins the elections. Then I’ll tell Frederic all about Adam.
It’s not only the creepy, stalkerish texts but also the way he keeps watching me at school. I pretend I don’t notice how he follows me around, or how he glares at anyone who gets in my way.
When he greets me good morning, I greet him back because his type can’t and shouldn’t be provoked.
Grabbing my bag, I open the car door, only for it to hit something – or rather, someone. I gasp as Adam appears right in front of me. He’s wearing jeans and a simple black T-shirt, a smile grazing his lips.
My first thought is that I need to run.
Right now.
I pull on the door’s handle, but my rapidity and strength fail against his.
He grabs the door and leans in so he’s blocking my exit and caging me within the confines of my own car.
“Hey, Silver.” He smiles, showing me his teeth.
I plaster on my own fake smile. “Hey, Adam. What are you doing here?”
“My uncle lives here. Such a small world, huh?”
“Yeah.” I pretend to gather my things.
“Who are you visiting?”
I can’t tell him I’m here for my mum. I don’t want this psycho to know where my mother lives, but at the same time, I need to get myself out of this situation without being suspicious. “I’m meeting with friends.”
“Anyone I know?”
“Just Aiden and the guys.”
“I see.”
Still smiling, I motion at the way he’s blocking me. “Uh, excuse me?”