Chapter 45 Stalking
Richard's POV
I've stayed away, just like she wanted me to... Sort of. Okay, so I lied. I haven't stayed more than 50 yards away from Josie since she told me she'd chosen James over me.
“I can’t do this Rick. I promised to give James a chance,” she sighed.
“Josie, you will regret your choice. Please, don’t do this,” I pulled her closer to me. “I really don’t want to see you get hurt. That is exactly what you are walking into with your eyes shut.”
“You just asked me to see you’ve changed, isn’t it being hypocritical if you don’t let me give James the same chance?” She stated.
I hated that she made sense. I didn't give a damn if I was being a hypocrite! She was mine and she's going to figure it out soon. But I know she was trying to be fair. I would let her go... For a moment, just long enough to know she's made a huge mistake.
“Okay, Josie. But promise me, if you ever decide to kick him to the curb, you will give me a chance,” I asked.
“Okay, Rick. I promise,” she sighed.
I went into Wild Blooms to pick up my order last week. Not that I really needed the flowers. I just ordered it as an excuse so I could show Josie what a bastard James was... And it worked. And then she forgave him.
She's too good for her own good. She needs to learn to be a little selfish for her own protection. She knows I'm the better choice. The one who can and will offer to keep her and her family protected. That is her greatest fear is losing her sisters. James doesn't know this, but I do.
I'd seen the look in her face when I came in to pick up the flowers. I hadn't said anything about the other night and her getting rid of James. I can be patient when I know I will benefit me in the long run. She was confused. She didn't know what she wanted, and she thought she was going to do the right thing by giving that bastard a chance. But she was wrong.
I won't let her know yet, but soon. I hate that I'm going to have to hurt her again just to get her to see the truth that James keeps hiding from her. But I've been biding my time, and soon I'm sure she will be mine. I'm not the same as James. I'm not a cheater.
I know technically it's none of my business, but since when has that stopped me? Short answer: never! I get what I want and I want my little dancer back.
“Thanks, little dancer. They look beautiful. I’m sure my mother will love them,” I whispered and walked away. I wanted to let her see I was leaving he alone, just like she'd asked me to.
Only, I didn't.
I stayed close to her. Just out of sight. Always following at a safe distance and in the shadows. I know she can feel me, because I've seen her look around for no reason. Of course I don't let her see me. I'm pretty sure she thinks she's going crazy when she hears me following her and I disappear in an instant.
I didn't go up and talk to her, or bother her at work, or stop her from her little 'date' with James, but that doesn't mean I'm above stalking. I needed to make sure she was safe. And when ever James was around, I knew she wasn't. He'd push her for something that doesn't belong to him.
I've been following her for the last two weeks, ready to step in at a single look of distress or a moment of weakness. I'd take her either way.
I watched as James came up with excuse after excuse to tell Josie why he didn't have time for her. But he doesn't know I've been following him too. I've got the proof I need.