8. He'll never know

I grabbed my clothes and went to the bathroom to change before the police saw me. Soon, I was ready to report my stalker. I was still shaken up from my traumatic experience with the stalker man, so the police briefly questioned me then took him away.

"You can't tell everyone about this," I told Connor.

Connor looked at me with shock. "What? You can't be serious? This was a big deal. This man attacked you. You have to tell your parents."

"NO! I don't want them to worry about me right now. The wedding is less than a week away, and they are stressed enough as it is," I said.

"Anya..." he hesitated.

"Please, Connor? I will tell them afterward. Let's just keep this a secret for now," I pleaded. I knew my dad. He'd make a huge deal and threw a fit. Most likely, he'll go to the police station and demand to hang Mike the stalker man.

Connor raised his eyebrows and smirked. Oh no...I don't like that smile. What's going on in his evil mind of his?

"Sure. I will keep your little secret but in one condition," he said.

"What's that?" I looked at him suspiciously.

"You have to be nice to me for a whole week and dance with me at the wedding," he said.

Oh, that's it? Why did I think he was going to ask something much worse?

"I suppose I can be nice..." I said quietly. "Thank you for today. I don't know what I would've done if you didn't arrive on time."

"I'm sure you would've kicked his ass whether I arrived or not," he chuckled.

I felt confused. Was I wrong about him? Maybe I judged him too harshly after all.

"Why did you come back anyway? Aren't you supposed to be at the bachelor's party taking jello shots off a stripper?" I asked.

"I wasn't feeling up to drinking as much, so I came back early. Glad I did," he said.

I was glad too.

"I just remembered. I want something else too," he said suddenly.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Your body," he said nonchalantly.

Ugh! Nevermind, I take that back. He is as bad as I thought he was.

"Pig!" I exclaimed and stormed away, leaving him laughing behind me. Jerk.

I knew he was just messing with me but still. Why is he so annoying!

********

Connor kept his word and didn't tell anyone about it. I gave the police my cell phone number so they could contact me privately. I knew it'd eventually come out, but I needed to keep it a secret until the wedding was over.

I tried to be nice to Connor, but it was hard. He was too infuriating.

My mom decided it was a good idea to have a family picnic two days before the wedding. We picked our lake house so we could hangout by the water and Maybe take the boat out to the lake. It was supposed to relax the happy couple before their big day.

I saw Connor eyeing Jessica all day, and I stood on my guard. Was he planning on making a move on her here? Was he bold enough to do it right under everyone's nose? I needed to keep an eye on him.

It turned out he was bold. Or should I say dumb?

I saw him whispering something to Jessica, and they walked away somewhere when they thought no one was looking.

I decided to follow them. I felt bad for being nosy, but my curiosity got the best of me. They went inside the boathouse. It was currently empty as the rest of the family was spending time outside by the lake.

I pressed my ears on the door, trying to listen to what they were saying, but their voices were muffled. I cracked open the door slowly, and their voices became clearer. I didn't see them in there. They must be in the kitchen.

"I don't know about this, Connor. This isn't right!" Jessica said.

"He'll never know," Connor said.

"I don't want to deceive Ansel. I love him. Just forget about it. You'll find someone else," Jessica insisted. "It'd be wrong to lie to him."

"Since when do you care about what's right or wrong?" Connor's voice was firm.

"Hey, that's not fair! What happened between us happened years ago. I was young and naïve back then. Just let it go already!" Jessica cried.

I couldn't hold myself back anymore. I had to see what they were talking about. I went inside then peeked into the kitchen.

Connor was holding Jessica's hand. He had a scary expression on his face. He looked kind of desperate.

"I want this more than anything in the world, and he is getting in the way," Connor said. "I've never loved anyone this strongly in my life. I thought I would get over it after high school, but my feelings are only getting stronger."

"Connor, please..." she whispered. "Don't do this now. The wedding is in two days! You are his best man. You will break his trust."

"Whatever. This is probably the only chance I'll have to get what I want, so I won't give up yet," he leaned over Jessica. His voice was deep and husky. His eyes were so intense it sent a shiver down my spine.

I've known Connor since we were kids, and he had always been possessive. He likes to get what he wanted, and if he wants Jessica back, he'll do anything in his power to get it.

I decided it was time to break up this little meeting of theirs. I went outside.

"Hello?" I called out. "Are you guys in there?" Someone should hand me an Oscar.

Jessica came out first. "Hey Anya, I was just talking to Connor about the wedding." She let out a nervous giggle.

"Great...everyone was looking for you," I raised my eyebrows.

"Be right there," she said.

Connor came out of the room and narrowed his eyes. I wondered if he thought I was listening in.