“I don’t entirely remember. I wanna say she had short jet-black hair, and she talked with a weird accent. That’s how I knew she wasn’t a local. She asked about you a lot, but I didn’t think much of it because it was an everyday occurrence after your pictures went live. In fact, Lexie and I were talking about it right before she walked in.” Everleigh leans against the counter, and I can tell she’s deep in thought. “A week before that was when I noticed Sassy was acting weird, and things were moved.”

“It could’ve just been a coincidence,” I offer, though I don’t think anything about our situation is coincidental.

“I wish you would’ve told me sooner,” she says with a deep sigh.

I step closer, grabbing her hands and placing a kiss on her knuckles. “You’re right. I’m sorry. No more secrets.”

“Between Natasha and Krystal, we have to tell each other everything. Even if you think it’s going to stress me out.”

I cup her cheek and nod. “Promise, I will.”

“So let’s assume it was her. Do you think she was watching us?” Everleigh asks when we return to the couch.

“Most likely watching me, yes. Might’ve followed me home, saw you, followed you to work, and tried to get more details out of you. Then later, broke into the house to snoop around before confronting you.”

“What would she be looking for?” Everleigh asks.

“Honestly, no clue. Best guess is she’s just trying to find something to threaten me with, which is you and Annie. She’s always been mentally unstable, but I have a feeling it got worse after Chad died.”

“Great, another crazy woman who wants me dead.”

“Well, I told my parole officer, and he suggested that I report it to the local police. There’s not much they can do, but at least it’ll be documented if she does something.”

She nods, petting Sassy as she processes everything. I hate that I had to share the great news about Tyler approving of us with this fucked-up news about Krystal.

“Try not to worry, okay? Our home is secure, and when we’re not at work, we’ll stick together or with friends. Got it?”

“Damn, there goes my solo middle-of-the-night strolls,” she deadpans.

“You little smart-ass.” I grab her face and press my lips to hers. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to protect you, got it? If Krystal wants to hurt you, she’ll have to go through me.”

“I hate that I can’t even open my front door anymore without fear,” she murmurs. “And I hate even more that I can’t remember who attacked me.”