WILLA
He wore a black face mask.
That was the first thing I noticed when I finally looked up.
Then came the warmth in his striking blue eyes. They crinkled at the corners as he stared down at me, like he was smiling beneath the mask. I couldn't tell for sure.
And for some stupid reason, I wanted to know.
"Whenever you're ready, you know I'm always here, Elyse," he said softly, taking a step closer.
I jerked away from the guardrail, heart pounding. "Are you insane?"
"Insane?" He tilted his head, shrugging one broad shoulder. "Maybe. But hey, I'm only trying to help."
I scowled, shoving my cold hands deep into my sweatshirt pocket and turning my back on him. I didn't need this. I didn't need anyone right now — especially not some masked weirdo who knew my name and apparently my entire life story.
"Strange," he murmured. His voice was suddenly much closer. His breath brushed the back of my neck, warm through the thin fabric of my hood.
