Page 63 of With This Mask
Doesn’t get much more off the market than that.
She better have said yes.
Just going to go off myself now.
I love him and Mariposa together!!!
Finally, something positive.
Look how much happier he is now. Look back at his old videos before Mariposa. He’s like a totally different man.
I’m about to scroll back to his old videos to see if they’re right, but someone calls out my name. My head snaps to see Jess waving at me. "You coming?"
"Right behind you," I say begrudgingly as I climb to my feet and follow after her.
It’s a very long day. I’m having the hardest time concentrating when Alec’s posted video and the revelation of his new tattoo are running through my brain. But, finally, my last class dismisses. With a quick, clipped pace, I set out to the doors and finally off to the dorms.
I shove through the throng of students, my heart thumping a reckless rhythm. Need coils in me, sharp and demanding, every step quickening until I'm all but running back.
When I burst through, the air shifts, charged with anticipation and the scent of something electric—like ozone before a storm.
Alec is there on our shared bed, the one stuffed into the corner of our tiny little space. His face is still smudged with black, little lines marking where the edges of his mask touch his skin. His arms are folded above his head, his ankles crossed at the heels. Of course he’s shirtless. And of course he’s left his famous red lights on, casting the entire place in a lusty glow of scarlet.
“Let me see it,” I say the words burning my insides. A wicked grin curls on Alec’s lips at my statement. I drop my backpack beside the door as I shove it closed and cross the room in three long strides. I climb onto the bed, one knee on either side of Alec. I trace my hand up his stomach, my eyes taking in every detail and valley. Until, finally, they stop at the fresh ink staining his skin.
It’s exactly like my mask. Every curve and line. That’s my mask.
“That was a bold move,” I say, arching an eyebrow at him. “The internet is losing its fucking mind.”
“Good,” he says as he grabs my wrists, taking my weight, and lowering me until my lips meet his. His tongue is demanding, his kiss desperate, as if it’s been weeks since he last saw me instead of hours. But look what he did in those hours. “You like it?”
I lean back, my eyes returning to the tattoo. My face burns and my stomach does a little backflip. “I kind of can’t believe you did that.”
“But do you like it?” he questions as he arches a brow, demanding I answer his question.
I bite my lower lip to fight the stupid grin that wants to take over my face, and I nod.
“Yeah?” he questions again, not totally convinced.
“Yeah, I… I love it, Alec,” I say, my tone softening.
He smiles, something wild and a little crooked and daring. Fuck. I love his smile. I love everything about this man. His brilliant mind. His creativity. His sharp tongue. His wicked hands. His perfect cock. The way he makes me feel. The way he cheers and leads me on. He’s my perfect match.
“What’s going through your head?” he asks as he brings his hand to the side of my neck. He brushes his thumb along my jawline.
“Just how much I love you,” I confess, taking the path of honesty.
He leans me forward, and kisses me. “I love you too, Salem Winters.”
Who ever would have guessed, that we’d carve out this beautiful little life together? Alec Vanderholt, who grew up traveling the world, heir to the diamond industry, who had a fleet of nannies and tutors, would settle into a tiny eleven by thirteen dorm room without issue? He’s meshed into my life perfectly. It’s tight in this little dorm, but it’s temporary. Two more weeks, and we’ll move on to where ever I decide to take a job.
“I’m thinking Italy,” I say as I look down at him. “Think you can make things work there?”
And Alec’s smile grows all the bigger. “I’ve been hoping you’d pick Italy. You’re going to love it there.”
I roll my eyes at him, because of course he’s already spent time there. Alec just laughs.
“But yes, to answer your question, I can make things work there. I’m always going to be remote with LenseClip. And I can hire more remote employees.”