Page 24 of Unmasked

I open my laptop, trying to push all thoughts of him aside.

But what if he’s not?

CHAPTER 18

Mallory

As class is about to end, I receive a notification from social media that the masked man uploaded a video.

I bite my lip, anxious to watch it, knowing I can’t do it here.

The second the professor dismisses us, I shoot to my feet, shove my materials into my backpack, and rush out of the room.

I’m panting as I race across campus, barely paying attention to the throng of excited students.

As I rush through the lobby of the apartment building, one of the front desk workers stops me. “Mallory. Your ID was dropped off. Some random guy found it and turned it in.”

The hair on the back of my neck stands up. “Random guy?”

She shrugs. “He was wearing a hoodie and hat. I didn’t get a good look at his face. Said he found it outside and asked that I get it to you.”

A tingle rushes through me as I take it. I know my stalker had it. “Thanks,” I whisper.

As I spin and walk away, the realization that he snuck in aweek ago and gave me a hickey on my nipple hits me square in the chest. Emotions roll through me—anger, fear, and a strange thrill of desire.

I shake my head, chastising myself.You were victimized.

The little devil voice inside my head taunts me.Tell that to your seeping pussy.

Once inside my apartment, I toss my backpack on the floor and grab my phone. I shouldn’t have this frantic desire to watch the video, especially after being stalked by a guy wearing a purge mask. But the force of it is greater than my resistance.

Anticipation coils through me, leaving me breathless. I pull up the video, my body tingling all over.

Holy fuck. He’s wearing leather pants.

I hold the phone close to my face, intently watching as he slowly stalks to the camera like a panther. My heart pounds as he puts his masked face right up to it, his eyes boring into mine. Then he wiggles two fingers and says, “Come here, little prey. You know you want to.”

Oh my God.I lick my dry lips, my hands trembling. A rush of desire courses through me as I whisper, “If I could, I would.”

Movement draws my attention away from my phone. My mouth drops open as I blink, unable to believe my eyes.

He gets up from my couch, wearing the red purge mask. “Oh, but you can.”

I nearly drop my phone as I stumble, my back slamming against the door. My hands splay against the wood as I stare at him. “H-How are you here?” Shame hits me as my voice squeaks. I try to convince myself it’s fear, but the anticipation and desire swirling inside me suggests otherwise.

He stops in front of me, cocking his head. Maybe it’s the neon lights from the mask, but his eyes are the prettiest shade of aquamarine.

We engage in a silent stare down, neither of us speaking.

My chest heaves from fright and anticipation, and when I see his chest heaving, breaths syncing with mine, a whimper leaves my lips.

His large hand shoots out, grabbing my throat. “I’ll make all your fantasies come true, little prey.”

Another squeak comes from my parted lips. He’s not cutting off my air, simply letting me know he’s in control.

Claiming me.

Owning me.