Page 29 of Unmasked

Jaxson eyes me with respect. “Damn, dude. I’m impressed.”

“Thanks.” I run my hand through my hair, spinning my beer bottle on the table.

Zayne leans closer, eyeing me intently. “You’re from Green Haven, right?”

I nod. “Correct. I was nine when you lived there. Same trailer park.”

Zayne lifts his beer bottle, a wide smile splitting his face. “You’re alright in my book, Stryker. You’re hired for this job.”

All the air rushes out of my lungs as I clink the bottle. This is a fucking dream to work with Zayne and Jaxson. Not only are they the best in the business, but they pay extremely well, allowing me to give my little prey the lifestyle she’s used to.

Hopefully, I’ll impress them enough that they’ll hire me full-time. Then I can make all Mallory’s dreams come true.

Jaxson lifts his bottle, clinking it against mine. “Welcome to King Morine. You’re one of us now, Stryker. We’ll have your back and expect the same from you.”

I nod vigorously. “Absolutely. You can count on me.”

Ryker raises his hand, and I high-five it. “Stryker is a ride or die. He’s loyal as fuck and good at what he does. I’m sure he’ll impress you.” He takes a drink of his beer. “You should consider hiring him full-time.”

My heart swells. My biological family life is shit, and other than Megan and my dying uncle, I’ve been on my own for years.

But as I look at the knowing smiles and the camaraderie surrounding me, I feel like I’m part of a family.

CHAPTER 21

Mallory

I’m restless as I lie beside Mandy on the blanket, my mood sour. I stare at the beautiful lake, the sunlight glimmering off the gentle waves, wondering why I’m depressed when all this beauty surrounds me.

It’s because of the masked man.

After kissing me and promising he wouldn’t leave, he untied my arms and dragged me on top of him so we were in the sixty-nine position. Then he proceeded to devour me again as I choked on his cock, our mutual moans filling the room. I came on his face while he filled my mouth, and I greedily slurped him down as though I hadn’t just swallowed his load earlier.

My masked man removed my blindfold, put a fresh t-shirt and pair of panties on me, and disappeared without a trace.

I woke up alone, feeling used.

“Are you okay?” Mandy sits up, pushing her sunglasses on top of her head. “You’ve been quiet.”

I scoop up a handful of sand, watching it slip through my fingers, just like the masked man. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just feeling a little down.”

“Is it because you’re here instead of heading home to see your family?”

I shrug. “Yes and no. I don’t want to be with them because my parents want me to be something other than who I am. But I envy how excited most students are to head home to their loved ones. I’ve never experienced that.”

Mandy nods, her voice quiet. “I’m lucky. I was super close to my mom. My dad… well, I never knew him. It didn’t matter, though. Mom and I were best friends until she passed away.”

I turn to her, feeling like an ass. “I’m sorry, Mandy. I didn’t know.” I sling my arm around her, pulling her into me for a hug.

“Thanks. You’d think I’d be over it by now. I mean, she died in January. She’d been sick for three years, and each time, she seemed to rebound. I thought she’d make it through this time, too, but obviously not…” She bites her quivering lip.

“I can’t imagine.”

She sniffs, pulling away slightly to wipe her tears. “I was lucky to have her. I’m sorry you never had a relationship like that with your parents. Do you have any siblings?”

I shake my head. “You?”

“Nope. I used to be sad about it. Now I’m glad. I don’t think my mom and I would’ve been as close if she had other kids.”