Page 34 of Unmasked

My heart squeezes inside my chest when she sniffles, her watery eyes locking with mine. “Thanks for taking care of me.”

“You’re welcome, Mallory.”

I carry her back to the bathroom, running her a warm bath. I strip her out of her bloody clothing and help her into the tub. She doesn’t question me, trusting me implicitly.

As I wash the blood from her skin, I whisper, “I’ll always take care of you, my little prey.”

CHAPTER 25

Stryker

Mallory has been down in the dumps since Steve Becker assaulted her.

That asshole will soon be sent straight to hell, courtesy of me.

I showered and had just stepped out, drying off. When finished, I wrapped the towel around my waist and padded to the bedroom for some clothing. I glanced at the monitors on the wall showing Mallory’s apartment.

She’s sitting on the couch beside Mandy, wringing her hands together. The look on her face makes me stop in my tracks.

She’s gonna confess.

Mallory’s cheeks flame as she looks at Mandy from beneath lowered lashes. My body tenses as I wait for her to drop the bombshell.

“The party we went to on Labor Day weekend… I had a bad experience with Steve Becker.”

That’s not what I expected her to say. I thought she would confess to fooling around with a masked man. Although, we haven’t fooled around since the incident with Steve.

Concern contorts Mandy’s face. “What happened?”

Mallory takes a deep breath before launching into the story. When she gets to the part where I intervened, she says, “I was rescued by a stranger. I didn’t get a good look at his face, but he was lean and muscular. He was the one who took me home.”

A smile curls my lips.I’m not a stranger to her, but I admire how she protects me.

“I’m so sorry that Steve did that to you. He’s an asshole.” She squeezes Mallory’s hands. “But I’m glad a stranger intervened before he….”

Mallory nods, a shiver rolling through her. “Me too.”

Mandy’s expression changes, turning dreamy. “An unknown guy swoops in and saves the day. How romantic.” She cocks her head, studying Mallory’s face. “Do you think he goes to college here?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know.”

“I hope you get the chance to see him again. He sounds like a good guy.”

She nods, a wistful expression on her face. “I need to stop being fearful after what happened with Steve.”

Mandy winks at her. “You know what they say. Sometimes, it’s best to get back on the horse.”

For the first time since the incident happened, Mallory’s eyes light up. “You may be right.”

I can help you get back on the horse, little prey.

I laugh, feeling lighter for the first time in weeks. “No time like the present.”

It’s latewhen Mandy leaves Mallory’s apartment. My little prey didn’t want Mandy to walk to her residence hall alone, so she walked her home.

As Mallory heads home, she crosses her arms over herchest, muttering, “Yeah, real smart idea. Now you’re walking home alone in the dark.” Her eyes dart around, her breathing heavy as she hurries along the sidewalk.

Don’t worry, little prey. You’re safe with your predator watching over you.