Page 52 of Unmasked
“In my case, I have two like that. The other girl and I are doing all the work.” She shakes her head.
The wind blows, and I shiver against the cool breeze, my eyes on the vibrant colors of the maple trees.
Stryker pulls a sweatshirt from his backpack, putting it on me. I inhale his woody scent before I lean up on my tiptoes, my lips grazing the stubble on his chin. “Thank you.”
He winks. “You’re welcome.”
Mandy and I do most of the talking as we continue across campus. Stryker seems content to listen and hang on every word I say. I bask in his attention, not used to anyone giving me so much of it.
I always felt like a bother to my parents. A doll they’d pull from the shelf when it was convenient or beneficial to them.
Despite the happiness coursing through me, a nagging worry lies beneath it all.
Why do I feel something will happen to ruin it?
CHAPTER 37
Stryker
Later that afternoon, I enter Mallory’s apartment. My phone rings inside my pocket. Shooting her an apologetic look, I pull it out. Surprise and anticipation course through me when I see Zayne Morine’s name on my screen.
“I need to take this, little prey. Give me a sec?”
“Of course.” She plants a quick kiss on my lips before spinning and heading toward her bedroom. “I need to talk to Mandy, anyway.”
“Hey, Zayne. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Wanna earn some extra money?”
I love that he doesn’t waste time on pleasantries but gets straight to the point.
“I’m up for it. What’s up?”
“Remember Delaney Warner? The woman you researched?”
“Ahh, yes. Your woman.”
He pauses. “Yes and no. She used to be… now she’s… well, it’s complicated.”
“Code for there’s a bunch of unresolved shit between the two of you, yet you still want her.”
“That’s one way of putting it.” His sigh comes through the phone. “She made herself a target.”
He fills me in on what has transpired. I whistle, knowing some shit is about to go down.
“Jesus. That was a bold move on her part. What do you need me to do?”
“Help me protect her. Keep her safe while I go after her ex and brother.”
I hate the thought of leaving Mallory, but I’m willing to do this for our future together. King Morine pays exceptionally well.I can give Mallory the lifestyle she’s used to.“You got it. I can be in Green Haven in about two hours.”
“I’ll book a?—”
“Don’t worry about it, Zayne. I’ve got it. You tail Delaney and keep her safe until I get there.”
“Stryker, you’re a helluva man.”
“Appreciate it, Zayne.” I debate before deciding to go for it, knowing he likely hasn’t made the connection. “I owe you. Megan Ward was my cousin. She would have been trafficked if you hadn’t intervened.”