Page 53 of Unmasked

“Fuck, man. I never made the connection.”

“Understandable. But I owe you.”

“Nah. You owe me nothing. I’m glad I could get there before they got her on the boat. Besides, it was your information that got me there in time.” He blows out a breath. “I’m just sorry she was that close to being trafficked.”

“You’re the best, Zayne. Seriously.”

“You, too, kid. See you soon.”

I end the call, heading toward Mallory’s voice. She’s sitting on the bed, wearing one of my sweatshirts, and my resolve falters.

She’ll understand. Tell her.

She smiles at me before ending the call. I climb on the bed beside her, hating when it falters as her gaze intently studies me.

“I have to leave for a job. I promise I’ll stay in touch. I’ll be watching the cameras to ensure you're safe.”

The sad look on her face is killing me.

“I’ll stop by and see you whenever possible, okay?” I grab her hand, kissing her knuckles. “I promise.”

She nods and climbs on my lap. “I understand. I’ll miss you.”

I squeeze her so tight she yelps. Burying my face in her hair, I say, “I’ll fucking miss the hell out of you. But I promise we’ll be in contact.”

“Okay.” She blows out a breath. “When do you need to leave?”

I look at the clock. “I need to pack a few things. It’ll take me about an hour to get there…” My eyes meet hers. “But I need to be inside you before I go.”

She yanks her shirt off. “Let’s get naked. I need you, Stryker.”

I chuckle, then grab her wrist. She pauses, curious eyes meeting mine. “I love you, Mallory. I don’t care that we’ve only known one another for seven weeks.”

Her smile is like the sun, taking my breath away and warming all the cold, dark parts of my damaged and broken heart and soul.

“I love you, Stryker.”

CHAPTER 38

Mallory

Not having Stryker around is weighing on me. It’s silly to miss him this much, but I’d gotten used to him stalking me. Since the barn incident, we’ve been inseparable. Until now.

I expect him to be waiting outside my classroom door, only to have the crushing weight of disappointment when I walk out and he’s not there. I expect him to show up everywhere I go, but he doesn’t.

As I walk to the coffee shop with Mandy, that familiar feeling of being watched assaults me. I look around but don’t see anyone.

My heart pounds faster, searching for Stryker. I pull out my phone and text him.

ME: Are you watching me?

STRYKER: I’m tracking you right now, but no. Should I be?

ME: That must be it. I felt like you were watching me. Probably wishful thinking.

STRYKER: Why don’t you put on a show for me after class ends?

ME: What do you have in mind?