Page 64 of Unmasked
A lazy smile curls my lips. “Good answer.”
He slides out of me and then rolls me onto my side. He sits up, removes my heels, then pulls me into his arms.
“Mmmm. I love that you take care of me.”
“I always will, Mallory. Forever.”
CHAPTER 44
Stryker
The memory of Mallory waving goodbye, her face despondent, stuck with me the entire drive back to Green Haven.
I’d never back down from a commitment, especially one I made to Zayne Morine, but damn, my heart is broken in two. Even though I’ll see her again in four days, I’m miserable without her.
You’re doing this for her. You’ll be able to take care of her the way she deserves.I yawn, reaching over and turning up the volume of the music playing in my truck.You’ll no longer be the trailer trash boy. The poor son whose father is a murderer.
I’m exhausted and can barely keep my eyes open when I arrive in Green Haven. But I can’t sleep yet.
I meet Zayne in the coffee shop. His dark eyes quickly assess me. “You look like shit.”
Shrugging, I place my order. “I’m tired. I’ll be fine.”
After we get our coffees, Zayne levels me with a look. “I was your age once, too. Thought I was invincible. Chose pussy over sleep.”
I frown. “She’s not pussy.”
“Ahh. She means something to you.”
After taking a long drink, I look him in the eyes. “She’s everything to me.”
A smile spreads across his face. “I get it. Just make sure you’re focused, okay? I’m counting on you, kid.”
My chest swells with the compliment. “I won’t let you down.”
Two nights later,I’m standing outside the bookstore when Mallory texts me. Although I’d been tired and cranky, my mood brightens when I see her name.
LITTLE PREY: Are you watching me again?
I frown, reading her text a second time. A sense of foreboding washes over me.
I’ve been watching Delaney, who went inside the bookstore. A strange car is parked across the street, and I’ve been watching it.
ME: No, baby. Why?
I’m trying not to alarm her, even though I’m panicking.Is someone stalking my girl?
LITTLE PREY: I felt like someone was watching me. Probably just my imagination.
Her text does not reassure me, but I don’t want to worry her, mainly because I’m an hour away.
ME: It’s probably because I’m thinking about you. Are you being careful?
LITTLE PREY: Always, love.
LITTLE PREY: Do you have someone watching me? I saw him by the tree, wearing a suit. He needs to blend in better.
What the fuck is she talking about. I don’t have anyone watching her.