Page 68 of Unmasked
“You know them?”
“Zayne and I went to college in California. It’s where we originally started King Morine. A lot of the Hollywood elites use our equipment. Zayne and I personally oversee every install when it comes to VIPs. We installed their security system in LA and New York.”
“What do you think of them?”
“Bit self-absorbed. Always felt bad for their daughter. She seemed to be alone with tutors and nannies a lot.”
“That’s accurate. She’s not like them, though.”
Jaxson smiles. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
Zayne chimes in. “Me, too.” He nods toward the closet. “Now quit shooting the shit and get packing. Your girl is waiting.”
I’m out of my chair, rushing toward my suitcases.Time to visit my little prey.
CHAPTER 46
Mallory
“Ican’t believe you convinced me to go to a Halloween carnival.”
Mandy looks at me in disbelief. “I’m not letting you wallow, missing Stryker, in your room forever. Plus, it’s spooky season. The carnival will be perfect to get you in the Halloween spirit.”
I glance over at her, navigating the throngs of people. “I wish you would’ve given me more notice. I could’ve dressed a bit more festive.”
“Speaking of, I saw the sexiest costume at a shop near campus. It will look perfect on you. Stryker’s gonna lose his mind when he sees you wearing it.”
My heart squeezes inside my chest at the mention of his name. “I hope he finishes his job in time for my birthday.”
“Hey. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Mandy grabs my arm, concern on her face.
I force a smile to my lips. “I’m fine. Just missing him.”
“I know what you need. A funnel cake with powdered sugar and chocolate drizzled on top.”
I lick my lips. “Lead the way.”
“Let’sget on the Ferris Wheel!”
I lift my head to the brightly lit structure and shiver. “I’m not a fan of heights,” I murmur, staring at it with trepidation.
My mouth is dry at the thought of sitting in the seat, let alone being that high up in the air.
Mandy’s undeterred. Grabbing my hand, she tugs me toward it. I dig the heels of my sneakers into the pavement, but the girl is freakishly strong when she’s determined.
“It’s not that high. I’ve been on taller ones.”
“Not helping,” I mutter, staring at the monstrous ride.
A shiver of fear skates down my spine as I imagine the ride breaking and me being stuck at the very top. Or worse, the thing malfunctioning and toppling to the ground.
I can barely choke the words out, my mouth as dry as the desert. “I don’t know about this.”
“Oh, come on.”
Panic floods my limbs as she pushes me up the steps and into the seat.
I flip out. “No, I can’t… please, don’t make me.” I turn my head, my pleading eyes meeting… a masked man.