Page 69 of Unmasked
I blink, staring at the red purge mask.
Stryker’s laugh fills my ears at my stunned expression. He pulls the mask off, a huge smile on his face.
“Stryker.” I fling myself in his arms, not caring that I’m on this death trap of a Ferris Wheel.
“Hey, little prey.” He hugs me so tightly that he takes my breath away.
When he loosens his grip, I pull back, happiness lighting up my insides. “How are you here?”
He grins. “My boss gave me time off. I wanted to surprise you….”
“Where’sMandy?”
He points to a car near us. She waves, and I grin, waving back when I see Jeremy beside her.
“I was behind you and Mandy when you said you’re afraid of heights.” Before I can move, Stryker has my seat belt snapped into place. Panic floods me as I realize the door is shut, and the ride begins to move.
“I can’t do this.” My skin flushes, and sweat runs down my back, making my shirt stick to my skin. I squeeze my eyes shut, gripping Stryker’s leg for dear life.
“Little prey. Look at me.”
I shake my head. “I-I c-can’t.” I’m having difficulties drawing a full breath. My hands go numb before they tingle while my heartbeat thrashes in my ears.
“Baby, open your eyes.” Stryker’s voice is deep and commanding.
My eyes fly open as my body trembles. “I-I’m s-scared.”
“Just focus on me. Look into my eyes.” Stryker cups my face. “Breathe in… and out.”
I stare into his eyes, doing as he says.
“Do you trust me to protect you, little prey?”
I nod, a slight smile curling my lips.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” His earnest expression has me in a chokehold.
“I’d die for you, Mallory. You’re my entire world. When I think about what I want my future to look like, all I see is you and me.”
I exhale, my muscles loosening. “Really?”
“Really.” His thumbs stroke my cheeks. “I’m not kidding when I say I’ve never felt what I feel for you. If this isn’t love, I don’t know what the hell is. Every beat of my heart is for you. Every breath I take belongs to you.”
“Stryker.” Tears fill my eyes as I wrap my hands around his forearms.
“Fly with me, little prey.” He points, and I follow hisfinger, gasping as I realize we’re at the top and the beauty of the carnival is spread below us.
“Kiss me if you love me,” he whispers.
I turn my head, my eyes shining. I press my lips against his, winding my arms around his neck.
He moans against my mouth, returning my kiss with equal fervor.
I forget everything except how right his lips feel against mine. How safe I feel in his arms. He ended my panic attack and got me over my fear of heights.
When the ride ends, he pulls back, his eyes dancing. “You wanna get off or go again?”
“If by get off you mean your hand is gonna find its way inside my pants, then we’re staying on this ride.”