Page 75 of Unmasked

“The lurker?”

“Black dress pants and jacket guy.”

“Oh, yeah. Him.” She looks shaken as she hands me the book. “Yeah. Hopefully, they don’t think they suck.”

“Stop. You’re talented as fuck,” Zayne says.

I open up the sketchbook and hold it up. The guys lean closer.

“Holy fuck, Mallory.” Jaxson’s mouth is hanging open. “That’s incredible.”

“Fuck, Mallory. That’s perfection. You’re a very talented artist.”

“I agree. Hold on. Lemme show Devyn.” Ryker yells her name, and a few seconds later, Devyn appears.

“Wow. Who’s the artist who sketched that?” Her eyes are wide as she whistles. “That’s some gorgeous work.”

“My woman did it.” I lower the sketchbook, squeezing her against me.

“Holy shit. That’s amazing. I may need you to sketch Ryker and me.” Devyn smiles, kissing Ryker’s cheek.

Mallory’s face is scarlet, but she’s beaming. “Thanks. I appreciate all the love.”

“You should change your major to art,” Jaxson adds.

“You’re not an art major?” Devyn looks incredulous. “Shit, girl. You have natural talent. Change your major and blow the entire department away.” She grins and then adds, “I’m Devyn James. Ryker’s wife.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Devyn is a student at Stone Ridge University,” I tell Mallory.

“Really?” Her eyes are wide.

“Yeah, I commute to campus. We should meet up and have coffee or lunch. Or both.” Devyn’s eyes sparkle with excitement.

“I’d lovethat.”

Ryker gives me a look, and I nod, knowing everything is handled and she’ll be safe while I help Zayne.

“I’m gonna go spend time with my woman. I’ll talk to you guys later.”

They practically ignore me in their haste to say goodbye to Mallory. I don’t mind, though. I’m glad they like her so much.

As soon as I end the video call, Mallory grins at me. “I like your friends.”

“They like you, too. Zayne is the one I’m working for right now.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

I study her before I say, “Remember I told you I’m good at hacking? Well, the woman Zayne is interested in is in danger. Some of her family members are doing bad shit.”

“Do you use the dark web to find information on them?”

“Yes, as well as other resources, like their phones, laptops, computer networks.”

She nods. “Did I ever tell you how sexy it is that you’re so freaking smart?”

I grin. “No, I haven’t heard that one yet.”