Page 76 of Unmasked
Her hands flatten against my bare chest. “I’m in love with a hotter-than-hell, mask-wearing thirst trap who is wickedly smart.” Her fingertips glide over my tattoos, stopping at the one over my heart. “He even has my name tattooed on his chest.”
I lift her in my arms so she straddles my waist. “You occupy every piece of my blackened heart.”
Her fingertips glide over her name on my chest. “Your heart isn’t black, Stryker.”
I raise my brows. “Didn’t you call me an unhinged stalker?”
She giggles. “Yes, you are those things. But you’re so much more.”
Her hands move to my cheeks, cupping them. “You have so much love in your big, beautiful heart. In less than two months, you’ve removed every bit of the emptiness I used to feel. Your love gives me courage. You helped me overcome my fear of heights. Because of you, I started drawing again, even after my mom said I had no talent, and I swore I’d never do it again.”
“I don’t hit women, but your mom makes me wanna smack her.” My hands squeeze her ass. “I’ve told you before that you’re perfect.”
Tears fill her eyes. “I love you, Stryker.”
“I love you, Mallory Ward.”
She giggles, shaking her head. “Technically, that’s incorrect. I’m the future Mrs. Mallory Ward.Afteryou put a ring on it.”
I grin and hold my phone up. “Alexa, remind me tomorrow to buy an engagement ring.”
She swats me, laughing. “You’re crazy.”
“Very. I’m insane over you, little prey.” I rub my nose against hers. “We’re having lunch with Megan in three hours.”
“I’m excited to meet your cousin. Beyond just making small talk about the weather.”
“Guess what we’re going to do before that?”
“What?”
“Decorate your apartment for Halloween.”
She looks confused.“But I don’t have any decorations.”
There’s a knock on her door, and I smile, lowering her to her feet. “I have a surprise.”
I open the door, and Mandy and Jeremy step inside, their arms laden with bags. “Surprise.”
“Oh, my God. This is amazing! Thank you so much.”
Mandy smiles. “Thank Stryker for this. He paid for this. And picked out a few things.”
“That’s the great thing about ordering online. You can pick it up in the store.” I wink at my woman.
“Stryker.” Mallory throws her arms around me with a squeal. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, little prey. Let’s decorate.”
CHAPTER 50
Mallory
Stryker introduced me to Corey so I wouldn’t be alarmed when he followed me.
After Stryker left, I returned to my apartment and sat on the couch, hugging one of the Halloween pillows he bought me. I surveyed my festively decorated living room, my heart squeezing in my chest that he did something so thoughtful.
A few minutes later, my doorbell rang.