Page 80 of Unmasked
She continued talking as though I hadn’t spoken. “We’re sending Edward to pick you up. There’s a charity function on Saturday night, and I have appointments for you to be fitted for a dress. And hair and makeup, of course.”
“Mom, I?—”
“Sunday morning, we’re planning on going to the country club. Since you’ll be at the dreadful school during your birthday, your father and I figured we’d do a proper early birthday celebration. I’ll get your input on the invitations so we can send them out. We were thinking Saturday, October 26 as the date for the party.”
My head is spinning. She has everything planned out, dragging me along for the ride.
“Mom, I?—”
“Don’t worry. We’ll fit in a shopping trip to get you some respectable clothing. That will be part of your birthday present.”
“Mom,” I snap, out of patience. “I wish you would’ve asked me first.”
“I don’t need to ask you. You’re our daughter, and you’ll be here.” Her voice lowers, the icy tone freezing the blood in my veins. “We’re paying for your education. Or have you forgotten?”
The threat is clear.
I blink back tears, feeling helpless. “I haven’t forgotten,” I say through gritted teeth. “When is Edward picking me up?”
“Friday at 6:00 pm.”
“Fine. I’ll be ready.” I end the call, tears flowing down my face. Once again, I’m the pretty doll they dress up and parade around. I’m sure she’s arranged dates with a bunch of arrogant, pretty boys.
Fuck.If Stryker sees pictures of me with other guys splashed online, he’ll kill those guys.
My fingers shake as I call him.
“Hey, little prey. You must’ve read my mind. I was just getting ready to call you.”
I sniff, tears falling when I hear hisvoice.
“Baby. What’s wrong?” His voice is full of concern and a hint of fear.
“My parents,” I choke out.
“Let’s meet on Zoom. I need to see your beautiful face.” He pauses and then says, “I just sent you the link. Get on your laptop so I can see you better, okay?”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Okay. Give me a minute to get it from my backpack.”
“Okay, little prey. I’m right here. I’ll hang up once you’re on Zoom.”
I put him on speakerphone and retrieve my backpack. Once I have my laptop open, I sit on the couch and airdrop the link he sent me, clicking it and getting on Zoom.
“I hate seeing you cry.” He gives me a gentle smile. “Unless you’re choking on my dick.”
A laugh bubbles out of me. “I needed that. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, my sweet little prey. Tell me what happened.”
I reiterate the phone call with my mom, watching his face grow red from anger. His jaw is clenched, and his aquamarine eyes are hard, like an impenetrable ice sheet. “I hate that they are bossing you around like this. On the positive, I’m glad they remembered your birthday.”
I nod, trying to find the courage to get the next words out. “I’m a bit surprised they did.” I swallow hard, feeling nauseous again.
“What is it, love? I can tell something’s wrong.”
I rub my hand over my forehead to ease the headache that’s brewing. “I’m expected to attend a charity function Saturday night, which means she’s probably arranged a suitable date.”
Stryker’s jaw clenches so hard, I’m surprised his teeth don’t shatter. “No. You’remine!”