Page 88 of Unmasked
With a smile, I wrap my arms around his neck. “Let’s dance.”
“Your wish…” He lifts me, carrying me to the dance floor. “Is my command.”
When he sets me down and sways me to the beat, I whisper, “My parents are glaring at us.”
He looks at the clock on the wall. “They’re going to be pissed at midnight.”
I look at the clock as he spins me. “What happens at midnight?”
“Just wait, Cinderella.” He has a mischievous grin on his face. “You’ll find out in fifteen minutes.”
My dad grabsthe microphone from the jazz band singer. “Get your glasses of champagne. We’re going to be toasting Mallory at midnight.”
“I’ve gotta use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” Stryker kisses my cheek and hurries away. Before he leaves the room, he motions to the singer, who has the microphone in his hands, whispering something in his ear. The man nods, and Stryker disappears.
“Do you honestly think you can keep a man like him?” Eva’s viperous voice is in my ear.
I turn to her with a smile. “As obsessed as that man is with me, hell yes.” I give her a wide smile. “You should see the things he does for me.”
She snorts. “He probably thought you were a virgin and just wanted to pop your cherry. He’ll get bored and leave soon.”
“Did you get a glass of champagne yet?” I catch a waiter’s eye, beckoning him over.
“No, I haven’t.” She reaches for one, but I beat her to it.
“Here you go.” I toss the champagne right in her face. Shescreams, jumping back as I feign innocence. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Eva. I’m so clumsy at times.” I grab another glass. “Wanna try it again?”
She stomps away, her anger filling the room.
Stryker walks over to me, a big grin on his face. “Nice job, baby.”
“You saw that?”
“I walked in right as you threw it in her face.” He gives me a high-five. “Brillant, my love. I wanna hear what she said later. But right now…” The singer gestures to Stryker, who nods. “I have a surprise for you.”
We head to the stage, Stryker leading the way. Anticipation thrums through me as I wonder what he’s going to do.
He takes the mic, appearing calm and at ease. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?” There are some confused murmurs before a hush falls over the room.
My parents are glaring daggers at us, but their good manners prohibit them from making a scene.
“Thank you for coming out to celebrate this beautiful woman, Mallory Chapman. As most of you know, her birthday is on Halloween, but since she’s a brilliant college student, her parents decided to celebrate early.”
He squeezes my hand. “I’ve celebrated this woman every day since she bumped into me. Fate brought her to me, but I’m ensuring we’ll be together for an eternity.”
He drops to one knee, pulling a box from the inside pocket of his jacket. “Mallory, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
I gasp, my hands flying to my mouth. My gaze lowers to the enormous diamond ring in the blue velvet box. His hand shakes slightly, the only sign he’s nervous.
“Hell, yes.” Tears spill down my cheeks as I smile so wide my cheeks hurt. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He lets out a whoop, then removes the ring, tossing thebox over his shoulder and making me laugh. He slides it on my finger before he stands, scooping me into his arms.
The room explodes with cheers and applause. But the loudest ones are from Jaxson, Devyn, Ryker, Megan, Mandy, and Corey, who are on a large screen on the wall.
“Oh my God.” I point at them as Stryker holds me in his arms. “How did you do this?”
“With a little help from our friends and family, baby.”