Unmasked (King Morine #4)

17. Mallory

CHAPTER 17

Mallory

I t’s Labor Day weekend, and most students are excitedly chattering about going away. Since I don’t want to see my family, I plan to stay on campus.

As I enter the building for my final class of the day, my phone beeps inside the pocket of my jeans. I pull it out, an involuntary smile crossing my face.

UNKNOWN: Why so sad, little prey? Do you miss me that much?

ME: Considering you always seem to be lurking around, how can I miss you?

UNKNOWN: Gotta keep you safe. I told you that.

I roll my eyes. I’m feeling feisty and defiant as I type my response.

ME: You’re not doing a very good job. You haven’t done shit to protect me from you.

UNKNOWN: Oh, you have no idea how much I’ve restrained myself.

ME: Yet you somehow snuck inside my apartment and put a hickey on my breast.

UNKNOWN: Where’s your proof I did that, little prey?

ME: I don’t need proof. I just know it was you.

UNKNOWN: Or you want it to be me but it was someone else that I need to find and kill.

Oh, God. The thought of having two stalkers… no. He’s playing games. I know it’s him.

ME: You aren’t going to kill anyone.

UNKNOWN: You sure about that?

ME: Would you?

My hands tremble as I wait for his response. He isn’t capable of murder, right?

UNKNOWN: I’d do anything to keep you safe.

ME: Your response is not reassuring. You’d kill for me?

UNKNOWN: Wouldn’t you kill for the one who means everything to you?

What the hell ?

Opening the door, my thoughts spin wildly, trying to figure out how to respond to this psycho.

ME: You don’t know me. How can I mean everything to you?

UNKNOWN: You’re in denial. Stop fighting it, little prey. You’re wasting time and energy.

ME: I think you need to get your head examined. The campus has a counseling center you can go to.

UNKNOWN: I think it’s my cock that needs to be examined. By your mouth.

Jesus! My heart pounds faster from his dirty words.

Stop letting him affect you like this. This guy is unhinged.

ME: My mouth won’t be examining your cock. Stop messaging me.

I tuck my phone in my pocket, shaking my head. I wish I didn’t feel so damn titillated by an unknown stranger.

I bite my lip as I walk down the hallway, listing his bad qualities.

He’s infuriating and possessive.

Unhinged and domineering.

Caring and considerate.

Goddamn intrusive thought.

I sigh, dejection washing over me as I enter the classroom. No matter how I frame it, I’m drawn to him. I’m intrigued, craving more. It’s foolish and dangerous yet heady and exciting.

Pulling my phone from my pocket before sliding into my seat, I spot another text from him.

UNKNOWN: You like it or you wouldn’t be smiling like that.

ME: Stalking is a crime.

UNKNOWN: Is it? Good thing I’m not stalking you. *Smiles*

ME: You’re a stalker, which makes you a criminal. *Smiles back*

UNKNOWN: You must like criminals then. *Grins*

ME: No, I like nice, normal guys.

UNKNOWN: Bullshit. Bet your pussy is wet from our banter.

ME: Bet you won’t find out.

UNKNOWN: Sounds like a challenge. I never back down from one of those.

I roll my eyes, setting my phone aside as the professor walks in.

He’s all talk.

I open my laptop, trying to push all thoughts of him aside.

But what if he’s not?