Unmasked (King Morine #4)

46. Mallory

CHAPTER 46

Mallory

“ I can’t believe you convinced me to go to a Halloween carnival.”

Mandy looks at me in disbelief. “I’m not letting you wallow, missing Stryker, in your room forever. Plus, it’s spooky season. The carnival will be perfect to get you in the Halloween spirit.”

I glance over at her, navigating the throngs of people. “I wish you would’ve given me more notice. I could’ve dressed a bit more festive.”

“Speaking of, I saw the sexiest costume at a shop near campus. It will look perfect on you. Stryker’s gonna lose his mind when he sees you wearing it.”

My heart squeezes inside my chest at the mention of his name. “I hope he finishes his job in time for my birthday.”

“Hey. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Mandy grabs my arm, concern on her face.

I force a smile to my lips. “I’m fine. Just missing him.”

“I know what you need. A funnel cake with powdered sugar and chocolate drizzled on top.”

I lick my lips. “Lead the way.”

“Let’s get on the Ferris Wheel!”

I lift my head to the brightly lit structure and shiver. “I’m not a fan of heights,” I murmur, staring at it with trepidation.

My mouth is dry at the thought of sitting in the seat, let alone being that high up in the air.

Mandy’s undeterred. Grabbing my hand, she tugs me toward it. I dig the heels of my sneakers into the pavement, but the girl is freakishly strong when she’s determined.

“It’s not that high. I’ve been on taller ones.”

“Not helping,” I mutter, staring at the monstrous ride.

A shiver of fear skates down my spine as I imagine the ride breaking and me being stuck at the very top. Or worse, the thing malfunctioning and toppling to the ground.

I can barely choke the words out, my mouth as dry as the desert. “I don’t know about this.”

“Oh, come on.”

Panic floods my limbs as she pushes me up the steps and into the seat.

I flip out. “No, I can’t… please, don’t make me.” I turn my head, my pleading eyes meeting… a masked man.

I blink, staring at the red purge mask.

Stryker’s laugh fills my ears at my stunned expression. He pulls the mask off, a huge smile on his face.

“Stryker.” I fling myself in his arms, not caring that I’m on this death trap of a Ferris Wheel.

“Hey, little prey.” He hugs me so tightly that he takes my breath away.

When he loosens his grip, I pull back, happiness lighting up my insides. “How are you here?”

He grins. “My boss gave me time off. I wanted to surprise you….”

“Where’s Mandy?”

He points to a car near us. She waves, and I grin, waving back when I see Jeremy beside her.

“I was behind you and Mandy when you said you’re afraid of heights.” Before I can move, Stryker has my seat belt snapped into place. Panic floods me as I realize the door is shut, and the ride begins to move.

“I can’t do this.” My skin flushes, and sweat runs down my back, making my shirt stick to my skin. I squeeze my eyes shut, gripping Stryker’s leg for dear life.

“Little prey. Look at me.”

I shake my head. “I-I c-can’t.” I’m having difficulties drawing a full breath. My hands go numb before they tingle while my heartbeat thrashes in my ears.

“Baby, open your eyes.” Stryker’s voice is deep and commanding.

My eyes fly open as my body trembles. “I-I’m s-scared.”

“Just focus on me. Look into my eyes.” Stryker cups my face. “Breathe in… and out.”

I stare into his eyes, doing as he says.

“Do you trust me to protect you, little prey?”

I nod, a slight smile curling my lips.

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” His earnest expression has me in a chokehold.

“I’d die for you, Mallory. You’re my entire world. When I think about what I want my future to look like, all I see is you and me.”

I exhale, my muscles loosening. “Really?”

“Really.” His thumbs stroke my cheeks. “I’m not kidding when I say I’ve never felt what I feel for you. If this isn’t love, I don’t know what the hell is. Every beat of my heart is for you. Every breath I take belongs to you.”

“Stryker.” Tears fill my eyes as I wrap my hands around his forearms.

“Fly with me, little prey.” He points, and I follow his finger, gasping as I realize we’re at the top and the beauty of the carnival is spread below us.

“Kiss me if you love me,” he whispers.

I turn my head, my eyes shining. I press my lips against his, winding my arms around his neck.

He moans against my mouth, returning my kiss with equal fervor.

I forget everything except how right his lips feel against mine. How safe I feel in his arms. He ended my panic attack and got me over my fear of heights.

When the ride ends, he pulls back, his eyes dancing. “You wanna get off or go again?”

“If by get off you mean your hand is gonna find its way inside my pants, then we’re staying on this ride.”

He chuckles. “Naughty little prey.” He rubs his nose against my cheek. “One condition.”

“What’s that?”

He holds up the red purge mask. “You have to wear this while I finger you.”

I yank it from his fingers and pull it over my head. He laughs harder than I’ve ever heard.

“I fulfilled my end of the bargain. Your turn.”

His hand slides inside my yoga pants and then beneath the fabric of my panties. When he finds my clit, I cry out, but the mask muffles it.

Stryker hears it, his low moan turning me on. “I want you to stare out over the park as I play with your pussy.” He plunges two fingers inside me while his thumb circles my clit. “Take a look around. Describe the things you see,” he rasps from beside me.

I swallow hard. “Brightly colored lights everywhere. The funnel cake stand over there. Some games…” My breath hitches as he moves his fingers faster. “O-Over there.”

“What do you hear?”

“Excited screams. Laughter. Your groans and voice.”

He chuckles in my ear, and my skin erupts with goosebumps. “Oh, little prey. Soon, it’ll be your screams I hear.”

I roll my hips against his hand. “Stryker.” My face is hot beneath the mask.

“You look beautiful wearing my mask while I’m fingering you.” His thumb presses harder on my clit, rubbing faster. My legs shake as the pleasure builds.

My hand curls into his muscular thigh. “Fuck, it feels good.”

“You wanna come for me, little prey?”

I nod vigorously, unable to speak as I gasp for air.

“Use your words.”

“Yes.” I turn my head, staring into his eyes. “Please make me come.”

He curls his fingers inside me, rubbing my clit faster, and I explode, falling apart in the seat of the Ferris Wheel. I scream his name, and he groans into my ear. “That’s my good girl. Coming all over my fingers.”

I moan and whimper, my body shaking from the intense orgasm.

When I stop shaking, he adjusts my panties and pulls his hand out. He shoves his fingers into his mouth, licking my juices. “I cured you of your fear of heights.” He gives me a smug smile, pulling the mask from my head.

I suck in a breath of cool air, nodding at him. “That thing is hot. How did you not pass out while wearing that?”

Stryker chuckles. “I’ve overheated a few times. But it turns you on whenever I wear it. I always give you what you want.”