Unmasked (King Morine #4)

48. Stryker

CHAPTER 48

Stryker

“ I need to ask you something, little prey.”

She sits at the table, wearing my sweatshirt, her hair tousled from being thoroughly fucked. I want to see her like this every single day.

But duty calls, and our time is running short. “Tell me about the times you felt you were being watched.”

She pauses with a forkful of pancake halfway to her mouth. “You mean the guy in the black pants and jacket? That was a strange outfit to wear on a college campus. Especially to hide beside a tree.”

My mouth goes dry as I stare at her. “When did you see this guy?” My voice is tight, and my veins jump against my forearms from the adrenaline coursing through me.

She stops chewing the bite of pancake in her mouth, taking in my tense posture and how tightly I’m grasping the fork.

Chewing and swallowing, her face pales. “I thought he was someone you had watching me while you were gone.”

I shake my head. “I’m gonna need every detail.”

She holds up a finger. “Hold that thought.” She pushes her chair back and hurries down the hallway. I watch her bare legs until I can no longer see them, my dick swelling in my sweatpants, even though I’m furious someone has been watching my girl.

She returns with a white pad of paper and some charcoal pencils. She plops into the chair, pushing her plate aside.

I lean over, watching her work in amazement. “How did I not know you can draw?”

She looks up at me, her cheeks pink. “My parents hated it. They called it a ridiculous hobby that was never gonna lead anywhere. And they said I had no talent.”

Rage pounds against my temples. “I’d like to smack your parents.”

“Get in line.” The pencil moves furiously against the paper, the faint scratching sound filling the room. “I’m first.”

I snort. She looks up at me and smiles.

A few minutes later, she rips the sheet from the pad. “Here you go.”

I study the drawing, my eyes widening in amazement. “Holy shit, Mallory. You’re fucking talented as hell.”

“You think so?” She bites her lip, twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

I set it down, reach over, and pull her onto my lap. “I know so. You have a gift.”

Her blush deepens. “I’ve been sketching since you left. It helps pass the time.”

I frown. “I haven’t seen you sketch.”

She laughs. “Freaking stalker. I haven’t been doing it here. Mostly in class when I have trouble focusing. I draw and listen to the professor drone on. When I’m in the coffee shop or library, I sometimes sketch things if I’m distracted or sad.”

“Can I see more?”

Her face is scarlet. Long lashes rest on her cheeks as she fidgets with the hem of my sweatshirt she’s wearing. “Ummm… They’re mostly of you.”

My smile is wide. “Show me. Please.”

She looks up, astonished. “I’ve never heard you beg.”

“I only beg you.” I slide my nose along her face and to her ear. She squirms and laughs, trying to escape. I’ll never let her go. “Do you want me to beg?”

Her breath hitches before it rapidly accelerates. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll show you the drawings. But you have to agree to let me tie you up and beg me to suck your cock.”

“Jesus. I’m ready to do it now.” I stand with her in my arms, and she laughs.

“First, the drawings. I need some rope to tie you up.”

“I have some in my truck.”

“I’m not asking.”

“Better if you don’t.” I kiss her, carrying her from the kitchen. “Where are they?”

“I keep them hidden in my closet.”

I carry her back to her bedroom, setting her on her feet in front of her closet. She bites her lip and looks at me, her hand on the door. “Promise you won’t laugh? If they’re dumb, please don’t tell me.”

“I won’t laugh. I can assure you.” I grab her and kiss her. “I know they’ll be perfect. Like you.”

She pushes a lock of hair back with a shaky hand. “Okay. Here goes.” She opens the closet door, reaches up, pulls out a sketchbook, and hands it to me. “I-I can’t look.”

I grab her, pulling her to the bed. Setting her on my knee, I open the book, sucking in a breath. “You drew me wearing the mask.” I stare at it in amazement.

She captured me sitting in the chair, shirtless, wearing the purge mask.

Her talent mesmerizes me as I flip through drawing after drawing of me. In the first several pictures, I wore the mask. Later, she drew a series of me taking it off. The last one is a full view of my face.

“All the detail.” I run my finger along the pages lovingly. “Jesus, Mallory. You need to do something with this talent. You can’t let this go to waste.”

Her eyes sparkle with a mixture of happiness and awe. “You think?”

“Change your damn major, my little prey. Or don’t bother with college.”

“It’s probably better if I’d have formal schooling. I’m self-taught.”

“That makes you even more special. These are incredible.” I nod at the sketchbook. “Can I keep this?”

“Yeah… but just let me do one more before you leave. I want it to be a surprise, so I will need a room where you don’t have cameras.”

I grin. “I’ll turn off the ones in the living room. Will that work?”

She nods. “I can pretty much draw anywhere, so yeah.”

“I need to talk to Ryker, Jaxson, and Zayne about the guy you drew. I’ll call them while you draw… if that isn’t too much pressure?”

Her smile is blindingly beautiful. “No, I’d rather do it now while the image is clear.”

“You are amazingly talented. I’m not kidding.” I kiss her again. “I love you.”

She throws her arms around me, squeezing me tight, before pulling back. The happiness shining on her face heals me. All the scars from my past fade as she infuses me with her light.

“I love you, Stryker.”