Unmasked (King Morine #4)

51. Mallory

CHAPTER 51

Mallory

M y phone rings later that night, and I snatch it up, thinking it’s Stryker. But I’m stunned when I see my mom’s name on the screen.

“Hello.”

“Hi, Mallory, It’s Mom.”

I already know who it is, but I don’t say anything, knowing she’ll bitch that I’m being sarcastic. I paste a fake smile on my face, hoping it comes through in my voice. “How are you?”

“I’m doing great. Your father and I have a slight break before returning to Los Angeles.”

“That’s great, Mom. I?—”

“I know fall break is next week. I’d like you to visit New York and spend time with us.”

“Oh.” I squirm, my mind whirling. How do I get out of this? “I’d planned on staying here and?—”

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 his voice.

“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’re mine ! ”

“I am yours. The only person I want is you.” A long sigh falls from my lips. “But I don’t know how to get out of this.”

“Fuck.” He grabs his phone, his fingers flying over the keys. “I can’t get to New York this Saturday, babe.”

“Stryker, don’t jeopardize your job over this.” My mind is racing. I sit up straight. “What about Corey? I can have him act like my fake boyfriend. Very minimal touching, I promise.”

He growls, still looking pissed.

“I can tell my mom he’s a good friend. He looks preppy enough they’d buy it, especially if we make up a story and say he’s from a wealthy family.”

“I still don’t like it.” He drums his fingers, looking angry as hell. “But I like this idea better than you with some other clown I don’t know.”

“You know the only man I want is you.”

His face softens. “I know.” He smiles as he looks at his phone. “I saved the picture Megan took of us as my wallpaper.” He holds it up so I can see the screen.

“Me, too.” I hold up my phone, and his smile widens.

“Zayne responded. I’ll drive to New York on Friday. I’ll be your date for your birthday party.”

“Really?” I bounce up and down on the couch, glowing with excitement. “Please tell Zayne thanks.”

“Hold on.” Stryker’s laughing while doing something on his phone.

A few minutes later, Zayne stands by his truck. “Stryker says you wanted to tell me something.”

I can’t contain my excitement. “Thank you so much for letting Stryker off so he can come to New York for my birthday party.”

Zayne chuckles. “I’m not a total asshole.” His face grows serious. “Stryker told me what they’re doing. It’s not right, Mallory. I’ll arrange for Corey to be your date. Tell me the function name and where it is so I can get him in. ”

“I’ll get those details. Just give me a minute… Edward will know.”

“If I didn’t already have him involved in something this weekend, I’d let him be your date to the charity event.”

“I understand. It was sprung on me at the last minute.” Irritation blooms through me. “My birthday party will be interesting. If my parents see Stryker’s tattoos, they’ll have a melt down.”

“I’ll be shirtless at breakfast.” Stryker gives me a devious grin. “Maybe I should wear gray sweatpants without boxers.”

“Hell no. If anyone else sees your dick other than me, I’ll go on a murder spree.”

Zayne throws his head back, howling with laughter. “I’ve gotta go. I have a brunette to stalk.” He winks at us, holding up the Michael Myers mask. “I wanna hear all the details, Stryker. Later, Mallory.”

“You bet.”

“Bye, Zayne.”

Once he’s gone, I giggle. “Of course, your employer is also a stalker.”

“Birds of a feather…” He winks at me. “Feeling better?”

“Definitely.” I cock my head, a flirty smile teasing my lips. “Although there’s one thing you could do that would really cheer me up.”

His eyes heat, incinerating me through the screen. “You want a thirst trap video, don’t you?”

“You know it.”

“I’ll send you one.” He winks at me. “Anything to take the sadness from my little prey’s eyes.”

I blow him a kiss. “I love you, Stryker.”

“I love you.”