Unmasked (King Morine #4)

52. Stryker

CHAPTER 52

Stryker

I threaten Corey, ensuring he understands that Mallory is mine. By the time I’m finished, he looks like he’s ready to piss his pants.

“Goddamn. Don’t make him quit.” Zayne shakes his head as I end the Zoom call with Corey. “I need to talk to you about something.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

He launches into the story of Luca Federico’s past, leading to the present revenge gig he’s in the midst of. “Jaxson and I knew Antonio, his father. It’s important we go to Devil’s Den to ensure everything goes without a hitch. We can’t risk Luca getting hurt—or worse.”

“Man, that sucks. I feel bad for the guy.” I sit back in my chair regarding Zayne. “Whatever you need, just ask.”

“I need you to keep an eye on Delaney. Once I return, I’ll implement the final stages of my plan against Richard and his cronies. While I’m gone, I can’t risk anything happening to her.”

“Of course. I’ll keep an eye on Delaney.”

Zayne grows uncharacteristically serious. “You remind me of me in some ways. You feel for Mallory what I felt for Delaney in high school.” His eyes darken. “Don’t let anything come between you. Delaney and I lost fifteen years together because of secrets and lies. They’ll drive you apart if you let them.”

“I’ve been frank about my past. She knows about my dad…” A lump fills my throat as soon as I mention him. “When I first became obsessed with Mallory, I worried I was like him. Even though he didn’t stick around long, I have half his genes.”

“Just because you have half his genes doesn’t mean you’re like him. Hell, my dad was an amazing person. Look at me. I’ve killed more people than I care to admit.”

Zayne grabs the bottle of water on the table and takes a swig. “You’ve gotta do what you gotta do to protect the ones you love. It’s only problematic when you do it because of an unquenchable thirst.”

I nod. “So even though I’ve killed for Mallory….”

“You took out two assholes who wanted to hurt her and would have, had it not been for you. That’s protection, not an unquenchable thirst for blood.”

My fears have finally been eased. “Thanks, Zayne.”

He holds out his fist, and I bump it. “Anytime, kid.” He stands. “I’ll give you instructions before I leave. In the meantime, keep churning away on that research you found, but make sure you find time to get Mallory a gift.”

“I wanna get her the perfect present.”

“I’d give her something to encourage her to keep drawing.” He nods to the drawing she did of her and me, which I framed and propped on my desk. “I’d also figure out what kind of diamond she likes.” Zayne winks at me.

“Great idea. Maybe I should propose during the birthday party her parents are throwing for her.”

Zayne laughs. “Oh, that’ll get shit stirred up.” He grabs the empty water bottle and tosses it in the trash. “Since you’re serious about her, I’ll send you some maps of the property Jaxson and I own. We own a lot of land if you want to build and live near us.”

“It’s a great location. Not far from SRU.”

He heads to the door of my hotel room. “I’ll talk to you before you leave for New York.”

I put my hands behind my head, imagining Mallory in a wedding dress. My breath hitches, and my heart squeezes inside my chest.

Zayne’s right. I need to put a ring on it.