Unmasked (King Morine #4)

54. Mallory

CHAPTER 54

Mallory

I look down at the designer jeans and cashmere sweater and frown before I sip my coffee. What I wouldn’t give to lounge around in sweatpants. But my mom would have a coronary.

Not like that would be a huge loss.

The doorbell rings, startling me. I set my coffee cup on the table, my heart pounding from hope and anticipation.

Could Stryker be early?

I run from the kitchen, my socks sliding on the marble flooring. I grip the wall to steady myself and continue through the foyer, my eyes on the front door as Edward pulls it open.

“Stryker.”

Edward steps to the side so I don’t mow him down as I launch myself into Stryker’s arms. He easily catches me, his smile making me feel like I’m home for the first time since I stepped foot in New York.

“Hey, little prey,” he whispers, holding me tight. “Fuck, I’ve missed you.” He buries his nose in my hair, and I melt against him, inhaling his familiar body wash and the hint of outdoors still clinging to him .

“I missed you so much.”

My mother’s shrill voice makes me tense. “Good God, Mallory. You’re making a spectacle of yourself.”

I tense, some of my happiness fading.

I’m wrapped around Stryker like a snake when he walks through the door, a wide smile on his face. He carries me to my mother and extends his hand. “You must be Mallory’s mom.”

I look at her over my shoulder.

She sneers at him, disgust on her face as she looks at the tattoos peeking from beneath the sleeve of his hoodie. “A pleasure, I’m sure.” Her disapproving gaze moves to me, snubbing Stryker. “Please get off the boy and contain yourself from now on. That kind of behavior is?—”

“I’d prefer she didn’t. Not until my hard on goes away.”

Edward snorts and covers his mouth, then quickly coughs and excuses himself.

My mother gapes at Stryker like he’s a bug that must be squashed. “Young man. That kind of language is inappropriate.”

“So is what I intend to do to her.” He grins at my mom, unbothered by her condescending attitude. “First, I have some surprises in store for your daughter.” His eyes lock with mine. “Let’s get your shoes. I have somewhere I wanna take you.”

“You can’t just waltz in here and take my daughter.”

Stryker presses his lips against mine, kissing me like he hasn’t seen me in a year.

When he pulls back, he squeezes my ass and then says to my mom, “I assure you, I can. She’s almost twenty-one years of age. An adult by anyone’s standards.” He winks at me. “Where are your shoes?”

“My room.” I point to the stairs.

He gives me a salacious smile. “Mmm. I’ll try to behave myself. ”

“Please do.” My mom walks away with a huff. “Of course, she’d like him. She’s always had poor taste in men.”

“Mother.” I glare at her as she ignores me. “Stryker is an amazing?—”

“Don’t bother, baby girl. She’s not gonna listen. Too close-minded.” His lips nuzzle my neck, and I melt. “Let’s go to your room.”

“O-Okay.”

He chuckles as he spins and heads to the stairs, still carrying me around his waist.

When we reach the top, my dad comes out of his study, frowning at us. “Mallory. What on earth are you doing?”

“Hopefully me,” Stryker deadpans, making me laugh. “My dick is as hard as a rock.”

My father gapes at us as Stryker leads in the direction I’m pointing while I howl with laughter.

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had here.” I wipe my tears when he lowers me to my feet and pulls me in for another kiss.

“Good. My only goal in this life is to make you happy.” He squeezes my ass as he kisses me, and I moan against his mouth. “Pack a bag. You’re staying with me in a hotel tonight.”

My eyes widen. “You’re fucking perfect.” I lift on my tiptoes and kiss him again before spinning and hurrying to my closet. “I can’t wait to get out of here.”