Unmasked (King Morine #4)

56. Mallory

CHAPTER 56

Mallory

I ’m clinging to Stryker’s hand, my palm sweating as my bravado fades.

My mom is going to be pissed as hell, and I know I’m going to pay for this stunt later.

Thank goodness they can’t revoke my tuition and fees. It’s too late in the semester for a refund.

Stryker squeezes my hand. “It’s okay, baby. I’m right here, shoulder to shoulder with you. They can’t hurt you.”

I smile up at him, my anxiety lessening. “You’re right. I’m an adult. If they revoke my tuition next semester, I’ll find another way to pay for it.”

Stryker clears his throat, looking at me from beneath lowered brows.

“I hate the thought of taking money from you.”

“Even if you’re my wife?”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“As a heart attack.”

“Mallory Ward,” I muse aloud. “It sounds natural. Even better than my current last name. ”

“It’s fate. We’re meant to be.” He squeezes my hand, nodding at my parent’s front door. “You ready?”

“Let’s do this.”

Edward has a shit-eating grin on his face when he opens the door. “Good evening, Miss Mallory and Mr. Stryker.” He winks at us, his voice a whisper. “That was the most entertainment I’ve had in a decade. I can’t wait to see the fireworks tonight.”

Then he adopts his usual somber look, but his eyes twinkle with mischief as he gestures. “Please, come inside.”

“Thank you, Edward.” I kiss his cheek and whisper, “Brace yourself.”

Stryker heartily shakes Edward’s hand. “I’m not letting these fuckers off the hook for the way they treated my woman.”

I hear Edward say, “I like you, Stryker. You’re good for Miss Mallory. I’ve never seen her so happy.”

My parents stand a few feet away, scowling at us.

As we approach them, I cling to Stryker’s hand, my shoulders back and my spine straight. “Hello, mother. Father.”

My mom looks me up and down. “What are you wearing?” she hisses.

“She looks stunning, doesn’t she?” Stryker twirls me around, giving my mom the full effect.

“No, she looks like a cheap tramp.”

“Danelle,” my father admonishes. He gives me a disapproving look. “Why don’t you go to your room and change into the dress your mother bought for you?”

I release Stryker’s hand, my hands moving to my hips. “No.” Defiance flashes in my eyes. “I love this dress, and Stryker does too. It’s my birthday celebration, and I’m an adult who can wear whatever the hell I want.”

My father scowls at me before his expression transforms into his usual smile. “We’ll discuss this later. The guests are arriving.” He levels Stryker and me with a look. “I expect the two of you to be on your best behavior.”

My mom stomps closer. “At least he’s wearing a tux.” She sneers at him. “Heed my husband’s warning.”

Stryker rolls his eyes and throws his arm around me. “Your daughter picked out my tux. Regarding your husband’s warning, I’ll listen when he shows his daughter the respect she’s due. And as for you…” He steps closer to my mom. She shrinks back, her hands fluttering to her pearl necklace. “I’ll respect you as soon as you apologize to your daughter for the shitty way you treat her.” He flashes her an insincere smile. “I suspect both will happen when there’s a cold day in hell.”

A waiter walks by with a tray of champagne. Stryker snags two glasses and hands one to me. “Here’s to a night full of misdeeds and shenanigans.”

I laugh, clinking my glass with his. “To misdeeds and shenanigans with the man I love.”

“Yuck.” My mom strolls past us with her head held high, nose in the air.

Stryker shrugs, his eyes on me as he lifts his glass to his lips. “Don’t listen to them. You’re fucking stunning as hell.”

I do a little curtsey before lifting my glass to my lips. “Thank you, my love. You look dashing in that tux.” After taking a drink, I lean forward and whisper, “I can’t wait to get you out of it.”

“I can’t wait to get you out of that dress.”

Stryker and I circulate amongst the guests. I proudly introduce him as my boyfriend to everyone in attendance. He squeezes me against him and engages in polite conversation with the guests.

Walking away from the older couple we’d just been chatting with, I groan and nod at the entrance. “There’s Eva Monroe. She thinks every woman envies her, and every man wants to fuck her.”

“Not me.” Stryker eyes her with disdain. His face softens when he looks at me. “She doesn’t hold a candle to you, little prey.”

I shiver. “Have I told you how much I love that nickname?”

“Oh, I know you love it. Your pupils dilate, and your eyes become glassy every time I say it.” He leans over and murmurs, “Little prey,” in my ear.

I can’t contain the shivers and goosebumps that assault my body. “You need to stop before I do something scandalous, like dry humping you right here.”

Stryker throws his head back and laughs. “Imagine your parents’ faces.”

“They’d have a stroke.”

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Mallory Chapman.” Eva’s voice is like nails on a chalkboard. “What a cute little dress.” Her mocha eyes move to Stryker, drinking him in from head to toe. “And who is this?”

“Stryker Ward. Mallory’s boyfriend.” His eyes are on mine as his hand slides to my ass, squeezing it. “Although I hope to change that status to fiancé very soon.”

Eva’s vile laugh makes my skin crawl. “Seriously? You’re interested in that mousy doormat?”

“Mousy doormat?” I glare at her, eying her with disdain. “At least I’m not a vapid whore. ”

Stryker laughs behind me. “There’s nothing mousy about my strawberry blonde firecracker.”

Eva snorts. “Firecracker? Yeah, right. I’ll bet she’s nothing but a bore in bed.”

“Hardly. She keeps me busy chasing and fucking her in the woods. The girl can deep throat my big cock like a fucking pro.” He pulls me closer, his lips gliding over my neck, making me shiver. “She fucks better than any porn star I’ve ever watched.”

I’m glad I don’t have a drink in my mouth, or I would’ve spit it out from the incredulous shock on Eva’s face. She’s paralyzed for a few beats before she folds her arms over her ample chest, a skeptical look on her face. “Yeah, right.”

“Believe what you want, Eva. All I know is I’ll be tying him up later while he’s wearing a purge mask, begging me to suck his dick and fuck him.” I give her a fake smile. “If you’ll excuse us…” I pull Stryker over to the McCormick’s and introduce him.

“You were amazing.” Stryker smiles down at me, holding me possessively by his side.

“So were you.” My brows furrow. “Were you just saying those things? You know, about me fucking better than any porn star you’ve watched.”

“Mallory, despite my appearance, I’ve only fucked three women in my lifetime. One of which is you.” He tucks a loose curl behind my ear. “You’re by far the most amazing woman I’ve ever fucked. And I’m not kidding about watching porn. I’ve done plenty of that. They fake it. But not you. You’re all in, giving and taking.”

“Thank you. I needed to hear that. Not because of her…” I sneer in Eva’s direction. “I’ve had doubts but didn’t know how to bring it up.”

“You can ask me anything. I’ll always be honest with you. ”

With a smile, I wrap my arms around his neck. “Let’s dance.”

“Your wish…” He lifts me, carrying me to the dance floor. “Is my command.”

When he sets me down and sways me to the beat, I whisper, “My parents are glaring at us.”

He looks at the clock on the wall. “They’re going to be pissed at midnight.”

I look at the clock as he spins me. “What happens at midnight?”

“Just wait, Cinderella.” He has a mischievous grin on his face. “You’ll find out in fifteen minutes.”

My dad grabs the microphone from the jazz band singer. “Get your glasses of champagne. We’re going to be toasting Mallory at midnight.”

“I’ve gotta use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” Stryker kisses my cheek and hurries away. Before he leaves the room, he motions to the singer, who has the microphone in his hands, whispering something in his ear. The man nods, and Stryker disappears.

“Do you honestly think you can keep a man like him?” Eva’s viperous voice is in my ear.

I turn to her with a smile. “As obsessed as that man is with me, hell yes.” I give her a wide smile. “You should see the things he does for me.”

She snorts. “He probably thought you were a virgin and just wanted to pop your cherry. He’ll get bored and leave soon.”

“Did you get a glass of champagne yet?” I catch a waiter’s eye, beckoning him over.

“No, I haven’t.” She reaches for one, but I beat her to it.

“Here you go.” I toss the champagne right in her face. She screams, jumping back as I feign innocence. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Eva. I’m so clumsy at times.” I grab another glass. “Wanna try it again?”

She stomps away, her anger filling the room.

Stryker walks over to me, a big grin on his face. “Nice job, baby.”

“You saw that?”

“I walked in right as you threw it in her face.” He gives me a high-five. “Brillant, my love. I wanna hear what she said later. But right now…” The singer gestures to Stryker, who nods. “I have a surprise for you.”

We head to the stage, Stryker leading the way. Anticipation thrums through me as I wonder what he’s going to do.

He takes the mic, appearing calm and at ease. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?” There are some confused murmurs before a hush falls over the room.

My parents are glaring daggers at us, but their good manners prohibit them from making a scene.

“Thank you for coming out to celebrate this beautiful woman, Mallory Chapman. As most of you know, her birthday is on Halloween, but since she’s a brilliant college student, her parents decided to celebrate early.”

He squeezes my hand. “I’ve celebrated this woman every day since she bumped into me. Fate brought her to me, but I’m ensuring we’ll be together for an eternity.”

He drops to one knee, pulling a box from the inside pocket of his jacket. “Mallory, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

I gasp, my hands flying to my mouth. My gaze lowers to the enormous diamond ring in the blue velvet box. His hand shakes slightly, the only sign he’s nervous.

“Hell, yes.” Tears spill down my cheeks as I smile so wide my cheeks hurt. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He lets out a whoop, then removes the ring, tossing the box over his shoulder and making me laugh. He slides it on my finger before he stands, scooping me into his arms.

The room explodes with cheers and applause. But the loudest ones are from Jaxson, Devyn, Ryker, Megan, Mandy, and Corey, who are on a large screen on the wall.

“Oh my God.” I point at them as Stryker holds me in his arms. “How did you do this?”

“With a little help from our friends and family, baby.”

I shake my head, beaming at him. My hands cup his face. “I love you with every piece of me, Stryker. And I can’t wait to be your wife.”

He spins me around, making me laugh. “I love you with all of me, Mallory. You own me, forever.”