Page 19 of Unmasked

He slides closer to me so I can see his screen. We review my class schedule and his availability, then schedule appointments through the end of November.

Once that’s done, he pulls up a document with some questions. “For the oral part, I’ll read the questions aloud.Don’t think too deeply about the questions. Go with your gut response, okay?”

I nod, tucking my hands under my legs to try and hide my nervousness. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but there’s turmoil in my gut from the way he looks at me. He’s been nothing but polite, yet I’m uneasy.

Swallowing hard, I blow out a breath. “Okay. I’m ready.”

“What do you like to do for fun? What do you do in your spare time?”

“I like reading books. They’re an escape from reality.”

“What are some of your favorite titles? What genre do you read?”

Ummm… why do I need to disclose that?

I wave my hand dismissively, forcing out a laugh. “Oh, you know. Popular stuff mostly.” No way am I disclosing I read dark romance.

He opens his mouth, but I cut him off, rushing ahead. “I like to go hiking and on runs, especially through nature. Being outdoors really clears my head, and I find I often study and test better when?—”

“Back to the books you read. Give me one of your favorite titles. Or something you recently read.”

My brows furrow as I stare at him.That’s intrusive as hell.My clothes stick to me as the uncomfortable sensation inside me grows.

Releasing a breath, I say, “I haven’t finished anything lately. Haven't had the time between summer vacations, traveling, and moving onto campus. Since classes have started, I won’t be able to read much.”

“It’s good to have hobbies, Mallory. College is a holistic process, not purely academic. Of course, academics are a big part of it, but there’s the social nature. Forming bonds with others. Hanging with people to see if you’re compatible.Going out for pizza and to see a movie, for instance. Is that something you like to do?”

What the hell?I came here to talk about my struggles with biology, not pizza and movies. “I don’t see what those questions have to do with biology.”

He blinks at me before he puts his hand on my thigh. “Like I said, it’s important to be?—”

I shove his hand from my leg, jumping to my feet. “Excuse me. I need a drink.”

Whirling around, I flee for the door, heading for the water fountain down the hallway. My hands shake, and the walls close in. There are no windows to let in natural light, and the dim lighting in the hallway feels sterile.

As I turn the corner, I slam into someone. Strong hands reach out and grab me, steadying me. I jerk back in surprise. My eyes trail up his black hoodie to the neon mask covering his face.

“Is he bothering you, little prey?”

My brain short-circuits as I stare at the masked man. “W-What are y-you doing here?”

He cocks his head, his voice low and deep. “Watching over what’s mine.” He says it without a hint of emotion, his tone pragmatic, as though anything else would be an unreasonable assumption.

A hysterical laugh bubbles from inside me. “A-Are you serious right now?”

“As a heart attack.” His hands still grip me, keeping me from going anywhere. “You didn’t answer my question. Is that jackass making you uncomfortable?”

“How do you know what I’m doing? Are you spying on me?”

“Everything you do is my business, Mallory. I’ve already told you that. Now stop this nonsense and answer myquestion.” He leans closer to me, his masked face inches from mine. “Is. He. Bothering. You?”

I’m desperate to rip the mask from his face and see who he is, but he has my arms pinned in his grip.

“Are you the guy who films those thirst traps?” I blurt out, trying to peer behind the mask to get a good look at his eyes.

He sighs. “Mallory Chapman. You’re testing my patience.”

“How do you know my last name?”

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