Page 33 of Unmasked

I run a shaky hand over my cheek, and a slight whimper comes from my lips.

The masked man’s head jerks up. He punches Steve once more, letting him drop to the floor before moving to me.

Gentle hands cup my face as he hunkers down in front of me. “Are you okay, Mallory?”

My lips tremble as I nod. His voice is soothing, sufficing me with safety.

Collapsing into his arms, I sob, “I’m so stupid. Why did I drink those shots? Then dancing with Mandy….”

“Hey, look at me.” He pulls back, his eyes intense beneath the mask. “Just because you drank shots and danced with your friend doesnotmean you invited an asshole to assault you.” His thumbs stroke my cheek. “That’s on him, not you.”

I wrap my arms around him, sobbing on his shoulder. He rubs soothing circles on my back, his lips pressing against my head. “Why don’t we get out of here?”

I nod, still vulnerable. He scoops me up, carrying me down the hallway and out the back door.

When he settles me inside the passenger seat of his truck, I lean onto one hip, pulling my phone from my back pocket. “I need to text my friend and let her know I’m leaving so she doesn’t worry.”

My masked man nods, waiting as I text her before fastening my seatbelt. His soft eyes flit to mine, searching mine. His large hand cups my face, stroking it gently. I lean into his touch, feeling safe with him.

“I won’t let him hurt you,” he rasps.

“I know.”

Releasing my face, he shuts the door and quickly moves to the driver’s side of the truck.

As he drives me back to my apartment, I close my eyes, leaning back against the seat.

His hand reaches out, wrapping around mine. “You okay?”

Opening my eyes, I turn my head, a genuine smile on my lips.

My voice is soft when I answer, “I am now.”

CHAPTER 24

Stryker

Rage rolls through me as I clench the steering wheel so hard my knuckles are white. My nostrils flare as I drive from the party, taking Mallory back to her apartment.

Luckily, there’s a fraction of the usual students on campus since it’s Labor Day weekend, which means I don’t think my mask raised any suspicions.

I doubt Steve will remember much of anything after the beating I gave him.

Mallory may say she’s alright, but she’s in shock. Not only is her pallor white, but the way she has her arm wrapped around her stomach as she lightly sways tells me all I need to know about her state of mind.

She’s blissfully unaware of the things I was yelling at that asshole as I beat the shit out of him.

The memory washes over me, and I smile.

“You don’t fucking touch her. She’smine.” The crack of flesh against the bone, along with Steve’s howls of pain, swirl around me.

The copper scent of his blood filled the bedroom. I hithim so hard that his head jerked back like a rag doll as blood droplets sprayed on my clothing and onto Mallory’s skin and clothing. She didn’t notice as she sat there, watching me. I shudder to think what her reaction will be when she does.

When she whimpered, my head jerked to hers.

I punch him again, ensuring he’s out cold and won’t be a problem, before moving to her.

I lifther from my truck, carrying her inside the apartment building. Her head rests against my shoulder like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

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