Page 17 of Masked Mayhem

And then I hear it—a low voice, rough and unmistakable, that sends a shiver racing down my spine as it slices through the steady hum of the outside world. As Red and 13 come around the corner grinning mischievously, the panic begins to dissipate, and because of the situation with Havoc and Crow, deep down I know things just got a lot more complicated. But at least my mind is off of the mystery of the messages for the time being.

After spending the day with Cade and Carter, just talking and getting to know each other, we decide to part ways once the sun goes down, knowing we all have work tonight. My apartment isn't that far from Dunkin, but I don't want to walk home by myself, not after the day of random messages I've gotten, and I'm still left without any answers as to who they're from.

"Want us to walk you home?" Cade asks, a mischievous grin twisting on his lips. "You know, now that Havoc isn't here to be a fucking buzzkill."

I laugh, suddenly feeling very exposed, especially after fucking both him and Crow last night. But Cade and Carter don't need to know that. I'm sure they'll find out somehow, but it isn't going to be right now.

"Yeah, if you don't mind. It's been a... weird day," I admit, rising to my feet and stretching my arms above my head.

They say nothing, both taking a spot on either side of me as we walk down the dark sidewalk, the city coming to life the later it gets. The entire walk home, the hair on the back of my neck and arms stays raised at attention, almost as if I'm being followed, but I never bother turning around to check. I link hands with the guys, a move that makes me feel a little safer, keeping a smile on my face for the remainder of the walk.

"You want us to come up for a minute?" Carter asks, finally speaking without Cade leading the conversation—he's much more reserved.

"I mean you can, but you don't have to," I tell them, kind of wishing they'd come up.

"Open the door, Little Mischief," Cade commands, his voice low and gravelly, giving me the chills.

I comply, letting them inside my safe space, and they follow closely behind up three flights of stairs since the elevator is broken. Once we're inside my apartment and it's clear that Boston isn't home yet, out of nowhere, Cade pushes me against the wall, pinning his body against mine. His hand cups my cheek, and his other brushes the hair out of my face. And then he kisses me, with no other warning but his lips on mine and his tongue eagerly tangling with mine. I kiss him back, feeling so small under his massive six-foot figure, and before I know it, I'm lifted into his arms, my legs instinctively locking around his waist.

"Fuck, I've been wanting to do this for so damn long," he murmurs against my lips, refusing to stop the kiss.

"Then why haven't you?" I curiously ask, pulling back slightly for a breath of air.

"I don't know if you've noticed, but it's kind of hard to do anything when you're constantly under watch. Havoc and Crow never let you out of their fucking sight." He looks me in the eye as he claims my lips again, backing me up against Carter, who wraps his arms around my waist and begins gently kissing a line of hot kisses along my spine, my shirt lifted.

When I'm least expecting it, Carter grabs my face and turns my head to the side, claiming my lips that are soaked with Cade's spit. Cade chuckles darkly, walking me over to the couch and dropping me while my lips are locked onto Carter's. I'm not sure what is happening, but I can't seem to stop, and neither can either of them.

Another message makes my phone vibrate, and it's enough to finally break the heated kiss with Carter, and the three of us sit on the couch trying to catch our breath. As I nervously check the message, Cade pulls out a little baggie filled with a light brown powder that I know all too well is heroin. As he cuts up three lines, I tap on the message and read it, almost throwing up in my mouth.

You just love fucking pissing me off, don't you, Whitney? Those fucking lips are mine, not theirs.

I gasp and drop the phone, trying to remain as calm as I can without looking around to see if I'm being watched, and I'm not trying to alert the guys either. With shaky hands, much like this morning, I pick up my phone and force a smile, trying to ignore it for the rest of the night.

"Here, do a line, and I promise it'll relax you for the rest of your night," Cade tells me, handing me a rolled-up bill.

Not thinking clearly, I take it and sniff the fattest line, relishing the familiar burn that I haven't felt in over a year.

The high hits me like a freight train—warmth washes over me, the tension in my muscles melts away, and for a moment, I forget about the threats lurking in my life. The edges of my reality blur, and laughter bubbles uncontrollably as Cade and Carter join in, their energy infectious.

“Welcome back to the good life,” Cade teases, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “I knew it was just a matter of time before you’d want to play with us.”

“Play?” I echo, feeling light and airy, anchored by the drug and their presence. “This feels more like a fucking carnival, not a playdate.”

Carter leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “It’s all about the adventure, right? And trust me, this ride is one you won’t forget.”

The atmosphere shifts, an electric buzz that thrums through the air around us. Their bodies draw closer, and I can feel the intoxicating pull between us—stirring the heat that's been simmering since last night. I glance up to meet Cade's stormy gaze, where desire mixes with something darker, something hungry that sends a thrill down my spine.

I want to let go completely, to get lost in the moment and forget the sinister messages haunting my thoughts. But just when I think I can escape it all, a dark cloud creeps back in. The clarity of my consciousness slips just enough for the anxiety to creep in—a reminder of how much I’ve sacrificed and what’s still at stake. That message, those words, echo in my mind, taunting me.

Those fucking lips are mine, not theirs.

“Guys, um…” My voice trembles slightly, and both Cade and Carter pause, looking at me expectantly.

Their expressions shift from playful to concerned, a momentary flicker of guilt flashing between us. But the drugs slide my worries to the back of my mind.

“Yeah?” Cade prompts, twirling a lock of my hair around his finger as he leans closer to invade my space.

“Nothing. Just had a weird day. You know how it is,” I mumble, half-lying as I pull back and focus on Carter instead. “So, what else do you two mischief-makers have planned for tonight?”

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