Chapter Thirty-One

Mallory

I awake to the blaring sound of police sirens and my heart just about jumps out of my throat from the shock. What the fuck is happening? I’m weighed down by my stalker's massive arm locked around my waist and his creepy mask gaping up at me from the crook of my neck. He stayed. I smile to myself as unknown feelings unfurl within me. Is this what it feels like to fall for someone? I have no idea. I’m both terrified of him leaving me and happy that he’s here.

I realize the sirens are coming from his phone and relax, nothing is wrong. Escaping out from beneath his sweltering embrace proves to be harder than anticipated. Every time I move away, he scoots closer. When I wiggle free, he re-clamps down on me. He throws his massive leg over me and I’m effectively pinned. I huff out in annoyance as I feel his silent laugh shaking against me.

“Let me up, you dink,” I growl. “I have to pee and get ready for work.”

He relents and I click off the alarm blaring on his phone. I get dressed and head to the kitchen. Is it weird that this doesn’t feel weird? I’m about to leave him in my bed and head to work, hoping he’ll be here when I get back later tonight. Leaning against the counter as the coffee brews, I mull over what to do about Lennox. He said he won’t be my second choice. Is it technically cheating if we don’t have the official boyfriend/girlfriend conversation? I know it is. I’ve been claimed by Ghost. I admitted it, anything I do from this point on endangers Nox’s well-being.

I prep my travel mug and pour the remaining coffee into two mugs. I frown, not knowing how he likes his coffee annoys me. He knows everything about me. I want that with him. I pour the cream and sugar into mine and take a sip. The comforting aroma and warm hug a hot drink offers envelops me.

“Ghost,” I yell. “How do you like your coffee?”

“Same as you.” His dark voice comes from right behind me and I scream. Whirling around to face him has hot coffee sloshing out over the rim of my mug onto my hands. I don’t even feel the burn as I take him in. He’s in nothing but the mask, monster cock swinging freely, piercing shining in the early morning sunrise. It reflects the colours so beautifully. How long have I been staring at his dick? Jesus, Mallory, get it together. I drag my eyes up his body and lock on to the black pits of his disguise. My mouth waters at the sight of him as my pussy comes alive, sending a twinge of pain with it.

He turns and leaves me watching his ass disappear downstairs. I’m not surprised he left. The old me would’ve been hurt or offended that he left me standing here wanting. Now, I know this is all a game to keep my thoughts on him throughout the day, to have me needy and dripping for him. He’s also probably trying his best to keep his hands off me, because he knows he destroyed me last night. This is just as hard on him as it is on me and that’s comforting.

He returns from the basement, still naked, but with a pile of clothes in his arm. He swipes the coffee I made for him off the counter and heads down the hall, turning into my bedroom. Seeing him strut around naked like he owns the place has a smile beaming on my face. He’s comfortable here, with me, and it's during the day. Not some nighttime only secret. Will he let me remove the mask? Probably not, but hopefully soon.

I’m cutting it really close to the time I have to leave, but I’m itching to know what he’s doing. I down the rest of my coffee, set the mug in the sink, and resist the urge to skip the way to my room.

He’s tucked himself back into my bed, drinking his coffee while scrolling on his phone. I could stand here and watch him for hours. Am I just as obsessed as him? I think I might be.

“Get over here and kiss me goodbye before you’re late,” his deep voice pulls me to him. I lean in and close my eyes. I feel his hand caress the back of my neck as he guides my lips to his. The moment we touch it’s as if the chains binding me break and I become ravenous. I climb into his lap and my kisses become urgent and hungry. I feel him grow hard beneath me, a whimper breaks free as it grazes against my clit. There’s too many blankets between us, too many clothes. The way he stokes my desire into a raging inferno has to be magic. I rip the mask from his head and dive my fingers into his hair, gripping it and holding him to me as my tongue invades his mouth, his strokes against mine and I feel his kiss start to slow. He’s putting an end to this and that’s not what I want.

He pulls away, “Either call in sick or leave for work. I don’t want you speeding to get there on time because I’ve made you late,” he rasps against my mouth.

“Are you kicking me out?” I smirk. I trail kisses down his neck then across his shoulder, biting and sucking a spot that I know will drive him mad. I’m determined to mark him the way he has me. He moans as his hands fist the back of my shirt.

“Yes,” he pants. He likes me claiming him. “But only because I want you to be safe.” I lick and nibble the reddening mark on his skin as I weave my hand under the blanket and grip his thick shaft. I jerk him slow, focusing on his sensitive tip and piercing to get him to the edge quickly. He thrusts into my hand and his cock goes rigid, he’s so close.

“Cum for me, Ghost,” I whisper, then sink my teeth into the hickey forming on his flesh. I suck hard as his release spurts from his slit and lands on his chest. Eyes still closed, I run my fingers through his mess and bring it to my lips. I suck my fingers into my mouth, making a show out of taking them deep.

“Mallory...” The growling of my name is a warning but it just heats my core. I slide my fingers from my mouth with an exaggerated popping noise.

“Delicious,” I muse. The deep rumble of his beast awakening has me giving him a quick peck on the cheek and leaping off of him. Sprinting down the hallway, I grab my phone from the container of rice on the counter and race to put on my shoes. I’m grabbing my purse and stuffing my arms into my hoodie when he comes thundering towards me in only the mask and his tight black boxers. Fuck, I want to crawl back into bed with him, but I need to leave, like, five minutes ago to be on time for work.

I fling the door open and run to my car. I get the key in the lock and twist when I feel him behind me. Damn old ass car with no key fob. His arms cage me in as his body presses into mine.

“I have half a mind to drag you back inside and make you pay for that, but I think depriving your body of release is a much more effective form of punishment.” I shiver at his words and know he’s right.

“Will I see you later?” I ask, watching his reflection in the car window.

“You’ll have to wait and find out,” he taunts, as his hand lands over my eyes. He turns my face towards his, lips lightly touching mine, and I wonder how he has so much more restraint than I do.

“Goodbye, Mallory.” My name rolls off his tongue and I feel his presence retreat.

I reverse out of the driveway with the image of his imposing figure leaning against the doorway burned into my mind, hopeful that I’ll find him the same way when I return after my restaurant shift tonight.