4. Stryker
CHAPTER 4
Stryker
A s Megan rambles on beside me, I’m only partially listening. My thoughts are preoccupied with the gorgeous woman who bumped into me, my gaze searching for any glimpse of the strawberry-blonde goddess.
I suck in a breath when I spot her. There she is.
I follow behind Meg, pushing a cart of boxes, my eyes laser-focused on Mallory as she walks to a sleek black car, talking with Edward. She helps him load the hamper before grabbing a purple-patterned backpack, swinging it over her shoulders.
As they walk away from the vehicle, my eyes are locked on the front. I need to take a picture of the license plate.
As I follow Megan through the entrance, my mind whirls with schemes for obtaining it that won’t arouse her suspicions.
We get on the elevator and head up to her apartment. When the doors open, I push the cart behind my cousin. As we walk down the hallway, a brunette calls Meg’s name. She spins around, squealing and rushing over to her, talking ninety miles a minute .
I push the cart inside and quickly unload the hamper while Megan converses with the brunette.
Exiting her room, I gesture at the elevator. “I’m gonna grab a drink and see if I can round up some football players to help me with your mattress.”
I don’t give Meg a chance to answer before dashing to it, stabbing the button for the ground floor.
Exiting the apartment building doors, I head to the red tent with the sign above it that says, “Free Bottled Water.” I smile at the older lady as she hands one to me.
Uncapping it, I take a drink, pacing along the sidewalk. I walk past the black car, pull my phone from my pocket, and pretend to read a text.
Ensuring no one is watching, I move closer to the car, snapping a picture of the plate. I examine it before walking away, a smile curving my lips.
Spotting the football players, I approach them, telling them about the mattress. Two guys agree, and we head to my truck and unload it.
When we get off the elevator, Mallory stands there with Edward. She beckons us to exit before she and Edward step inside.
I’m still distracted as I carry Megan’s mattress inside her apartment and place it on the bed frame. Luckily, Meg doesn’t notice, too preoccupied with directing me to move the furniture where she wants it.
When we finish, she shoves her hands in her pockets, eying me wearily. “Don’t hover. I promise I’ll be okay. I’ll call or text if I need anything.”
“Relax, Meg. I won’t hover because you’re no longer living with Uncle Bryson. You know how to reach me anytime you need me.”
“Thanks, Stryker.”
Nodding, I step forward and hug her. We may not be siblings, but Megan has always felt like my younger sister. Our five-year age difference has never deterred our bond. I’ve always looked out for her.
My thoughts go to Uncle Bryson. I hate that he’s battling cancer. It should be my piece of shit father, who abandoned my mom and me when we were young, suffering.
Meg steps back, and I shake the thoughts away, not wanting to bring her down. She’s beginning a new life at Stone Ridge University and deserves to enjoy life as a twenty-year-old college student chasing her dreams.
“The girl I was talking to in the hallway is Brooke. We met at New Student Orientation. She and I are gonna have dinner in the dining hall if you wanna join us?”
I debate for a few seconds before shaking my head. There’s a chance I might see Mallory if I go with them, but it’s slim.
My time would be better used by hacking into her life. “Nah, I’m good. I have some stuff to do for work. I’ll grab something on the way home.”
“Thanks again, Stryker. You’re the best.”
“Anytime, pipsqueak. You know that.” I ruffle her hair, making her laugh before she pushes me away.
I wave before I walk out her door, my thoughts already on the strawberry-blonde goddess I met earlier.
I’ve never felt anything like this before. One chance encounter, and she already possesses me, taking over my mind. My body craves her, an unquenchable thirst that consumes me.
I pass the elevator and head down the hallway toward her room. My pace slows as I draw closer, my thoughts churning as I wonder if she’s inside.
You’re mine, Mallory. I will possess you, just like you’ve possessed me.