37. Stryker
CHAPTER 37
Stryker
L ater that afternoon, I enter Mallory’s apartment. My phone rings inside my pocket. Shooting her an apologetic look, I pull it out. Surprise and anticipation course through me when I see Zayne Morine’s name on my screen.
“I need to take this, little prey. Give me a sec?”
“Of course.” She plants a quick kiss on my lips before spinning and heading toward her bedroom. “I need to talk to Mandy, anyway.”
“Hey, Zayne. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Wanna earn some extra money?”
I love that he doesn’t waste time on pleasantries but gets straight to the point.
“I’m up for it. What’s up?”
“Remember Delaney Warner? The woman you researched?”
“Ahh, yes. Your woman.”
He pauses. “Yes and no. She used to be… now she’s… well, it’s complicated. ”
“Code for there’s a bunch of unresolved shit between the two of you, yet you still want her.”
“That’s one way of putting it.” His sigh comes through the phone. “She made herself a target.”
He fills me in on what has transpired. I whistle, knowing some shit is about to go down.
“Jesus. That was a bold move on her part. What do you need me to do?”
“Help me protect her. Keep her safe while I go after her ex and brother.”
I hate the thought of leaving Mallory, but I’m willing to do this for our future together. King Morine pays exceptionally well. I can give Mallory the lifestyle she’s used to. “You got it. I can be in Green Haven in about two hours.”
“I’ll book a?—”
“Don’t worry about it, Zayne. I’ve got it. You tail Delaney and keep her safe until I get there.”
“Stryker, you’re a helluva man.”
“Appreciate it, Zayne.” I debate before deciding to go for it, knowing he likely hasn’t made the connection. “I owe you. Megan Ward was my cousin. She would have been trafficked if you hadn’t intervened.”
“Fuck, man. I never made the connection.”
“Understandable. But I owe you.”
“Nah. You owe me nothing. I’m glad I could get there before they got her on the boat. Besides, it was your information that got me there in time.” He blows out a breath. “I’m just sorry she was that close to being trafficked.”
“You’re the best, Zayne. Seriously.”
“You, too, kid. See you soon.”
I end the call, heading toward Mallory’s voice. She’s sitting on the bed, wearing one of my sweatshirts, and my resolve falters.
She’ll understand. Tell her .
She smiles at me before ending the call. I climb on the bed beside her, hating when it falters as her gaze intently studies me.
“I have to leave for a job. I promise I’ll stay in touch. I’ll be watching the cameras to ensure you're safe.”
The sad look on her face is killing me.
“I’ll stop by and see you whenever possible, okay?” I grab her hand, kissing her knuckles. “I promise.”
She nods and climbs on my lap. “I understand. I’ll miss you.”
I squeeze her so tight she yelps. Burying my face in her hair, I say, “I’ll fucking miss the hell out of you. But I promise we’ll be in contact.”
“Okay.” She blows out a breath. “When do you need to leave?”
I look at the clock. “I need to pack a few things. It’ll take me about an hour to get there…” My eyes meet hers. “But I need to be inside you before I go.”
She yanks her shirt off. “Let’s get naked. I need you, Stryker.”
I chuckle, then grab her wrist. She pauses, curious eyes meeting mine. “I love you, Mallory. I don’t care that we’ve only known one another for seven weeks.”
Her smile is like the sun, taking my breath away and warming all the cold, dark parts of my damaged and broken heart and soul.
“I love you, Stryker.”