Page 91 of Unmasking My Dark Knight

“Like what?” she asked, scrunching her nose.

“Books. Stories,” I emphasized. “You should try writing one of your own.”

“That’s crazy…”

“Why? The girl with the tattoo of a Roman Knight quote can’t do it? I can’t think of anyone more qualified than a bookworm like you.”

She rolled her eyes. “You make an appealing argument.”

“I know just the story for you to start with—how the princess unmasked the dark knight she fell in love with.” I pressed my lips fervently against hers.

“That’s not a bad idea, actually.” She bit the side of her lip, digging her nails slightly into my back. The girl gave me goosebumps throughout my entire body. “Unmasking My Dark Knight… that’s kinda cute. I should tell Tallulah.”

I nodded, but then stopped.

Oh, fuck!

“Holy shit! Tallulah,” I said, panicked. “Did you miss the ceremony to be here?” I asked her, pulling out my phone to check the time. The reception was happening right now, and we were missing it.

“Yeah. I had to come talk to High Jynx. I mean… you!” She shook her head, realizing how late it was.

I turned away to look out at the crowd. The sidewalk was lined with people in costumes, carrying bags of candy-stuffed zombie bears. Halloween night was in full force.

“Fuck, baby. You think they’re gonna be pissed?” I asked.

“Tal understood. She kinda knew what was going on. So did Gustav,” she answered, then was startled by a loud sound. A group of teenagers ran near where we hid out, laughing and screaming as Jason ran after them with a machete. Ivy Jade’s eyes widened as she looked around, then glanced back up at me. I pulled her in close and wrapped my arms around her, helping her feel more at ease. I was her own personal “do not scare” sign.

“Okay, let me get my makeup on, scare a few people, then we can head back?”

It was Halloween night—I had to get at least a few frightened screams since this was the most important night of them all around here.

Ivy Jade nodded, understanding. “You know, they’ve requested that people show up in costume to the reception.”

“Perfect,” I replied with a grin. “I don’t need to change.”

Her brows furrowed together. “I never picked one out. God, I’m going to be such a downer!”

I chuckled to myself. “I have an idea. You look like a fucking goddess in this black dress. You want me to paint up your face a bit?”

Her eyes widened, her interest piqued. “Like yours?” she asked excitedly.

“Yeah.” I pulled her hips towards me. “Show the world that you’re mine now.”

She twisted her lips, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Let’s do it.”

CHAPTER 36

Romeo

Icalled a ride share, and we headed into the car, Ivy Jade radiating nervous energy.

“You alright?” I asked, reaching for her hand and interlocking our fingers together.

She nodded. “I’m just nervous. Mami might literally explode with anger and take us all out with her.”

The literal visual got stuck in my head, but I cleared my throat.

“It’s gonna be okay, Princess. I’ll be right by you, or if you need space, I can give you that as well,” I said softly.