Page 6 of Your Masked Haunting

When I got in my room, I quickly discovered that more than the interior had changed. In place of my pile of blankets was a new queen-size bed with a cozy, brand-new bedspread. A mini fridge was stocked with my favorite drinks, Witch’s Brew Alani and Propel water, along with a bunch of food and a microwave. He nailed it all, and it warmed my heart to the core.

There’s a word for that, Mona. Starts with stalk and ends with er, my inner voice taunts me.

Yeah—thoughtful, nice, generous, I argue back.

Insane. Ridiculous. Dangerous. Batshit crazy. My inner voice responds, and I groan.

I’m well aware this is likely going to end horribly, possibly with me dead somewhere in a ditch. But … it might be a risk I’m willing to take because for the first time in a long time, I feel like someone has my back, and I’m not truly alone.

But the bed and the fridge weren’t the only things that showed up that night. There was also another card in the shape of a little ghost.

Being pursued by a tall, mysterious guy using handmade cards, thoughtful gifts, and love letters is certainly not how I expected my time at The Schrader House to start. It’s definitely interesting though.

Written inside the card that night was a message that I’ve reread a thousand times over in the span of the three days that have passed.

Now, I don’t need to look at the paper to remember what it says; I have it memorized. And every time, the thought of meeting him makes my heart race and palms sweat.

My Scaredy Cat,

Open the door and let me in.

Or block me out and don’t give in.

Beware, I’m not going away.

I’ll be watching and waiting every day.

Whatever it takes until you’re mine.

We’re soulmates, Mona, you and I.

—Your Masked Haunting

I should call the police—I should. But it’d be awfully hard to keep my living arrangements and report him at the same time.

Besides, what would I even say?

Oh no, this unknown person has been trying to better my life by giving me a bed, a fridge, blankets and pillows, flowers, and handmade cards. Let alone he keeps my secret about me illegally living here. You’d better arrest him fast, Officer. Clearly, he’s a menace who needs to be taken off the streets.

Dumb.

I’d be a freaking idiot to turn him in. Cops don’t do much about stalking until it goes too far anyway, so I’d be better off waiting until something more happens.

An image appears in my mind. Dark hallways. A full moon. A tall, shadowy figure standing in my room with that mask, illuminating my face with a purple hue.

For some crazy reason—an absolutely insane reason—I don’t think I’d run. I’ve never claimed to be sane or right in the head. I’ve been fucked up since before I was born. It’d make sense for me to end up with my stalker. Right on track with the shit show that is my life.

I want him … more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. But not knowing who he is, what his past and future look like—it tears me in two different directions. On one hand, I’m not one to judge if he has a questionable past. That doesn’t define a person, especially if they’re working on bettering themselves. Like stalking a young woman.

On the other hand, there’s a sexy allure to not knowing who’s under the mask. Reckless and dangerous for sure, but still hot. I have no doubt with the way he writes that he’s a confident guy. I’m hoping that extends to the bedroom.

I’ve slept with a handful of guys, all of which weren’t award-winning experiences. Losing my virginity in high school was an awful experience. It was in the back seat of this football player’s car after we got a little drunk. It was so awkward and painful. When I look back, it’s clear how not ready I was.

As I began waitressing and bartending, the desperate men started rolling in. If I’d wanted to, I could have gone home with a different guy after every shift. But I chose three carefully.

The first of the bunch, I only hooked up with one time. He was sweet, but had no idea what he was doing, and I was not looking for a project.

The second guy was way too eager and lasted all of three strokes before he was done. It was flattering, but come on, that wasn’t what I’d signed up for. And he got way too attached when that was the opposite of what I wanted.