Page 66 of Your Masked Haunting

I’m suddenly very glad that I’m on his good side because I would hate to face an angry Casper. He may be kind and sweet, but he’s also the same psycho who hid cameras in my room and stalked me for the last two months—before I even knew about my masked man’s existence, mind you.

“Okay. I’ll add extra glitter just for you.” I giggle.

“As much glitter as you want.” He smiles, playfully drilling his point home.

“Oh my God, I get it.” I shove his chest, rolling my eyes and laughing. “Are you going to turn around so I can change?”

“God, no,” he scoffs, plopping down on my bed with his arms kicked back, ready for his favorite show.

There can’t be a better feeling than this, holding my girl’s hand and walking into my parents’ place to show her off to my favorite people.

She immediately seemed more comfortable once she changed, and, good God, the dress had been made for her. I could’ve watched her change the entire night, but she forced us out of the room after a few stolen kisses.

“I’m going to throw up,” she groans under her breath. “Are you sure about this?”

“Sure about dinner? Having you meet the family? Or us? Because I’m a hundred percent positive about all of them.” I brush the back of her hand and knuckles with my thumb as we walk up the stoop. “It’s going to be amazing, I promise.”

The front door opens before we reach it, a very eager Cambrie appearing in the frame. “Hi, guys!”

“Cam,” I greet her with a side hug, but I’m obviously not the object of her excitement. “This is my girlfriend and future wife, Mona.”

Cambrie’s eyes bulge, snapping back to me, then down to Mona’s left hand. “You proposed?”

Mona giggles. “No, he’s being dramatic. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s so nice to officially meet you too! I knew from the opening night that he was head over heels for you.”

Cambrie lunges, pulling Mona into a hug. She stiffens in my hand, taken aback by Cam’s forwardness, but gives her a polite squeeze before Cam steps back.

Mona smirks, squeezing my hand ever so slightly and looking up at me. “Oh, really? Was that the night I painted the unicorn and butterfly you asked for?”

I scoff, chuckling. “Yeah, that I asked for.”

“How did I miss seeing you like that? Did anyone get a picture?” Cam asks, and I glare at her.

“Let’s go inside.” I stride past Cam, Mona’s hand still in mine as I lead us in the house, hearing giggling from both girls behind me.

My mom and dad are likely in the dining room, already waiting for us. We kick our shoes off, and I undo the laces of Mona’s boots and help her out of them before taking her hand again.

I’m probably going to try to hold her hand when I go out on the ice too. Every day, all day, I need to touch her and never stop.

My mask is fun, and it gave me the opportunity to get to know Mona, to make her fall for me, but watching her eyes twinkle when she looks up into mine? Fuck, nothing compares.

“I hear movement!” my mom calls out, the sound echoing down the foyer.

Mona tugs my hand, and I lean down, giving her my ear.

“This is not a house. This place is bigger than The Schrader House.”

“It is not.” I chuckle. “It’s where I grew up.” I right myself, trying not to laugh at the shock she’s going through.

This will be her life soon enough. If she wants a house this big, it’s hers.

Granted, this place is a bit extravagant, but it’s home to me—in the nostalgic way at least. The only place I’ll call home now is wherever Mona is.

Her head is swiveling, her eyes taking in as much as she can as we pass under the grand staircase, heading to the dining room. But as expected, my mom greets us before our arrival, her smile lighting up her entire face.

“Hi, sweetie,” she murmurs, stealing a quick hug from me as my dad saunters up to her side. “And you must be Mona. It’s so great to meet you. I’m Caroline.”