Riley’s POV
I tightened my grip on his wrists, panic surging as I struggled to keep the mask in place. “Don’t!” I gasped, my voice shaky with desperation. He paused, his eyes narrowing as he searched my face, trying to figure out why I was so desperate to stay hidden. His fingers stopped but didn’t pull back, hovering close to the mask's fragile ties.
“Why not?” he asked, his tone curious yet challenging. He leaned in, his breath warm against my face, our noses almost touching. “What are you so afraid of?” There was a hint of mockery in his voice.
My heart raced, and a whirlwind of thoughts filled my mind. ‘I can’t let him see. If he finds out, it’s over. School, work..” everything will fall apart.’
“I…I just can’t,” I whispered, barely audible. My voice trembled, “It’s against the eth
