His face screws up in disgust. “We don’t need protecting! It’s about time everyone took responsibility for their actions. You can’t keep carrying this so heavily on your shoulders.”
“You have no idea what I carry on my shoulders! She is too good!” I roar, pointing my finger at him. “Too good to be tainted with this and too good for the likes of me.”
“Maybe you’re right. But you need to make a decision, Mason, because if you choose to keep this from her, you will lose her for good.”
Then I lose her for good.
Nina
My feet eat up the pavement as I rush down the street and away from the penthouse.
My mum let me down so many times in my life, and every time she did, I’d pull my defences higher, shutting the world out a little more each time.
I let my guard slip momentarily with Mason, and he made promises which I foolishly believed. Now I want to revert back to my safe space, and I don’t feel like I have it. This last year my studio became my safety blanket, and I feel stupid to have allowed myself to rely on something that didn’t belong to me.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I try to call Lucy. She doesn’t pick up, and I know it will be because she’s working. I try Megan instead.
“Hey, babe!” she answers cheerfully.
“Megs, are you free?”
“I’m at work; what’s up?”
I look around at my surroundings, noticing I’ve walked a good distance and I’m close to the city.
“My studio.” I shake my head. “Erin’s studio—” How the hell did Mason have something to do with selling Erin’s studio? “Mason sold it. I don’t know how, and I’m so confused.” I palm my head and try to digest the words that have just left my mouth.
“What?! What do you mean?”
“I don’t even know.” I stop short, frowning as I think of something. “Megs, can I call you back?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’ll call you as soon as I can, I promise. I’m fine. I just need answers.”
“Okay, text me, Nina. I’m worried!”
I hang up and scroll through my contacts until I reach Erin’s number.
Maybe she can shed some light on the situation.
It rings four times, and I almost give up, but then her confused voice echoes down the line.
“Nina?”
“I know you asked me not to call, but I just found something out, and I needed to talk to you,” I rush out, hoping she doesn’t hang up.
“No, it’s fine. I was hoping you’d call. I’m glad you came to your senses.”
The hairs on my arms stand to attention. I need to be smart here. “Yeah, I did.”
“Are you safe? He won’t leave you alone, Nina. If you’re clever you can benefit from this.”
Benefit?“How?”
“Money. Money talks, and people will pay a lot to keep those voices quiet.”
What on earth?
