“I heard you tried to give Katia a run for her money.”
I scowl. “It’s not funny.”
Mason stops in front of me, and there’s very little of the warmth I saw earlier in the day. “I’m not laughing.”
I hold his gaze. “I’m not a prisoner, Mason. You can’t keep me locked up.”
“You’re not locked up. You can go anywhere in the house—”
“Provided I stay out of your father’s way and let Katia shadow me, you mean,” I interrupt hotly. “How is that not being locked up?”
“You’re not in a cage, London.” Mason’s eyes narrow. “It could be a lot worse.”
“I’m aware of that, but I didn’t agree to stay just so you could keep me in a cage while you go out and take care of business.”
Mason stares at me and says nothing.
“We’re supposed to be in this together. Don’t shut me out. Let me be there for you.”
“You know what would help? It would help if you did what you’re told.”
I throw my hands in the air and glare at him. “I’m not a disobedient child who needs to be told what to do and where to go. I’m your… I don’t know what I am, but I didn’t agree to this.”
Mason’s eyes glitter, and my pulse skitters. “You wanted to be a part of my world, London. This is part of the territory. While I’m off taking care of business, as you put it, I need to know that you’re not causing problems.”
“Checking on my family won’t cause problems.”
“It is when it involves leaving the house, when I told you it isn’t safe, and when our enemies are circling. Or do you feel like getting kidnapped again?”
“Isn’t that what Katia is for?”
Mason barks out a laugh. “Katia is good, but there’s only so much she can do. I have to focus, and I can’t do that if I’m worrying about you.”
“I don’t need you to worry about me.”
Mason cups my face in his hands, and his eyes are stormy as they search mine. “I always worry about you. Since the moment I laid eyes on you, I’ve had an urge to protect you and keep you safe, even when I didn’t understand it.”
I lace my fingers through his and don’t look away. “I’m fine, Mason. Like you said, you have bigger problems to worry about. Is that why you ran off earlier?”
He gives me a curt nod but doesn’t release my chin.
I exhale. “Tell me.”
Mason searches my face and then drops his hand. “There was an attack on one of the warehouses. They’re trying to send a message.”
“The same allies who kidnapped me?”
“There might be another player in the mix, but we’re not sure yet.”
I frown. “What makes you think that?”
“It doesn’t add up.” Mason backs up, leaving a few more inches of space between us. “I’ll get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, you need to let Katia do her job.”
I sigh. “I’m not one of your employees.”
Mason turns to face me, and a suggestive smirk plays on his lips. “Trust me, I’m well aware of that. You’ll never be able to work for me again. You’ll cause too much of a riot.”
“You’re changing the subject.”
