“He won’t be getting any Father of the Year mugs.”
I return to cleaning the wound. “Is he ever going to stop punishing you?”
Mason shrugs. “Maybe. I can take it.”
“You don’t have to.” My touch grows softer. “I don’t know how things work in your world, but I’m pretty sure being the head of the family gives you some leverage.”
“I’m the head of the business, not the family,” Mason corrects gruffly. “But he’s still Jack Payne, and no matter what I do, I’m always going to come up short.”
My throat is suddenly dry. “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.”
I stop cleaning and let my eyes sweep over him, from his smooth, arched brows, down the slope of his nose, and over his sharp jaw. He’s giving me an odd look.
“What?”
“You’re not responsible for other people’s mistakes, London,” Mason says quietly. “It’s not up to you to save the people you love, especially if they don’t want to be saved.”
“I was going to tell you the same thing.”
Mason makes a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat.
I reach for his hand and lace my fingers through his. “I know we’re not a normal couple. I know violence is a part of your world, but you can talk to me about these things.”
Mason searches my face.
Suddenly, I’m not looking at the man who’s clawed his way to the top of an empire. I’m not looking at the man who has watched the life leave other men’s eyes.
I’m not even looking at the man who offered to let me take my father’s place because he wanted me. I’m looking at a little boy who desperately wants his father’s approval, and it makes my heart feel impossibly tight.
Poor Mason.
I can’t imagine what it must have been like to grow up with a father like Jack Payne always looking over your shoulder and waiting to punish you.
What kind of father does that to his children?
A sudden burst of anger courses through me as I stand up and throw the cotton into the trash can by the door. Mason stands up and walks over to me. His touch is soft as he tucks a lock of hair behind my ears.
“I can handle my father,” Mason repeats. “No matter what he does to me, do not go after him.”
I nod.
Mason wraps an arm around my waist. “Good. There’s only enough room for one reckless person in this relationship.”
I raise an eyebrow. “We can’t take turns?”
“Absolutely not.”
I frown. “We’ll see.”
Mason shakes his head. “I have some work to do. And I’ve got some important people visiting.”
“You want me out of the way?”
“It’s safer for you there.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Even after the shooting?”
