“Mason!” his mother shouted, right before she threw herself into his arms and squeezed the stuffing out of him.
His father clapped him on the shoulder, then joined in the hug with his mother.
Jerome stood there, watching the proceedings as if he were in charge of the whole thing.
Apparently he was.
“Are you ready to go home?” he asked Mason.
I wanted to smash his face for the condescending tone of his voice alone.
Mason blinked. “What? No. I’m going to meet some friends out first.” Jerome scowled and Mason shrank in on himself. “I mean, if you’ll allow it.”
Yeah, my fist itched to plant itself in Jerome’s face.
Jerome’s brows furrowed. “No, I don’t think so. I have things I want to do tonight, and I need you to be there, ready.”
He’s talking about sex, isn’t he?He wanted to deflower Mase, not caring what Mason wanted.
This farce had gone on for too long. I’d heard about as much as I could stand.
I squared my shoulders and gave Jerome my brightest smile. “Actually, he’s coming out with me.”
Mason’s eyes widened, as though he couldn’t believe Iwas challenging Jerome. “No, it’s okay,” he said weakly. “I’ll talk with you later, okay?” He gave me a beseeching glance that clearly saidDon’t do this, please.
“No, you won’t,” Jerome growled. “You won’t be talking to any other men from now on.”
Oh, that fuckingdidit.
“And who’s going to stop him?” I folded my arms and stuck out my chin.
If looks could kill, I’d be one dead dude.
“He knows his place,” Jerome snapped.
“Jerome, can we not do this here?” Mason’s mother pleaded.
“Here is fine,” he insisted. “Thisone needs to learn Mason’s place and understand his life no longer has any room in it forhim.”
“But he’s my best friend,” Mason insisted.
“You mean hewas. You don’t need friends, you have our family now.”
Mason shrank back. “Yes, Jerome. I’m sorry, Kip. I have to go home.”
He didn’t even look at me.
No.
No.
Hell to the fuckingno.
“No, you arenotgoing home with this douchebag.”
Mason gasped, his parents gaped at me, and Jerome’s eyes flashed.
“You need to stop flapping your lips right the fuck now.” His tone was edged with steel.
