He has been softer outside of sex. He cooks for me most days, takes me to the theater often, then on a ride to our hilltop spot, and always accompanies me to the restaurants when I go out for a meal with my friends. Though he still acts like a dick. If I grab a chip off Caden’s plate, he’ll order me a whole bowl. If someone accidentally knocks into me when I’m dancing with Penny at The Vault, he gets them kicked out. If I wear heelshigher than two inches, he’ll rip them off my feet on the way home and carry me instead.
Just the usual crazy. Nothing new.
At least I no longer have to concern myself with other women who leer after him. Not because they have stopped—far from it.My presence does nothing to deter them, either. But if anyone approaches, Mason grabs me and kisses me raw—a declaration—until they finally turn away.
I ride with Mason to the campus. Jack is always lingering in the parking lot when we arrive, which frustrates Mason. Now that I live with him, he doesn’t want Jack around. Jack dismissed the rest of the guards, at my request, but there is no way I can convince Dan and Grandpa to leave me alone with Mason. Not only because they would never trust anyone outside of Etheridge security, but Jack also doubles as their agent to keep an eye on Mason. They reacted exactly as I expected to my decision to move to The Barrel—terribly.
Dan has gone all in on his ludicrous plan to take down Reginald Grant. He’s slowly expanding into Fort and neighboring lands, targeting any tender that’s a hit to the Fort Council. He’s not even in the country. Apparently, when you are a fancy new billionaire, you can ruin your sister’s life on a business trip to the States.
Last week, Caden and I dropped by the grocery store. An old man jumped out of a corner and gave me a long lecture, right in the middle of aisle seven. I didn’t catch much of it, but it was clear his farm suffered because of recent acquisitions. Jack got me out of there swiftly, before more eyes caught us.
Mason wouldn’t tell me anything. His answer to any question regarding Dan’s investments is to fuck me until I give up asking.
The only person I support in this feud is the unlikeliest of all—Mason’s father. The one person who wants a truce between our families more than me is Reginald Grant.Why?Idon’t know, and I don’t care. If he can end this archaic rivalry, he’s got my vote.
The Barrel’s quiet tranquility has been a refreshing change to my chaotic mind, but I miss my friends. I still spend most weekday evenings with Thea in the library, buried in our coursework. Caden and Penny have been tagging along, too, which is good, because there is no way I’m getting through the tests without Caden’s help, given how distracted I have been. Their company keeps me balanced. I welcome any opportunity to spend more time with them. Like now.
“I swear he hasn’t looked up in an hour,” Penny whispers, appraising James, who is lounging on the armchair by the entrance of the salon, while Penny, Thea, and I are getting our nails done.
Jack had to go back to London for a family emergency, so I’m getting firsthand experience of what Fort security feels like.
“And I thought I was bad,” Penny scoffs. “What’s on that phone? I bet my Louis Vuitton, it’s something illegal.”
“No idea.” I shrug. “He’s always like that. I don’t think I have ever seen his whole face.”
“That’s probably good for his face, given what your boyfriend’s like,” Caden jokes beside me, also scrolling on his phone.
“Ha-ha.” I frown. “No Mason jokes today. I’m nervous enough.”
“Why are you nervous? Didn’t you meet his mother already?” Thea asks as the nail technician works her nails to precision. “I hear she’s nice.”
“She is.Scary nice, but nice. That’s why I couldn’t refuse the invitation. But it’s not her I’m worried about.” I let out a deep sigh. “The last time I saw Reginald Grant was in an intense altercation with Grandpa and Dan. I don’t even want to know what he thinks of me dating Mason.”
“Why don’t you tell Mason you’re worried about it?” Caden laughs. “Maybe he’ll get you a ring.”
“Okay, who invited him?” I slap the table.
“I’m trying to defuse the tension.” Caden throws out a lazy arm.
“Not working,” I drawl. “Why don’t you make yourself useful and go find out who is coming to this lunch, so I can mentally prepare myself?”
“Talk tohim?” Caden points at James. “What am I supposed to say?”
“I don’t know, be creative.” I fake smile. Caden groans but stands. I grab the phone from his hand. “Don’t think you need that.”
Caden shakes his head but casually strolls over to James and takes the seat across from him. I wait until he starts a conversation, then swipe his phone and enter his passcode.
“Eva,” Thea hisses in shock. “You can’t do that.”
“He’s been very suspicious,” I whisper, scrolling. “I need to know what he’s up to.”
“Not like this.” Thea steals the cell from me, placing it out of my reach. “Don’t take your frustration out on him.”
“Yeah, back off Ginger,” Penny chimes in with a smile toward Caden.
“Okay, why are you both suddenly defensive of Caden?”
“He’s been bringing us delicious takeouts, and he’s not a sore loser at games like you,” Penny answers with a sweet smile.
