I throw my head back and squeeze my eyes shut.
His movements turn frenzied as his release tears through him. I collapse against him, breathing heavily as he holds still. When he begins to stir, I climb off him and fall back against the mattress. I stare at the ceiling when Mason shifts and lies down next to me. I feel his eyes on me as I lie there, trying to untangle the mess I’ve created.
I know I should tell him about Olivia’s plan. I know I should tell him about the baby.
But I can’t bring myself to pierce whatever remains of our bubble. I’m not ready to face the consequences of either.
“London.”
“Don’t look at me like that,” I reply.
Mason huffs. “You know that you can trust me, right?”
I prop myself up on my elbow. “I know.”
“You can tell me anything.”
I search his face, and my chest tightens. “Even if it’s something I know you won’t like?”
Mason’s expression turns serious, and he nods. “You probably won’t like my reaction, but yes, even then.”
He looks into my eyes, and I falter.
Everything is on the tip of my tongue, but I still can’t say it.
Instead, I close the distance between us and kiss him again.
I can taste the disappointment and frustration when he frames my face in his hands. Slowly, he drapes an arm over me and tucks me into his side. Sometime later, when Mason is sound asleep, I tiptoe to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face. Then I creep back into the room, prop myself up against the pillow, and stare at his sleeping face.
I know you won’t understand my reasons, but I’m not trying to hurt you, I swear. I hope someday you’ll understand.
Because I don’t think I can bear the thought of living in a world where Mason hates me.
Chapter Ten
Mason
I prop my legs up on the desk. “We already finalized the details.”
Jennifer clears her throat and sits up straighter. “Yes, but we’re willing to make a more generous offer provided you agree to the new terms.”
I don’t like the constant back and forth, especially not where the Harrisons are concerned.
While they’ve come through with more men and weapons for every major location, they still haven’t signed our deal.
A fact that my father has been lording over me since he received the news.
For the past ten days, it’s been plaguing me, keeping me up at night, and leaving a bad taste in my mouth.
I’m a good judge of character. While I know what makes Jennifer and Jeremiah tick, it’s Jason Harrison I can’t get a read on.
Not being able to lay eyes on him is more infuriating than I realized it would be.
Especially when he’s constantly changing his mind and pulling the strings like there isn’t a war at our doorstep.
Maybe it’s time you pay Jason Harrison a visit, give him a little reminder of who he’s dealing with.
Except I know it’s not going to get me what I want, not a signature on the bottom line, and not the alliance we desperately need.
