Page 27 of Hidden Obsession

Chapter Twelve

Mason had hita complete dead end. Since the attack on Killian, the last few days had been quiet. Killian was now home with a very protective and vigilant Caitlin looking after him. They still had no idea where the poison had come from, the only positive being that Killian couldn’t have ingested much or things would be very different right now.

The lead with Spears was slow. Either the man was innocent, which he didn’t believe, or he was a smart fuck. Mercy had reported he hadn’t left the hospital except to go back to his hotel and sleep. They couldn’t account for his whereabouts during the attacks on Cleo though. The fact he was now quiet and so was the stalker was not lost on him or Mercy. Mercy was going to continue her surveillance on the man until they were satisfied he wasn’t a threat.

The only good thing was Cleo. She was more than he had ever hoped for, sweet, funny, kind, beautiful, and sexy as fuck. She responded to him as if she’d been made especially for him and the sex was off the charts, better than he’d ever thought possible, it was like a religious experience. He had known he liked her a lot and had been half in love with her for the last year, but now there was no hiding the fact she meant more to him than he could have imagined she would.

He had never felt like this about someone. He wanted to be with her all the time, touching her, laughing with her, talking about unimportant crap with her. She had lightened up around him and seemed to be taking their relationship at home and work in her stride. She wasn’t hiding what they were, and the team hadn’t batted an eyelid.

When everything cleared up though he would speak with Shane and Emme and make sure it was okay with them. If it wasn’t, well, he would have to cross that bridge when he came to it. He didn’t want to give up this job, he fit here, the team, the flexibility all of it suited him, and he enjoyed it, but he wasn’t giving up Cleo for anyone or anything.

The door to his office opened, and Kingsley Knight poked his head inside. “You have a minute?” The other British operative looked dead serious.

“Yeah, of course, come on in.” Mason waved him inside.

Kingsley took the seat opposite him and leaned back, crossing his arms over his midsection.

“What can I do for you?” He and Kingsley had gotten on well since the first meeting. They were very different, but in some ways very alike. Mason figured the things they had in common was due to them both being English. Kingsley was more relaxed than he was, less of a stickler for things, but both were self-assured enough to know what they wanted. Kingsley had met his wife Sydney, on the first case Alliance had done. The same one which had almost gotten him killed. Mason didn’t hold a grudge though, far from it. He thought a lot of Sydney and she and Kingsley were perfect for each other.

“You and Cleo, hey? I can’t say it surprises anyone. Do you know she sat by your bed 24/7 when you were stabbed? Mercy and Caitlin had to bring her food and changes of clothes.”

Mason sucked in a breath. He hadn’t known that. She had visited a few times as had the others, but she’d never let on. “No, I didn’t.” He wondered what Kingsley was leading up to.

“Knew then she was in love with you. I suspected it before, you two spark off each other like water and lightning.” Kingsley smirked. “I still remember that time she walked in on you in the locker room. I think it was the event that confirmed it all.”

“I’m not sure we’re there yet,” Mason said doubtfully.

Kingsley smiled and shook his head. “Oh you are, you’re just fighting it. Listen, that’s not what I came here to say.”

Mason quirked his head. “So what did you want to say?”

“I like Cleo. She’s strong and clever and puts on a mask of strength like armor. But she has a vulnerability about her, and I don’t want to see her get hurt.” Kingsley left the sentence hanging, his meaning clear.

King was giving Mason the big brother talk in lieu of her not having her own. Mason’s instinct was to bristle, but he tamped it down as he realized how much the team loved her. She was one of theirs, and nobody wanted to see her hurt. He liked that, and as much as part of him wanted to tell King to mind his own fucking business, he didn’t. “I appreciate you want to look out for her, but there’s no need. Cleo means a lot to me. She means everything, and I would rather die than hurt her.”

Mason watched a grin break out on Kingsley’s face. “You love her.”

“As I said, I don’t know if we’re there yet, but we’re building something,” Mason hedged not ready to admit what he felt to anyone, even himself.

“You love her.” Kingsley chuckled as he stood. “Good for you, man. You two are good together and if you get any shit from Shane and Emme, remind them how they met.” And on that statement, he strode to the door. “Shout if you need any backup,” Kingsley said as he closed the door behind him leaving Mason with as many questions as he had answers.

* * *

Cleo faced Emme,Caitlin and Sydney. “I’m not sure how Mason will feel about us taking over his apartment.”

“Come on. We’ll clear up afterward. It’s only the four of us, a few drinks, some nibbles, maybe Magic Mike on the TV.” Caitlin wiggled her eyebrows at the last suggestion.

“Yeah, come on. We all need to relax after the last few days and what better way than half-naked men and alcohol.” Emme grinned and licked her lips.

“Ha, says you, who has her own Magic Mike at home,” Caitlin teased.

Emme’s eyes went dreamy. “Shane is impressive.”

Cleo put her hands over her ears. ”Nope, not listening. That’s my boss you’re talking about.”

Sydney giggled and gave Cleo a sideways look. “Pfft, you have your own Magic Mike now anyway.” Sydney had come a long way in the last few months. She was still shy in some ways, but she was a world away from the damaged woman they had met.

“Yeah, let’s talk about you and Mason.”