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Mason hasn’t said much. He’s been applying himself to his meal.

“Mason?”

“Mm.”

“He touched my hand.”

“I know.”

“And you stayed in your seat.”

“Well, Romy made sure I did.”

“Thank you.” I lean close to him and kiss his cheek.

He stills and sets his fork and knife down. “That’s not how we kiss, sweetheart.”

“Hey, there are kids here,” Kaz protests.

“Close your eyes, Kaz.” Mason pulls me close, and his lips touch mine.

The earth does shake—and I close my eyes and let him in.

It’s a soft and slow kiss. An easy one. Lovely. Romantic. Beautiful.

He pulls away.

“You guys done?” Kaz lifts his chin in theatrical disdain.

Mason picks up his fork and knife, keeps his eyes on mine. “No, Kaz, we’re just getting started.”

CHAPTER 43

mason

The grand jury indictment came a week later.

I am closing down odds and ends of Mason Brooks LLC in Taya’s office when she tells me. I am on a client chair across from her, and we’re both on our laptops.

“Just got an alert.” She turns her screen around to show me. It’s a news article.

I scan the article. “Three counts. Bribery of a public official, obstruction of judicial proceedings, coordinated use of political office for private gain.” I lean back, feeling immensely satisfied. “Federal grand jury moved fast.”

“Kaz and Romy are good at their jobs.” She smiles at me. “And I think a certain fixer helped them.”

“And a certain counselor let her ex touch her hand.”

She rolls her eyes, amused.

Griffin Cole managed to make a deal—he is a slimy lawyer after all.

He couldn’t avoid disbarment, but he did manage to not get any jail time for his testimony against Jessup.

Aldridge wasn’t touched by it—because he wasn’t part of it.

We had hoped the judge would intervene, but the case is moving forward—High Mesa hasn’t backed down. I don’t blame them. It is, after all, a three-hundred-million-dollar project at stake.

“I poured wine on him. I can’t believe you’re still jealous.”