Page 28 of Risk
He backs off immediately. “I’m not trying to rent you, Leah. I’m trying to date you.”
Mason has the audacity to look stricken that I suggested he pay for the pleasure of my company. When, in fact, that’s exactly what he’s done.
Last week online. Today with cleaning.
“Go home, Mason.” I cross my arms and look at the floor.
He lets go of the elevator button and the doors open. I don’t waste another second breathing the same air as him, so I snag my cart handle and drag that dumb thing with me.
“Leah,” he practically begs from where he stands.
It’s the look of utter rejection on his face that has me stalling. Bet he’s never been rejected by a woman before. Bet he’s never been told to fuck off, either.
My mouth forms the words, but they cram in my throat. I don’t know why I’m being such a bitch. I should see how far he’s willing to take this with me. A Sugar Daddy was never something I worked towards securing for myself. This baby makes her own damn sugar.
But…What if?
What if he’s being sincere?
What if he really does like me?
What if he ends up being a blast?
Either Mason is the biggest Try Hard Pick Me Boy on the planet, or he’s genuinely trying to work his way into my life. Maybe I’m the one being a shithead here.
I shove my foot in the door to keep it from closing. “Why?”
“Why what?”
If he doesn’t know what I’m asking about, then we’re done here.
Just as I pull my foot out of the door and it starts closing, he says, “I’ve never felt more like myself with another person before.”
His confession robs the air from my lungs.
Mason slams his hand against the door to keep it open a little longer. “I thought we’d have fun together. I thought maybe I was your type, and you’re definitely mine. And I thought, today, given how sore your hand probably is, you could use a little extra help.” He shakes his head. “Guess I was wrong.”
The elevator door shuts before I can change my mind.
Chapter 10
Mason
My entire life has been a series of reports. From grades to behavior to budgets. I’ve also had my fair share of publicity. When I started BanditFX, I used my connections in social media to propel my goals into becoming one of the most sought-after tech companies in Silicon Valley. I treat my employees like royalty, their pay is unmatched, and I diversified quickly, getting into every branch of the cyber world I could reach. There are articles and photos of me all over the internet. I’ve made friends and I’ve made enemies. I’m not a celebrity by any means, but there’s always some competitor out there looking for dirt to use as blackmail.
Dating is a nightmare. Not only do I suck at it, but I barely have time for a relationship.
It’s probably a good thing Leah rejected my sorry ass. I’d want to give her all my attention, twenty-four-seven, and I’m not at a place in my life where that’s possible.
Yet.
I truly thought we’d have fun together. I thought I found someone who is into the same things as me. But now that I’m sitting in my car, alone, without any distractions, reality sets in.
If I date Leah, social vultures will ask around about her. If it gets out that I’m dating a camgirl, my business deals could go south because a lot of folks in my line of business look down on that shit. Others will take advantage of it.
My social circle will eat her alive. They’d treat her like trash, and I’d end up beating the shit out of them, which will make parties and family dinners awkward afterwards. My parent’s opinions and actions are a moot point. If they discover I’m with a sex worker, they’d act faster than I can blink. My disownment has always been eminent. I just want to be the one who pulls the pin on that grenade, not them.
“Fuck my life.” A migraine’s brewing. Leaning back in my seat, I pinch the bridge of my nose and close my eyes.