Page 46 of Born Reckless
"He's the real deal," I admit with a tight throat. "He had the answers I was looking for."
I think Mason is hoping that I will share some of the details with him. But it's too close to my heart right now. It's too fresh. It all feels like a live grenade right now.
Mason simply nods and says, “Let’s go home.”
Chapter Nine
As soon aswe get back to the penthouse, I head straight for the shower. Something about having a man I don’t know rooting around in my brain has me feeling dirty. I scrub my entire body from head to toe and wash my hair twice.
It’s midnight when I step out, steam billowing out of the bathroom behind me. I wander into the closet and pull open one of my endless drawers. I grab a matching set of silk pajamas, shorts and a tank that fits so comfortably and feels so silky, I honestly feel naked.
Thirsty, I walk out into the kitchen, my hair still dripping down my back. I go to the fridge and pull out a bag of blood.
Ugh.
It’s so gross.
But I suck it down all the same, and drink another when I’m finished.
Movement down the hall draws my eyes to the doorway of Mason’s bedroom. He’s just finished showering too, as evidenced by his dripping hair. And his glistening chest. He’s wearing a pair of gray sweatpants, of course, nothing else.
My feet set off down the hall before I think about it too much.
He didn’t have to do this. Any of it. But especially the part where he tracked down the only person in the world who could tell me about my past. He’s gone above and beyond out of his way to do… everything for me since I got here.
I reach the doorway and lean against it, crossing my arms over my chest. I watch him as he shuffles around his room, preparing what he needs for another busy day of meetings in the morning.
I know I have to protect myself. I have to be careful.
But as I look at Mason, I feel something I’ve never felt before in my life. Trust. Mixed with appreciation. Mixed with longing.
I’ve been trying to keep things with the golden human prince of Chicago simply about our physical attraction.
But then he went and didthistonight.
Mason stops when he sees me in the doorway. His eyebrows lift, and there’s this look of anticipation in his eyes.
“Thank you,” I say simply. It’s hard for me to be genuine. Half of what comes out of my mouth is sneering sarcasm. But I mean these words. And I hope he feels that. “For taking me to Malcolm. For giving me a safe place to stay. For… all the help you’ve given me.”
He stands there in the middle of the room and the speed of his breathing picks up just a little. “Of course.”
He says it so casually. Like he does good deeds like this all the time. And I’m starting to think he actually does.
I step into the room. I hold his gaze.
Mason’s eyes drop from mine to observe what I’m wearing.
Who said anything about love?
Maybe this isn’t love. But it sure as hell is getting complicated because it is no longer just about attraction.
I throw all caution to the wind when it comes to complications when I stop just in front of Mason. Slowly, softly, I raise my hand to his chest. His skin is warm. Through it, I feel his heart hammering.
A slight smile pulls on my lips.
He could have any woman in this city. Dozens of them would line up outside this bedroom for the chance just to stare at him.
But I’m here. And he’s done more for me than any other man in my life.