Page 53 of Born Reckless

But I feel my confidence level rising with every lesson. I feel like I might stand a chance if I have to go up against someone who wants to do me harm. I feel like maybe I can do this fake role I’ve been hired to fill, and actually protect Mason if the need arises.

And every night after Francisco leaves, it’s Mason and me.

We’re still not having sex. Some nights I can barely contain myself when he simply gives me a lusty look. I’ve made it my most sacred vow, that I willnotbe the cause of his death.

But as we lie in his bed one night, and he traces his fingers up over my arm before cupping his hand around my shoulder, I wonder how I’m going to keep my feelings in check. Mason presses a kiss to the back of my neck, and I reach back to lace my fingers through his hair.

He leans over me and grabs my jaw. He stares at me for a moment, and I wonder what’s going through his head. Is this hard for him, too? Is he wondering how long this can last before this gets too serious, too real?

“You’re amazing, you know that?” he asks. His voice is low and soft. The same could be said for the look in his eyes.

Something in my throat tightens. Because I think of what caretakers said of me, what middle school teachers said about me, what employers said about why they were firing me.

I’ve never been anything but a screw-up to anyone.

And Mason Godfrey, the golden prince of Chicago, thinks I’m amazing.

So, I pull his mouth to mine, and I kiss him like it’s the last thing I’ll ever do.

“We’re going shopping.”

Elena walks into Mason’s office and stands there with her purse slung over her wrist. She’s wearing her sunglasses and a pure white dress. It has cap sleeves and hugs her body perfectly before ending a few inches above her knees. Her hair is pulled back in a slick, high ponytail.

Good grief, the woman exudes power and luxury.

“For what?” I ask, trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice. Things are still awkward between us, and I’m getting awfully sick of it. I want my friend back.

“The gala is in eight days,” she says, a small smile pulling in one corner of her mouth. “We better get hunting because we might need something tailored, and time is ticking.”

I glance back at Mason. He’s suppressing a smile as he leans back in his big chair. He places his elbow on the armrest and cradles his chin. He looks surprisingly pleased by the situation. “I’ll be wearing black and white, if you want to match.”

Something suddenly hits Mason in the chest, and I watch as a small decorative wire sculpture lands in his lap and he gives a yell. I look over my shoulder to see Elena’s hand swing to her side. The look of annoyance on her face is palpable. “Idiot. And of course you’re wearing black and white. It’s the gala.”

I raise an eyebrow at my best friend and try not to laugh.

Elena’s temper is always only two inches under the surface.

“Come on,” she says, casting a dark glare at her brother before she turns and walks away.

I glance back at Mason, and he just chuckles and shakes his head. “Good thing you’ve been taking all those self-defense classes.”

“You don’t have to go and be so damn obvious about us,” I say as I glare at him. I get to my feet and aim for the door, but Mason climbs out of his chair and steps into my path. Heat rises in his eyes, and he brings his hands up to my cheeks, gently brushing his thumbs over my skin.

“I’m not afraid of my sister, Juliet,” he says softly, and then he presses a kiss to my lips.

A sigh nearly escapes my mouth. My hands clutch his suit jacket, probably putting wrinkles in it. “You should be,” I murmur against his lips. “She’s watching us. So is half this floor.”

“I hope they enjoy the show,” he says with a wicked grin as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine. He tips my head back, allowing him deeper access.

I’m out of breath by the time he lets me go. Mason smiles wickedly as he smooths the front of his jacket. “Can’t wait to see this dress.”

My eyes track him as he walks around me and returns to his desk. And knowing I’m flushing brilliant red, I walk out.

Oh, yeah. Half of this entire floor is looking at me. The walls of Mason’s office are this fancy glass. With the push of a button, they fog and you can’t see through them. But currently, they’re clear.

All of them could see everything.

I’m getting death glares, not from four women, but five. Every one of them is human.