CHAPTER 02_TAUNTED

Mason greeted me with an extended hand, but I ignored it, leaving him suspended in uncertainty.

I’ll leave you two alone”, Gavin said, standing up.

As he exited the study, Mason’s gaze lingered on me.

“Where would you like the massage?” he asked, his deep voice breaking the silence.

I hesitated a bit, unsure if I was ready for this, but something about his calmness put me at ease.

“The bedroom” I replied, standing up.

He nodded, following me silently behind. As we walked, I swayed my hips behind him in a way that if he stared, he’d be lost.

I don’t know what prompted this, but I was just trying to emotionally get this young man hooked up.

In the bedroom, I adjusted the lighting; to something not so bright. It was exactly what we needed.

I stood, hands fixed on my waist in the middle of the room, awaiting his order.

“Undress to your comfort level” Mason instructed, his voice neutral.

I slipped off my dress, leaving my lingerie. His eyes never wavered.

He went on, packing and arranging the environment for what seemed like the tenth time.

He was nervous. I could read that through him. He needed to relax.

Right now? We both needed relaxation. And it’s up to me to put him at ease.

I lay on the bed, drafting a towel beneath my waist

There was a bottle of oil resting on the drawer. He took some and began to pour it.

As Mason began the massage, his touch sent shivers down my spine. His hands were strong, confident, and gentle on my back and shoulders.

He slid my towel down to my waist and I felt my defense rising.

He started with the effleurage technique, long, sweeping strokes to warm up my muscles.

"Am I coming off too hard?" he asked, noticing my unease.

I went silent, then snapped the moment he took my silence for a go ahead

"Ow!" Irritation laced into my voice.

“Sorry, did I hurt you?” he asked, concern etched as he spoke.

“Yes, of course,” I retorted in annoyance.

He took a deep breath, probably trying to relax his nerves, and I smiled, satisfied.

He attempted to go on and I snapped again.

"You're just bad at this," I taunted, turning to face him.

His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.

“I thought you knew what you were doing.” I continued.

“I do” he replied.

"Then why are you being so rough?" I demanded.

"Fine, maybe I should just leave.

He stepped back, creating a distance between us.

My heart raced. I didn't want him to go.

"Wait," I whispered.

Mason turned, his gaze piercing.

"Don't stop now," Finish what you started”, I ordered.

I could see confusion and unease running through his mind.

“Makeup your mind” he replied, trying to keep his cool.

“You’re not very good at taking orders, are you?” I taunted him.

He didn’t say a word and I continued.

Our eyes locked, and for an instant, I saw a spark of attraction.

But I pushed it away. I couldn't let myself feel.

"This is all you've got?" I sneered.

This time his eyes flashed with visible anger.

"I've had enough," he said.

He turned to leave.

"No, wait!" I called out. Mason paused.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

His gaze softened a little bit, he went over to the fridge, grabbed two glasses and a bottle.

”You need to relax,” he offered as he handed me a glass.

"Let's start over when you feel better" he said.

I stared at him frantically, taking the drink from his hands.

“What’s your name” he inquired.

In a low tone, I whispered, “Christiana”

His gaze lingered on me, his expression softening.

“Christiana” he repeated, as if committing my name to his memory. The way he said my name made my stomach churn.

I sipped the drink, feeling the tension ease. Mason’s eyes never left mine. Now I was fidgeting under his intense gaze.

“Thank you” I said, breaking the silence.

Mason nodded, his lips curling into a gentle smile.

I sensed he was attracted to me from the way he looked at me, but his professionalism kept it in check.

“So tell me?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Are you in a relationship?”

Mason chuckled. “No.”

I squealed in my heart, very delighted by his response.

“Never?” I teased further.

He shook his head. “Never.”

I laughed. ”Why not? I mean, you’re gorgeous.”

His cheeks flushed and he smiled.

“Just focus on relaxing, Christiana.”

But I didn’t give up. “Come on, tell me” I coaxed.

Mason sighed. “I’m focused on my career,”

I raised my glass. “To successful, handsome bachelors”

Mason clinked his glass against mine “To beautiful, sophisticated and intriguing women.”

I blushed, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Our eyes met, and I gulped the rest of my drink to ease myself.

He followed suit, pouring us another glass. Still staring at me, like he was itching to say something.

“Want to say something?” I asked.

He smiled. "Nothing in particular, I might just come off as being nosy."

But his gaze lingered, making me uncomfortable.

“I think you should just say it,” I urged.

He laughed and added. “Maybe I’m just waiting for the right person” he whispered.

Our eyes held each other, the air thickening.

"Come on, finish your drink." Mason insisted “we should resume the massage”?.

I nodded, downing the rest of my drink.

As I stood to return my cup and retired to the bed, our hands slightly touched, sending sparks within me.

“You’re tipsy”, he observed.

“A little,” I admitted.