Chapter 17

Alyssa

I shake off the horrible memory, forcing myself to focus on the here and now. Mason flips a page in his book, completely absorbed, giving me the space to breathe and collect my thoughts. His presence is strangely comforting, even if I'm still wary of his intentions.

Zuri's soft coos draw my attention, and I smile down at her. "You hungry, baby girl?" I murmur, lifting her into my arms. I carry her to the kitchen, feeling Mason's eyes on me as I prepare a bottle.

"Do you need any help?" Mason's deep voice startles me, and I nearly drop the can of formula on the floor. I turn to find him standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

Is he really speaking to me, or am I that out of my mind that I'm imagining it?

"I'm fine," I reply, trying to calm my racing heart. "Just feeding her."

He nods, but doesn't move, watching as I set Zuri on the counter and finish making the bottle. Once I do, I settle her back into my arms, and hand her the bottle. My eyes lift to find Mason cont