Mason closed his eyes, buried his face in her hair, breathed in her perfume, and savored the feel of her against his flesh. She was already a part of him. He knew that more deeply, in his innermost being. An image that wouldn't fade away over time.“Lisa, I don’t think I deserve you,” he whispered. “I’ve let you down and yet you still had enough faith in me to come to me with this.” She pushed at him, putting small distance between them. Her eyes were fiercely sad and terrified. It makes sense why she was shocked the day before. In addition to hurting her, the idiot also made her feel uncomfortable and afraid.“I would never betray you,” she choked out. “Either way I wouldn’t win, Mason. If I gave John what he wanted, you would have cut me out of your life faster than I could think. If I don’t give him what he wants, he’ll humiliate us both. Chris will find out, and not only will it affect your friendship, but it could ruin your business partnership as well. Not to mention the things
Mason was mad at what he just said. His head boiled with anger and before he even knew what he was doing. He flew at him in rage, drawing back his fist. He punched the other man in the mouth, sending him reeling into the bookcase behind his desk. John’s hand flew to his mouth and when it came away, it was smeared with blood.“What the fuck are you doing? I can have you arrested for assault!” John raged. “You can’t just come in here and hit me!”“Shut the fuck up. You fucking piece of shit. You’re lucky I don’t kill you with my bare hands,” Mason seethed out. “If you so much as breathe in Lisa’s direction again, I will ruin you. When I’m finished with you, you will have nothing. No credibility. No backing. No contracts. Nothing at all.” Panic leached all the color from John’s face. But like all assholes in this world, he felt he had one more card to pull.“I’ll go public with those photos!” he threatened, babbling out the words like an incoherent drunk. Mason went still, his nostrils f
While waiting for Mason to arrive home, Lisa was extremely anxious and stressed. The minutes passed agonizingly slowly as she repeatedly checked the clock. She tried to keep her mind occupied on other things but couldn’t seem to. She couldn't help but think about him and where he might be right now.What had he done? How could he possibly think that he could handle the situation? Had she made the right choice by telling him?She was exhausted, and her head hurt horribly. Nothing seemed to relieve the ache around her temples and the base of her neck, despite the fact that she had previously searched Mason's medicine cabinet for the painkillers he had given her yesterday. She sprang up from the couch as she heard footsteps in the foyer and ran into Mason as he entered the living room.She practically climbed up his body as she flew into his arms, and he grabbed her tight. She clung firmly to his shoulders as he lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. As he looked into h
“I do love your cars. Mason. It is always so warm,” she said. He chuckled.“I’m more than happy to keep you warm.”“Oh really. Don’t tell me you are jealous of your car now? Don’t worry, when we get back to the apartment, I’ll be more than happy to let you.” He ran his hand up her leg and then back again to the curve of her knee. “I have plans for you when we get back, most assuredly.” She lifted an eyebrow in interest, her eyes glowing with instant fire.He’d already screwed up badly with her. He didn't want her to ever have another reason to question him. He assisted her out of the car when they got to his flat, and he held her hand as they went up the elevator. After removing his own coat, he followed Lisa into the living room to see her standing in front of the fire.“I want you, Lisa” he said in a low voice. “In Paris, I did it for all the wrong reasons. Despite what I said at the time, it wasn't about you. It was all about me and my foolish reasoning. Lisa, give me a chance. I
Mason went flying amid Lisa’s screams. Chris was on top of him when he hit the ground. Chris had a murderous grin on his face. He punched Mason once more as his eyes flashed with rage. Mason slid away once his nose began to hurt, but he didn't fight Chris back. He was unwilling. Amber was crouching over Lisa, feverishly trying to free her from her ties with a troubled look on his face. Mason would have gone to her and assisted just so they could explain, but Chris towered over him, taking Mason by the shirt and pulling him up while growling at him.“How could you do this?” Chris roared. “I knew it! You son of a bitch. I can’t believe you did this to her.”“Chris, for God’s sake,” Mason bit out. “Let me explain.”“Shut up. Just shut the fuck up! What is there to explain? Jesus Christ! Mason, how are you able to do this? Do you want her to think of relationships in this way? Do you want her to believe that your bizarre wants are normal? What happens when you weary of her the same way yo
“Nothing he didn’t deserve,” Chris said darkly. “Let’s go. I’m getting you the hell out of here.”He took her hand and dragged her toward the bedroom door. She couldn't help but follow him. She only wanted to go to Mason, so it was great. Lisa noticed Mason sitting on the edge of the couch with his head buried in his hands as soon as they entered the living room. She began to approach him out of concern, but Chris stopped her in her tracks.“We’re going, Lisa,” he bit out. She frowned and yanked her hand away. “I’m not going anywhere until I talk to him.” Mason looked up then, and his eyes were distant and vacant. He looked at her, his eyes carefully coated in ice. Mason was sitting on a couch, so she walked over and knelt in front of him. He shook off her hand after she hesitantly reached up to touch his arm.“Are you okay?” she asked softly.“I’m fine,” he said in a stiff, formal voice.“Talk to them,” she whispered. “Explain. I’m not leaving you, Mason. We need to help them underst
“I can’t believe this. Did you really think this was normal? What about when you move on to someone else and start looking for the same kind of crap? What if you hook up with some loser who mistreats and abuses you?” Lisa rolled her eyes, irritation seizing her.“You’re both such flaming hypocrites.” Amber blinked in surprise at being included in her insult.“We're discussing Mason and you. Lisa, he is fourteen years older than you are. Every woman he dates is required to sign a goddamn contract. Do you desire a relationship like that? Don’t you think you deserve better?”“Damn right I deserve better,” she said softly, hurt and betrayal crowding in so tight that it was suffocating. It hurt to breathe. She felt like she was dying with every breath. And she was on the inside. She had never experienced such pain. It was a wreck. She felt herself fragmenting into little fragments.Her lips trembled as she glanced at her brother and Amber, pulling the robe closer to her body. “I should hav
Lisa felt terrible. She hadn’t even talked to Amber in a week. Amber smiled.“Good. We’re still seeing each other. It’s hard because of our schedules, but we’re making it work.”“I’m glad, I am really sorry if it looked like I abandoned you. I have been a terrible friend.” Lisa said.“Come on, don’t say that. I am not mad at you. Just tell what happened, Lisa?” Amber asked softly. “It’s obvious he hurt you a lot. Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing him?” Lisa blew out her breath. “It’s a long story. I’m sorry I wasn’t completely honest with you about my relationship with Mason. It’s more complicated than that.” Amber’s eyebrows bunched together.“I’m listening.” Lisa poured out the entire story, leaving nothing out. By the time she got to tonight’s debacle, Amber’s eyes were wide and then they narrowed in disgust.“Can’t believe he did you dirty like that. You guys were already planning to tell Chris everything.” Lisa slowly nodded.“He stood there and lied to me, Amber. I know he
“Mason?” Lisa muttered in a whisper. “W..what is going on here?” She asked, looking around fearfully. “Where are Chris and my friends?“We are here.” They chorused, stepping out into the light from their hiding place.“What is all this?” She asked, breathing heavily. “Did you all know about this?”Mason swallowed, shifting on his knee. “Baby, I know you are confused and probably angry right now, but I promise it was all my doing. I made them join hands with me. I am sorry.” He held her gaze.“Mason. This is... I wasn’t expecting this.”“I know. And I know messed up, and I feel really dumb about it. I should never have treated you the way I did. You're absolutely right. You deserve someone who will always fight for you, and I want to be that person, if you'll give me another chance.She didn't know what to say or how to answer. Tears filled her eyes, making them feel hot, and she was afraid they might spill over.“I love you a lot,” he continued very strongly. “I love you so much that
“Mason?” Lisa muttered in a whisper. “W..what is going on here?” She asked, looking around fearfully. “Where are Chris and my friends?“We are here.” They chorused, stepping out into the light from their hiding place.“What is all this?” She asked, breathing heavily. “Did you all know about this?”Mason swallowed, shifting on his knee. “Baby, I know you are confused and probably angry right now, but I promise it was all my doing. I made them join hands with me. I am sorry.” He held her gaze.“Mason. This is... I wasn’t expecting this.”“I know. And I know messed up, and I feel really dumb about it. I should never have treated you the way I did. You're absolutely right. You deserve someone who will always fight for you, and I want to be that person, if you'll give me another chance.She didn't know what to say or how to answer. Tears filled her eyes, making them feel hot, and she was afraid they might spill over.“I love you a lot,” he continued very strongly. “I love you so much that
“Have I ever told you how jealous I am of you?” Desire asked Lisa as they stepped out of the shop closing for the day.“What do you mean?” She asked.Desire pointed at Mason who was standing by the car with a flower in hand. “There. You went from Jaylen to the utmost breathtaking man who doesn’t mind withstanding the pain of nature just to see you. How do you do that?”Lisa rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t be silly. I will see you tomorrow. Bye!” She waved at her.Mason raised his body slightly and stretched out the flower to her. Lisa collected it gingerly. She had thought he would stop coming after she ignored him to go with Jaylen. Also, none of her friends were willing to tell her what ensued between them and Mason when he brought the flowers over.He has been trying really hard to make her see him by indulging in little gestures. Lisa wasn’t certain about the next step to take with him yet. There are still many doubts about what he intends to offer her. The love is evident, but
Mason shifted backwards wondering what the ladies would do to him. Amber is the only one he is familiar with.“Is everything okay ladies? Is there a problem?” He asked.“There might be after we have this discussion,” Amber replied. “These are also Lisa’s friends and I doubt you knew that. Meet Trina, Jennifer and Jade. Guys, this is Mason.”“Nice to meet you.” He said waving at them.“He does look breathtaking.” Jennifer murmured unable to hide her delight.“Smells nice too.” Trina added.“He is right in front of us. Can we behave?” Amber rebuked.“Come and have a sit.” Jade said to Mason. “When Lisa said you were coming, we thought it would give us a good chance to talk to you. So, you have nothing to worry about. We just want to have a conversation as adults.”Mason nodded cautiously sitting on the couch. Just in case he would need to bolt. Women aren’t nice when they choose to gang up against a person. He would hate to be their victim.“Will you like something to drink?” Jennifer a
“Lisa!” Her friends screamed as they hugged her tightly.Lisa laughed heartily at the sight of her friends. It felt like forever since she had last seen them.Just as the girls had promised they came down to the valley to spend some time with her. Each one taking a leave of absence from their workplace.“I am so happy to see you. You look well.” Trina said, caressing Lisa’s cheeks. “Must be the works of a certain mister.” She winked, causing the others to laugh along.Amber held onto her hand like she feared she would disappear. “I have missed seeing your face. Please, Lisa, never leave without prior notice ever again. Nothing feels the same without you around.”“That is so true.” Jennifer and Jade chorused.“I miss you all so much.” Lisa cooed as she lunged at them again. “Come on in you all. I have a lot to tell you.”The girls seemed eager to hear what Lisa had to say. But she took her time instead, served them drinks and allowed them to settle before dropping the bombshell.“Mason
Lisa’s first instinct at the sight of Mason was to slam the door in his face, but her hand slid off the door instead and she stumbled backward in utmost shock.“W…what are you doing here? How did you get here?” She stuttered.Mason took two cautious steps into the house to see if she would yell at him to go back. When she didn’t utter a word, he invited himself in and shut the door.“Lisa, listen, I am sorry if my being here is pissing you off, but I haven't been able to do anything without you. I know…..”His words didn’t get to leave his lips as Lisa jumped at him kissing him aggressively. Mason lost all focus and wrapped his arms around her tightly, returning the energy. They charged at each other like their entire life depended on it. He ripped off the dress she had on and in less than a second their clothes were scattered around the room.“Baby…..” Mason called out panting.“Don’t say anything.” She let out a shaky voice. Her pupils dilated with lust.He harkened to her words and
“What the hell do you think you are doing here?” Chris questioned, surprised to see Mason standing casually next to his car in front of the restaurant he had come to have lunch with his business partners.Mason held up a tight smile. “I…I was just passing by and caught a glimpse of your car.”“Cut out the bullshit and own up to what you have done.”He huffed. “Fine, I had you followed from the office. You didn’t respond to my calls.”Chris frowned in displeasure. “What is all of this about, Mason? Do I have to get a restraining order for you? You have become more of a pest with each passing day. My answer still remains the same. Stop being a nuisance for goodness sake.”His words pelted Mason like a burning pebble, but he didn’t let that deter him.“You know what I am asking of you won’t cost you anything, Chris. Why won’t you give it to me?” Mason asked.He looked frustrated. “Why are you so adamant? Why does everything have to always go your way, Mason? Lisa is no doubt clear that s
“What the hell do you think you are doing here?” Chris questioned, surprised to see Mason standing casually next to his car in front of the restaurant he had come to have lunch with his business partners.Mason held up a tight smile. “I…I was just passing by and caught a glimpse of your car.”“Cut out the bullshit and own up to what you have done.”He huffed. “Fine, I had you followed from the office. You didn’t respond to my calls.”Chris frowned in displeasure. “What is all of this about, Mason? Do I have to get a restraining order for you? You have become more of a pest with each passing day. My answer still remains the same. Stop being a nuisance for goodness sake.”His words pelted Mason like a burning pebble, but he didn’t let that deter him.“You know what I am asking of you won’t cost you anything, Chris. Why won’t you give it to me?” Mason asked.He looked frustrated. “Why are you so adamant? Why does everything have to always go your way, Mason? Lisa is no doubt clear that s
Jaylen blinked in confusion at Lisa’s reaction. He can’t seem to fathom the very reason she chose to go violent.“W…what did I do?” He stuttered.Lisa growled like a wounded animal. “You have done everything wrong. Don’t you dare ask me such dumb questions again. I am not the kind of person you will get just because your ego can’t take a rejection. Never ever!” She screeched. “Never cross my path again!”Saying her piece, she hastened her steps flagging down a cab to take her home. Lisa slammed the door shut as soon as she got into the house, almost like she feared Jaylen would come after her for putting her hands on him.Her eyes watered as she slipped to the floor feeling her entire body quiver. His words resounded in her ears like Mason’s. If she continues this way, she would be doomed for life. Nobody wants to hang around a bitter person like herself. At the same time, she knew men like Jaylen well enough to know that they think too highly of themselves and believe it is okay to l