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Chapter 30 - Adder
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I knew I’d be out of place at this party but having Mason close did help, some. As we walked to the fancy garden party, my mind was distracted by the offer he made in the car. I’d hoped that he was going to ask me something else. That he wanted to be with me, truly be with me. But, instead, I had to push down my disappointment and accept reality. I would rather stay with him as his bodyguard than be without him entirely.
I did my best to ignore the way people looked at us and focus on the warmth of his arm around me. As we approached his family, I knew it was them from pictures, and I wanted to turn invisible. I’ve never been intimidated before, or at least not that I’ll admit to. But looking at the Templetons, I will admit I’m intimidated. I found myself shrinking into Mason as his sister rushed over to us.
I held her gaze,
BryantNew chapters are posted Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Follow me on Instagram @authorbryant for updates on this and my other books.
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His PetĀ Ā Ā Chapter 31 - Mason
So soon, all the congratulations went from graduation to engagement. Everyone knew what was happening elsewhere on the property. No one was surprised for Ashton and Tiffany to walk back out all smiles and Tiffany sporting an engagement ring. I certainly didn’t mind, and I’m guessing Adder didn’t either as it took some focus off me and, therefore her.“You up for making rounds, pet?” I asked as I noticed some of my company’s business associates and, worse yet, members of my board puttering about the party. “Wouldn’t be much a bodyguard if I left you defenseless with all the sharks.” Adder teased. Despite her teasing tone, I know it was her who didn’t want to be left alone.Or at least that’s what I assumed as she was basically sticking to me like glue. Not that I’m complain
His PetĀ Ā Ā Chapter 32 - Adder
I considered going to see Tiffany, but I didn’t want the weird looks or to push through the crowd to reach my fellow snake. So instead, I grabbed a glass of champagne from a tray and ducked inside the house for some quiet. I needed the break from the judgmental stares and, even worse, from Mason introducing me as his friend or bodyguard.Why can’t he see how much I want him? That I want more than a friendship with him. Maybe Tiffany is right, and I should have told him long ago. Maybe I’ll tell him tonight after the party when it’s just us. I mean, at this point, what do I have to lose? Oh, that’s right, him.I sighed, taking a sip of the champagne, and wrinkled my nose. Yep, I’m still a cheap beer girl. I froze when I heard someone laughing and looked around to try and find the source. “Who’s there?”
His PetĀ Ā Ā Chapter 33 - Mason
I had wanted to find Adder but Ron caught up to me. Of course, he was worried about his position, given what I said about reviewing everyone in the company. I was polite because that’s what is expected. Also because the last thing I need is to cause a scene and have everyone looking at us. I’d never get to Adder then.So I carried on the conversation. I was happy that Adder interrupted. Having her at my side felt right. It made me relax. Relaxed so much, I called her pet in front of Ron and shared her drink. But all those happy and content feelings went out the window when she said Ollie asked to drive her home.I looked at Ollie. I know him. I’ve known him for years. So why didn’t I see this coming? She’s beautiful and amazing. Even if he doesn’t see her more than a handful of times a year, he realized it too. This was
His PetĀ Ā Ā Chapter 34 - Adder
The fact he didn’t try to stop hurt. But I shoved the pain down before I reached Ollie. “Alright, Mason didn’t plan to leave till near dark. So where ya thinking for dinner?” I asked as I reached Ollie. Oliver smiled. “Well, on the way back, we go past my hometown of Nottingham, and there's this great place called The Bells Inn. Known for good ales, food, and live music. Their beef and ale pie is the best I’ve ever had.” he explained, putting an arm lightly around my shoulders.I reminded myself that Ollie is a good bloke, and he obviously likes me. Unlike Mason. But I couldn’t shake that. It just felt wrong having Ollie’s arm around me like this. As we headed for his car, I glanced over my shoulder, hoping to see Mason. I don’t know why I held out hope he’d come rushing after us and say he’d rather drive me.
His PetĀ Ā Ā Chapter 35 - Adder
The next morning I wasn’t sure if I should tell Mason about having dinner with Ollie or that he kissed me. I do know I need to tell him about the crazy bird Elizabeth. He wasn’t up yet. I guess it makes sense. He would have gotten home much later than me. I was half dreading and half eager to see him. I don’t know why I’m holding out hope he’ll react to what happened with Ollie. But I am.I was brewing coffee when I heard Mason’s door open. Turning as I poured my coffee, I internalized a sigh. This was a sight I’ve seen hundreds of times living here, Mason with his hair a mess from sleeping, wearing just a pair of shorts and stretching as he yawned. I nearly overfilled my cup, staring at him. Damn, he’s too sexy. This isn’t fair.I managed to stop pouring just as some splashed on me, warning me I was a
His PetĀ Ā Ā Chapter 36 - Mason
Keeping a calm unbothered exterior as she talked about Ollie kissing her last night and asking her on a date was nearly impossible. Fighting back the urge to find Ollie and beat the crap out of him. But I can’t. It's not Ollie’s fault. Adder is amazing. Eventually, someone else would realize it too. I’m the idiot who hasn’t told her how I feel. It’s my fault.I ought to be telling her how I feel. Talk her out of that stupid date with Ollie. Maybe talk her into showering together. I groaned as the mental image of her naked in a shower crept into my brain. I sighed, glancing down at the growing problem in my shorts. “Down, boy.” I ordered, turning and putting my coffee cup into the sink.I need to settle things with Elizabeth before even attempting to move forward with what I desire with Adder. I was in my roo
His PetĀ Ā Ā Chapter 37 - Adder
I nodded a little, slipping off my sneakers and socks. I stretched my arms as I turned to stretch out on the sofa, letting my legs stretch over his lap. This is normal. I’ve done this so many times over the years. It’s just how we sit on the sofa. And I like it. “So what happened?” I asked, looking at him. Mason glanced down at my legs over his lap.Am I about to get a reaction? I was wearing shorts that were a bit short, hitting my mid-thigh. So I had a lot of my long-toned legs on display. I know, Mason. And I know he’s a sucker for blondes with long legs. But no reaction came. His gaze came back to my face, and we carried on like he hadn’t just spent the last minute eyeing my legs.“I walked up, and she’s sitting there...with those darn long legs visible and well got a tad distracted, I suppose. She
His PetĀ Ā Ā Chapter 38 - Mason
I have never been the sort to hit a woman. And I certainly never thought to hit a nun. But when that nun called Adder a serpent like that, with the disdain in her voice. And looked at her like she was some vile unholy thing. It pissed me off. It took all self-control to not lash out, either physically or with my powers.I want to get this done. I can tell how much this place is affecting Adder. She’s not comfortable being here. So I start sifting through the folder. It was mostly just documents about her fights with other children and the nuns. “Well, I see why the nun was scared of you when you walked in. You bit at least five nuns, sending them to the hospital for treatment in your short time.” I sighed, shaking my head a little.Not that I blame her. I glanced over and saw her watching me, leaning against a filing cabinet. &ldqu
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