Chapter 12

I could barely breathe, panic clawing at my throat as I struggled to find my voice. My hands shoved at his chest, but he was solid, unyielding. His grip on my wrists tightened as he forced them above my head, trapping me against the cold wall.

“Let me go!” I finally screamed, my voice cracking. I twisted my body, desperate to break free, but he just chuckled darkly.

“No one’s going to hear you over that music,” he slurred, his grin sinister.

Tears streamed down my face as I thrashed against him, trying to channel every ounce of strength I had. I needed to think. I needed—

Suddenly, the weight pressing against me was gone.

I blinked, gasping for air, and realized someone had yanked the man off me, sending him stumbling to the ground. My rescuer’s face was shadowed in the dim hallway, but the fury in his voice was unmistakable.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Mason growled.

My legs buckled in relief as Mason stepped between me and the man. His posture was rigid, his fists clenched at his sides. The air around him practically vibrated with restrained rage.

The drunk man staggered to his feet, sneering. “What’s it to you? She wanted it.”

Mason didn’t give him a chance to say anything else. His fist connected with the man’s jaw with a sickening crack, sending him crashing back to the ground.

“Get out,” Mason growled, his voice low and deadly. “Before I do something worse.”

The man groaned, clutching his face, and stumbled away, muttering curses under his breath. Mason didn’t move until the guy disappeared down the hall. Then, he turned to me, his expression softening instantly.

“Happiness.” His voice was gentle now, his hands hovering uncertainly in front of me as if he wasn’t sure whether to touch me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded shakily, though the tears streaming down my cheeks probably said otherwise. Mason reached out, carefully brushing a stray tear away with his thumb. His touch was warm.

“I didn’t think anyone…” My voice cracked, and I shook my head, unable to finish the sentence.

“Shh, it’s okay.” Mason’s arms came around me, pulling me into a protective embrace. For a moment, I stiffened, but then I sank into him, clinging to his shirt like it was the only thing keeping me standing.

The scent of his cologne filled my senses, a mix of something woodsy and clean. It was comforting in a way I couldn’t explain.

“How did you…?” I began after a moment, my voice muffled against his chest.

He pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. “I was worried when you left so I came here, and when I didn’t see you with your friends, I decided to check on you. I’m glad I did.”

His words sent a fresh wave of tears streaming down my face. “Thank you,” I whispered.

Mason’s jaw tightened, and he cupped my face gently, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “You don’t have to thank me for that. Ever.”

I nodded, the weight of his words settling over me.

“Let’s get out of here,” he said softly, his hand sliding down to rest at the small of my back. “You don’t need to be in this place right now.”

I didn’t argue. The thought of staying made my stomach churn. I followed him out, his presence steady and reassuring by my side. We didn’t say a word as we left the house and made our way to his car. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable—it was calming, as though words weren’t necessary.

As we drove back, Mason glanced at me occasionally, his brows furrowed in concern. Finally, he broke the silence.

“Happy, I need you to promise me something,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Don’t put yourself in situations like that again. Please.”

I bit my lip, guilt washing over me. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. I thought I’d be safe with my friends.”

He sighed, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. “I know. But there are people in the world who don’t care about boundaries, and I can’t—” He cut himself off, shaking his head. “Just promise me.”

“I promise,” I whispered.

When we reached the apartment, Mason walked me inside, his protective streak still in full force. He didn’t leave until he was certain I was settled in my room. As I sank onto my bed, the events of the night replayed in my mind.

Mason’s words, his actions—they stayed with me long after the door closed. For the first time, I realized just how much he cared. It scared me as much as it comforted me because deep down, I knew the feelings I was beginning to harbor for him weren’t simple or fleeting.

They were dangerous. But maybe… maybe they were worth the risk.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, but I couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed. My body ached from tension, and my mind was a chaotic mess of memories from the night before. I stared at the ceiling, replaying the scene in the hallway, the way Mason had appeared just in time, and the way his arms had made me feel safe, even if only for a moment.

A soft knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door cracked open, and Mason peeked inside. He hesitated when he saw me still lying in bed.

“Happy? Can I come in?”

I nodded, sitting up and pulling the blanket around me. He stepped in, holding two mugs of tea. He offered one to me before sitting on the edge of the bed, his expression unreadable.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d want to talk,” he said quietly. “I couldn't make hot chocolate but I figured you could use some tea.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. The aroma was comforting, but I couldn’t bring myself to take a sip just yet.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence was heavy but not uncomfortable. It was like we were both waiting for the other to say something first. Finally, Mason broke the silence.

“Did you sleep okay?”

I hesitated, then shook my head. “Not really.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t think so. I should’ve stopped you from going last night. I had a bad feeling about that party.”

“This isn’t your fault, Mason,” I said quickly, my voice firmer than I expected. “I made the choice to go. You can’t protect me from everything.”

“Maybe not,” he admitted, his gaze intense. “But I can try.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I didn’t know how to respond, so I looked down at my coffee, tracing the rim of the mug with my finger.

“Mason,” I began after a moment, “why did you come to the party? You didn’t have to…”

He let out a humorless chuckle. “I told you — I was worried. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something might go wrong. And when I couldn’t find you with your friends…” He trailed off, his jaw tightening.

I swallowed hard, the weight of his concern settling over me. “Thank you,” I said softly. “For being there.”

He nodded, but his expression didn’t soften. “I just—I need you to know something, Happy.” He shifted closer, his eyes locking onto mine. “You mean more to me than I’ve let on. And last night, seeing you like that…” He exhaled sharply, as if trying to rein in his emotions. “I can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you.”

My breath hitched at his words, and for a moment, I couldn’t move. The intensity in his gaze was overwhelming, and it made my chest ache in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

“Mason…” I whispered, my voice trembling.

He reached out, his hand brushing against mine where it rested on the mug. His touch was tentative, almost as if he was afraid I might pull away. But I didn’t.

“I know I’m not perfect,” he said, his voice low. “And I know I’ve been holding back. But if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that you’ve become someone I can’t ignore.”

My heart pounded in my chest, the air between us thick with tension. I wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, I found myself leaning into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed as his hand cupped my cheek.

“Happiness,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “Tell me to stop if this is too much.”

I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze. “Don’t stop,” I whispered.

Something shifted in his expression, and before I could second-guess myself, his lips were on mine. The kiss was gentle at first, as if he was testing the waters. But when I didn’t pull away, it deepened, his hand tangling in my hair as he pulled me closer.

For a moment, the world fell away, and all that existed was him — his warmth, his touch, the way he made me feel safe and wanted all at once. It was intoxicating and terrifying, but I didn’t want it to end.

When we finally pulled apart, his forehead rested against mine, his breath warm against my skin. “I’ve been wanting to do that after the first time in my office,” he admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips.

I couldn’t help but smile back as heat rose to my cheeks, even as a thousand questions swirled in my mind. What did this mean for us? Where would we go from here?

But for now, I decided not to overthink it. For now, I was content to let the moment speak for itself.