Chapter 4

I still can't believe what I'm seeing. Mason is walking towards me. The glare he shoots at the officer makes me think he's going to lash out at him, but he focuses his attention on me.

The moment he stops in front of the bed, right in front of me, I'm stunned. He's indeed the one. I didn't know that he's in Los Angeles.

But then, Smith Enterprises has many branch offices scattered all around the country, and he may be here to take care of business. But he's wearing a police uniform. How?

“Mason?” I whispered in a small voice, but it's impossible for him to miss it.

He frowns before disbelief crosses his face. “Happiness?” My name comes out of his mouth, sending shivers down my spine and I gasp at the intensity.

He tears his gaze away from me and mutters what seemed to be a silent curse.

“When the officer told me your name, I didn't expect it to be you. I'm so sorry about this. Are you hurt?." He questioned.

“No. I'm fine." I whispered.

“This vicinity is under my management, and everything that happens is my responsibility. The fact that a security guard broke into an apartment in one of the most prestigious buildings in the vicinity, and managed to assault you is something that won't be taken lightly. It's such a shame, and I will make sure of the consequences." His voice sounded deadly as he said the last sentence, and the temperature in the room dropped instantly.

I find myself speechless as I look up at him. Tonight's event must have made me crazy because why the hell am I turned on? I can't help but think that he's standing in front of me looking so damn good in his uniform, and I look like a disaster.

I'm wearing my pink Hello Kitty pyjamas, clutching the blanket around me like a lost puppy. My hair is dishevelled and all over the place. My face must be smelling of the face cream I applied before going to bed. I silently curse myself.

The other people in the room are now probably wondering how we know each other, but no one dares to break the silence.

Mason lets out a sigh as he lands his gaze at me again. “I hope that this incident will not affect your decision to stay in California. Have you talked to your Dad? I'll talk to your parents." He said, his voice laced with concern.

I swallow as I think about what Dad would say or do. He would go ballistic. “No." My voice is slightly shaking because of panic. “I can't leave this place. My Dad can't know about this."

Dad will surely make me terminate my exchange program if he ever knows about this.

Mason looks at me, concern in his eyes. He tries to read me, to see if I'm sure about my decision or not. “Happiness –”

“You shouldn't tell uncle Max about this either." I added quickly.

Mason looks doubtful. He's not sure whether he can keep this from his friend or not. “Why’s that?”

“Because he'll tell my Dad about it."

If my uncle gets to hear about this, he'll definitely tell my Dad, and he may go ballistic too. I highly doubt the fact that Dad would let this slip.

“Please." I beg. “I can't let my Dad know about this. He will make me leave, and I still have to finish my program here."

Mason looks just as frustrated as I am. It's obvious he doesn't want to lie to his best friend. “What do you want me to do, Happiness?” He asked softly.

I look around the apartment, and my body shudders in fear. I can't say what I've gone through doesn't make me traumatic. I can't stay here, but I can't leave this place either.

“That psychopath is taken care of and won't get the chance to hurt you again." Mason stated firmly. “Jail is the only place for him. Don't worry about that." He looks around the room. “But you can't stay if you don't even feel safe here. Do you have another place to stay?” He asked softly.

“I don't have." I said as tears welled up in my eyes.

“There are hotels around, do you think you can pass the night in one of those? We can figure out something from there when it's daybreak."

I shook my head. The thought of staying alone makes me start trembling again.

Mason sighed, and ran his hands through his hair, making me think of the things his big hands can do to me. “I can offer you to stay at my place. I don't know if you'll feel secure there, but it's just me. You can stay there till you talk to your Dad." He said softly.

“Your p-place?” I stuttered. Damn Happiness, why are you stuttering? I nodded eagerly, content that I really don't have to call my Dad tonight.

“Okay. I believe you don't want to stay tonight again, right?” I nodded. “Pack something for the night, and we can think about the next thing when it's daybreak."

I nodded and he went out to give me some space. I stood up to pack what I could. I still don't know if I'll be able to go to school tomorrow but I packed extra clothes just in case. I met him at the entrance of my living room when I was done, talking to the officer. He nodded at him, he saluted him then left, and he helped me with my bag before allowing me to step out.

When we got to his place, he opened the door making me gasp softly. In front of me is an extravagant suite much larger than my apartment. My eyes travel around the spacious living room, with a fireplace, floor to ceiling windows, a large stunning balcony, and a grand dining room. There are three bedrooms, one study room, and a kitchen.

He walked towards one of the rooms and opened it. He dropped my bag inside. “You can stay here. I really hope you'll be comfortable here. You can come out for breakfast in the morning by 8 or make something for yourself when you wake up." He glanced at me. “Are you sure you want to stay here?”

“Yes. Thank you. This is more than enough." I told him, grateful.

“Okay. Get some rest. I'll be leaving by 8 am. In case you come out late." He chuckled.

I nodded then went inside the room. I took a deep breath as I sat on the queen sized bed. ‘What a day.' I laid down on the bed as I closed my eyes.