The air in the booth feels like it's been sucked out. Mason's body is rigid beside me. His jaw is locked, his hand crushing mine. I can feel the violence coiled in him, the restraint it's taking not to follow Turner and end this right now.
Jake exhales slowly. "Everyone stay calm."
"Calm?" Luke mutters. "That motherfucker just?—"
"I know what he did," Jake cuts him off, his voice low and controlled. "And we're not doing this here."
Harper leans in, leveling a look at Jake. “You’re supposed to handle this.”
What? I blink at her, confused.
“You okay?” Mason whispers into my ear.
I shrug, gripping my beer bottle. Based on what he said, I’m pretty sure Turner knows I escaped his network. He just proved he can touch any of us, anytime. Defensive positioning isn't going to work. Hiding at the ranch isn't going to work.
Mason’s lips brush my ear. "We're leaving. Now."
I nod. “Okay.”
The evening soured, we all get up. As we slide out of the booth, I glance back toward the bar.
Turner is watching us, smiling.
76
LILY
In the morning, I wake alone in Mason's bed.
My body aches in the best possible way. I groan as I roll over, my muscles sore and my skin sensitive, reminding me of last night after we got home. Of Mason's hands, his mouth, the way he took me apart piece by piece and put me back together as something new—something his.
I stretch slowly, feeling the pull in my thighs, the tenderness between my legs. He worked me over thoroughly, relentlessly, until I was boneless and shaking and completely wrung out. I know he was in part trying to help me stop fretting about Turner. Amazingly it worked. Then he held me while I fell asleep, his body wrapped around mine like a shield.
Now he's gone. He told me they’re planning to go after Kelly tonight, so I’m not surprised he’s left. If their planning means he’ll come back to me safe and sound, then I’m all for it.
I reach for my phone on the nightstand and check the time: 9:47 AM. Late.
There's a text waiting.
Mason Rivera
Had to meet with Jake and Luke early. Didn't want to wake you.
Stay at the cottage. I'll be back by noon.
I smile despite myself, imagining him typing that out—probably standing in the kitchen with coffee, trying to sound commanding while also being considerate.
I'm awake. And sore.
Your fault.
The reply comes almost immediately.
Mason Rivera
Good. Stay in bed.
I'll kiss it and make it better when I get back.