Page 50 of Without Judgment

“Why not? We’re both adults. I understand you’re not looking for anything long term. Neither am I. And although deep throating after taking shots wasn’t my best idea ever, I can’t say it was all a mistake.”

He practically groaned. “Because of your brother. And your father.”

“We don’t need tell either of them. Especially not my father. And even if he were to find out, what’s the worst that happens? He fires you from this job? You’ve only got a few days left.”

“He and your brother trust me. That’s not something I take lightly. I’ve already crossed a line with you I promised myself I wouldn’t. And if your father were to find out we were fooling around, there’s no way he’d give me the start-up capital for my business.”

I hadn’t been aware of the promise of investment money. I had to turn around and pretend to be occupied with taking my food out of the microwave. Because once again someone was choosing their business over me. Mason was just like my father.

“You think less of me for taking the money from your dad, don’t you?”

I spun around, surprised he’d care about my opinion. But then I realized I wasn’t being fair. I barely knew him. And besides, what person in his right mind would throw away a chance at his future? Because of sex. Nope. I didn’t blame him at all.

“No, I don’t think less of you. My father is an investor. And he’s a good one, which means he’s particular about who and what he invests in. How hypocritical of me would it be to judge you when I’m living in his house, eating his food, and enjoying the luxuries he’s provided? At least you have a business venture for him to invest in.”

“He’s your father, Avery.”

I gave a half shrug. “Doesn’t mean I should live off of him the rest of my life. Anyhow, I understand. The last thing I’d want to do is jeopardize your business. I know it’s important to you.”

He stepped closer, stopping in front of me and lifting my chin. “I’d still like to be friends. I hope last night didn’t ruin that.”

“It didn’t. And I could probably use a good one of those these days.” I found I meant it. I might be insanely attracted to Mason, but I craved his company on a friendship basis, too. “You’ll have to stop calling me princess, though.”

He dropped his hand and smirked, probably because I’d told him it turned me on. “How about I reserve it for special occasions?”

That pulled a smile from me. “Deal.” I took a seat at the kitchen table and watched as he did the same across from me.

“You get all of the wildness out of your system last night?”

I released a sigh. “Considering the way the evening ended, I’d say so.”

“Good. Because your father is returning in the morning.”

“I know. My brother texted me he’s bringing a PR team to speak with me. My father isn’t dropping the bid, is he?”

“Doesn’t appear to be.”

Which meant I was being treated as collateral damage. The type that needed to be handled. It wasn’t as though I wanted him to give up his dream to become mayor and give in to blackmail, but it would have been nice if he’d at least struggled with it. Sat me down to explain why.

“Did you know about the first note with the threat?” I asked.

“Not until yesterday.”

Guess that made sense. Mason had been looking for motive the same way I had. All along, my father had known the video was about his campaign.

“This PR team will probably tell me what to do. How to act. What to say.”

“Most likely.”

“Everyone underestimates my ability to do anything for myself. They treat me like a child.” Who was I kidding? It wasn’t as if I was proving them wrong.

“Then stop underestimating yourself.” His expression softened, but his tone didn’t. “You speaking to your father the way you did yesterday was the very first time I watched you stand up for yourself. You have the fire, Avery, but it’s up to you to channel it into the power to make your own decisions. Those don’t include going out to get drunk at a dance club.”

Yeah. It hadn’t been my best plan. “I don’t suppose you could simply give me a gun, so I can go shoot Edward.”

He grinned, the effect making me wish we hadn’t just agreed to stay only friends. “Accessory to murder isn’t a selling point for my business model, so no.”

“Shame.” I let out a breath. “I need to see the new video. I take it my father or someone on his team has a copy?”

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