Page 69 of King of Sinners

“What?”

“Leo was spotted last night. He slipped our men, but it was him.” Relief makes me melt into Mason. As much as he said Leo’s antics were not my fault, I still felt responsible.

“Where?” Mason lets me go, sliding from the bed and walking into the bathroom so that I don’t hear the rest of the conversation.

I flop back down on the bed, trying to control the insecurities. I gave Mason my virginity. Another bucket list item, one of two I promised myself I’d complete.

But now that that is done. What is next? Mason swears I’m getting out of this and that he’ll keep me safe forever. I trust him to keep his word. Which means I need a plan. Will Kim and I still go to New York? Will I see Mason sometimes? My throat closes.

I want to take pictures for the rest of my life. But I don’t care about marketing the same way I do about the art.

I pick up my camera and look at the pictures I’d taken last night. Some of them steal my breath.

The look in Mason’s eye right before he kisses me…

It’s enough to melt the panties right off any normal woman. And the picture of our kiss? I’m sending them all to the printer before I’ve even thought about it.

Then, setting down the camera, I head into my bathroom and start my shower. I’m nearly done when Mason appears.

It’s a good thing he has large showers because he’s made a habit of joining me. But this morning, I’m especially glad to see him. I feel even more vulnerable after last night and as he steps in, I move over, grabbing the soap in my hand.

“Everything all right?” I ask as I start soaping his back.

“It’s good,” he says with a smile over his shoulder. “Just a big day. But by tomorrow, the worst of this will hopefully be behind us.”

I kiss his shoulder again as I keep soaping lower, my hands coming to his front. I’m sliding lower, wanting the closeness only intimacy can provide.

But he grabs my hands, stopping me before I’ve gotten too far, giving them a squeeze before he gently pulls them away. Another wave of disappointment hits me, though I try to ignore it. He just said he had an intense day. He needs his space.

Which is why I get out of the shower and towel off, tipping my head upside down to dry my hair.

“Woman,” he growls as the water turns off. “Don’t tease me like that.”

I giggle, some part of me relieved. I’d worried that after I gave him my virginity, his protection and his affection would end.

I flip my head up and turn to face him naked, leaning back against the counter. “Who’s teasing?”

He puts his hands on the counter on either side of me, capturing my mouth with his. “When I get home tonight, we are going to celebrate.”

“You’ll be careful today, won’t you?”

“These are public meetings. Don’t worry.”

“They did try to blow us up,” I answer, as I place my hands on his chest.

“They’ll retaliate for sure when they learn I’m tightening the vise. That’s why it’s important you stay out of sight. Promise me.”

I nod as he pushes off the counter.

“With that said, I know I mentioned that you could tell Kim my name. Why don’t you invite her here? I can send Jackson for her. You and Kim could spend some time together.”

“I’m allowed guests?” I ask as we both make our way into my room.

“You’re not a prisoner.” He kisses me again. “Any chance you could put out breakfast while I dress?”

“Of course,” I answer as I slip into a simple dress. My hair and makeup can wait. I’m busy in the kitchen as I cook a few eggs, and I realize I’m also famished.

Mason comes out dressed, wolfs down his breakfast, and then drops a kiss on my forehead before he heads for the door. “We’re having all the meetings today down on the second floor of this building.”