Page 79 of King of Sinners

“I want you to marry me.”

“Is that how you ask?” I know I’m playing a bit hard to get, but he deserves it. Still, my lips curl into a small smile.

“I did already buy a ring.”

I shake my head. I know I’ll say yes…eventually. I want to be part of Mason’s family, in part because Jake was right. It needs a bit of softening and that involves a little forgiveness and grace.

Mason picks up my book from the coffee table and flips to the beginning. He turns the pages, his expression stoic and difficult to read so I don’t try. Instead, I close my eyes, the medication starting to take effect.

The pain is diminishing, but it’s also making me sleepy.

I must drift off and I don’t wake until he brushes his fingers down my exposed leg. “When did you make this?”

“I finished it this morning before I got Leo’s texts.”

“And how long have you known how you felt…about me?”

“I don’t know,” I try to open my eyes, but my lids are so heavy. “Maybe always.”

“How long is she going to be asleep?”

I don’t hear the doctor’s answer. In fact, I don’t hear anything for a while.

I wake up a few times, all the men still there, but seated around the table. I have no idea how much time has passed. “Mason?”

He gets up immediately, leaving the conversation and bringing me a glass of water. Holding my head, he brings the glass to my lips.

Once I’m done drinking, he brushes my hair back. “Hungry?”

“Still tired.”

“Go back to sleep, sweetheart.” He kisses my forehead. “I’ll be here when you wake.”

“But what about your meeting?”

“You’re more important than any meeting.”

I blink in surprise. This is the meeting. The one he’s been waiting for where he keeps us all safe by making sure the other families fall in line. “But…”

“I’ll explain later. Go back to sleep.”

And then he kisses me again. I don’t mean to, but I do fall back to sleep, and I don’t wake again until the sun is setting in the Las Vegas sky.

The others have left, but Mason is still there, sitting across from me in one of the armchairs by the windows. “Mason?”

“You’re awake.”

“How long have I been asleep?”

He pushes out of the chair, coming to bend over me on the couch. “Eight hours at least. How is your arm?”

“It’s sore,” I say. My guess is it’s black and blue, but I don’t look now. “What time is it? What time is the meeting?”

“It starts soon.” He strokes my cheek, resting on his haunches in front of me.

“You’re going?”

His mouth twitches. “Roman can handle it.”

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