Page 53 of Every Breath

Rodney gave her a satisfied smile. “You’re even more beautiful when you’re angry. If you don’t believe me, then ask lover boy if everything is true or not.”

Something in the way Rodney said it made her look at Mason. Her heart sank when she noticed his stillness and how pale he had gone.

“Mason, tell me he’s lying.”

“I can’t.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The look of disappointment in Brandi’s eyes tore him apart. Mason wanted to smash the smug smile off Rodney’s face. He desperately wanted to tell Brandi exactly what Rodney had done to him and the kind of man he was, but he couldn’t.

He didn’t know what he could possibly say that would reassure her that he was a new man. One thing was certain, however: he wasn’t going to let the sins of Mason Collins’s past destroy what he and Brandi had found together again. He’d have to work doubly hard to win her trust.

“Is that all you can say?” Her eyes seemed to plead for him to deny Rodney’s accusations.

“He can’t deny anything because it’s all true,” Rodney taunted evilly.

Mason’s fists clenched and unclenched by his sides. He ached to hit him. Worse, he felt like a fool for having let his guard down where this maniac was concerned.

“And how do you know all these things?”

“Oh, I have my sources. Brandi, you really should be careful about the company you keep.”

Mason’s control snapped. His fist slammed into Rodney’s jaw and the other man stumbled backward. To his amazement, instead of retaliating, Rodney laughed as he rubbed his jaw.

“Now do you see the type of man he is? The truth hurts, doesn’t it, Collins? I could have you arrested, you know.” His grin widened.

Brandi watched them with horror etched on her face. She turned to Mason with tears in her eyes. “I thought you were special,” she said. The hurt was evident in her voice.

“What we have is special, Brandi, but I refuse to defend myself in front of him.” Mason glared at Rodney, who gave him a menacing smile. His face was beginning to swell. Good. It was no more than he deserved, although Mason wanted to do much more.

“Defend yourself? You haven’t even tried. If it’s true then how could you possibly explain what you’ve done? When I asked you if you ever cheated, you were very quick with your little talk about trust. Now I know why you never answered me.” She took a deep breath. “I have to go pick up my kids. I’m sure you’ll understand when I say that it’s best that we not see each other again. I can’t afford to have someone like you in my life. Goodbye, Mason.” She turned her back on him and walked away, but not before he saw a tear slide down her cheek.

He ran after her and turned her to face him. She hastily wiped away her tears and glared at him. “Let go of my arm. I can’t believe what a fool I’ve been.”

“Are you going to condemn me without a hearing?”

“I already gave you a chance to explain yourself, but you declined, so now I’m asking you to let go of me and get the hell out of my life.”

Mason had no choice but to release her. “I can explain.”

“You know, I don’t care to hear what you have to say.”

“Brandi, how can you tell me you love me one minute and then tell me that you don’t want to see me in the next? I think you at least owe me a chance.”

“I don’t owe you shit.”

“Look me in the eyes and tell me that your feelings have changed. Tell me that you’re willing to walk away from me without at least letting me explain.”

Brandi hesitated, confusion clear on her lovely face. Mason felt his heart breaking with each silent moment that passed between them. Her lips parted. “I?—”

“Brandi, don’t listen to him. Whatever he has to say will probably be more lies. If he could do all those other things, what makes you think he would be honest with you?” Rodney walked up behind them.

In his frantic efforts to stop Brandi from walking out of his life, Mason had forgotten about Rodney.

A mutinous expression entered Brandi’s eyes. “You know what? You both can go to hell! I’m through with men.” She flung her arms up before turning and leaving the two men staring at her retreating figure.

Mason whirled around and landed a blow right onto the bastard’s nose this time. There was a loud crack, and Rodney hit the ground, screaming. “My nose!” Blood gushed from Rodney’s nose.

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