Page 45 of King of Temptation

“Yeah. Just give me a sec, Mason.” I give Kim a quick smile and then get up from the desk, as she sits up and gives me a questioning stare.

I wink and then cross the room to kiss her temple before I step out of the office and down the hall to the empty locker room.

“What’s up?” I finally ask, ready for whatever’s coming my way.

“I need to talk to you about Kim,” Mason says, his tone giving nothing away.

At least he’s direct. I appreciate that. “Sure.”

“I hear you hired her.”

“I did.” I’m walking back and forth to expel extra energy. I didn’t used to be so twitchy. I’ve always liked being physical, maybe more than any of my brothers. But after my father was shot, it was like I was consumed by anger.

“And that she’s killing it at Temptation.”

“She is.” I stop in front of a mirror, noting the lines of tension around my mouth and eyes. I’m not sure where Mason is taking this.

Mason pauses. “And that her roommates are bailing on her.”

“Charlotte told you.”

Mason lets out a long breath. “Is something going on between you and Kim?”

Old Leo would have told him to fuck off and stay out of my business.

“Listen, Mason.”

“I’m listening and you better make this good,” he grits into the phone.

Fuck. You. But I hold the words in, drawing in several deep breaths before I actually speak. “Whatever you’re worried about, I’ve got her making mad money at Temptation, I’m there every night she is, and I will not allow her to move into Charlotte’s old place. There is no reason she should be in a hellhole like that when we’ve got more real estate than we know what to do with.”

Mason is silent for so long, I wonder if he hung up on me. Finally, he speaks, “Are you thinking of moving her into the building you’re living in with the guys?” he asks. His change in mood and tone catch me off guard, but I recover quickly.

“No. The Italians are more of a threat than ever, and we both know that the Carcettis are gearing up for some big move. I don’t think it’s safe enough there.”

“Agreed,” Mason rumbles.

Mason and I never agree. Never. “For that reason, I think a different building would be better. Got anything else I can move us into?”

“Us?” Mason asks, his voice sharp.

“I wouldn’t want her in a building alone either.”

“Roman could?—”

“Fuck that.” I know I didn’t directly answer his question about my relationship with Kim, but we both know what’s happening here. Still, this moment should be about reason, not about me acting like a blunt hammer. I might actually be learning a few things here. “With her working at Temptation, I’ve been driving her back and forth. The nights are late. I’m a better choice than Roman, since I can also act as chauffeur.”

“I agree.” I blink twice, surprised Mason is being so…reasonable. All Kincaids have a hard head and when it comes to me and him…

“I’ve actually got another building I just finished. It’s empty but the penthouse is gorgeous. Maybe you should take her there.”

I stare at my phone. What is happening? My brother is supporting my ideas? “Okay.”

“Jake says that you’re doing really well with staying sober.”

“Mason, you’re officially being weird.”

He chuckles. “Yeah. Probably. But I can hear that you’re way more worried about Kim’s safety and future than your own agenda, and that helps. I’m proud of you.”

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