Page 46 of King of Temptation

“I don’t need your pride,” I bite back, sounding like old Leo. Because he’s hit a sore spot. I did do something completely selfish where Kim is concerned.

And I deserve Mason’s irritation. I scrub a hand down my face. I’m the reason that Kim didn’t get the spot at the New York Ballet. She was their first choice, but I made a generous donation for them not to hire her until the winter. That way she’d stay in Vegas a little longer.

I know it was a shit thing to do. I wanted her in my bed again. I had rationalized that once we’d had some more time together, I’d call the ballet and have them invite her back. But as I think about it, I know it’s one of those types of choices that caused me a great deal of problems in the past and I shouldn’t have done it.

“There is no need to be angry,” he rumbles, not sounding irritated. “But if compliments bother you, can we talk about the apartment at least?”

I know Mason is trying. More than I am, and it’s not his fault I did something completely dickish. Something I have to confess to her soon. But I focus on Mason now. “Yeah. That would be great.” And speaking of confessing. “But first, I’m not going to lie to you, I don’t really do long-term, but I plan on helping Kim get to New York safely and with plenty of money in her pocket.”

Mason lets out another long breath. “I don’t love the idea of you and her, but Charlotte says that Kim is a big girl who can do what she wants.”

“She is that. Doesn’t take much shit either…”

Mason laughs again, “Charlotte also said that Kim doesn’t date unless she really wants to. And…” Mason scrubs his jaw, I hear it. “And I can tell that you are taking her safety seriously, which I really appreciate.”

I hang up, kind of irritated. I could hear that Mason was leaving out the topic of me and Kim dating because Charlotte was making him. But if he had his druthers…Mason would be all up in my grill. Hence my irritation. Well that, and Mason does that to me. I know he means well, but he’s a bossy prick and I’m not a man who wants to be bossed.

But I can’t deny my brother is really smart, and he’s got a good head for planning. For the first time since I hatched this Toni Carcetti plan, I consider asking his opinion. I can be the instrument that brings justice but maybe with Mason involved, I could do it discreetly, without landing myself in prison.

Mason and I really are mending some fences… though he still pisses me off.

Returning to the office, however, I forget all about my brother when I find Kim stretched out on her back, her pretty feet dangling off one end of the couch.

I lean over, kissing her lips as she winds her arms around my neck. “Everything all right?”

“Fine.” I kiss her again. “Mason has another building he thinks we should move into.”

Her brows lift. “Mason is suggesting that both you and I move into some building together?”

“Mason wants you safe. And though he doesn’t approve of much of what I do, maybe rightfully so, he’s all for you living in a decent apartment.”

“There is no way that the apartment is ‘decent.’ It’s sure to be downright decadent.”

That makes me laugh. “You’ve got me there.”

“You and Mason aren’t getting along so well?”

“He thinks he is my keeper. I don’t like being kept.” Then I shake my head. “And like I said, I fucked up.”

She nods. “I remember.”

“So I’m trying to prove that I deserve his trust again. That’s how you right a wrong, correct?”

“Yes. That’s how.”

“I honestly thought he was going to roast me for getting involved with you.” My fingers slide into her hair, unable to keep from touching more of her.

“But he thinks you have good intentions like helping me pay tuition and keeping me from really awful neighborhoods.”

“Yeah. About that and my good intentions. That night we hooked up at the wedding?—”

A knock interrupts us. “Mr. Kincaid,” the manager of Regal calls. “Can I have your assistance at the bar?”

“Go,” Kim whispers. “I’m going to sign up for my class.”

I get up, reluctantly leaving her side as I head out to the bar. This conversation is to be continued.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

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