Page 89 of Rage

“Everyone’s been great,” I assure him.“Stop worrying so much.”

He reaches across the table to take my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my skin.“Can’t help it,” he says softly.“You’re too important to me.”

My heart melts at his words.I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.“I love you,” I murmur.

“Love you too, darlin’,” Mason replies, his eyes dark with emotion.

We finish our lunch, chatting about our respective mornings.As much as I hate to see him go, I know I need to get back to work.

“I’ll see you tonight?”I ask as we stand.

Mason nods, pulling me close for one last kiss.“I’ll be waiting,” he promises.

As I watch him stride away, my heart feels full to the point of bursting.For the first time in a long time, I feel like everything is exactly as it should be.

The rest of my shift passes quickly.By the time I’m changing back into my usual clothes, I’m exhausted, but satisfied.It feels good to be back in the swing of things.

As I step out of the hospital, the cool evening air is a welcome relief.I scan the parking lot, knowing Mason will be here to pick me up.

Sure enough, I spot his bike idling at the curb.The sight of him, leather-clad and dangerous-looking, sends excitement through me.How did I get so lucky?

“Hey, beautiful,” Mason calls as I approach.“Ready to go home?”

I climb on behind him, wrapping my arms tightly around his waist.As we pull away from the curb, I rest my cheek against Mason’s back, breathing in his familiar scent of leather and smoke.The rumble of the motorcycle vibrates through me, and I feel the tension of the day melting away.

The wind whips past us as Mason weaves expertly through traffic.I close my eyes, savoring the feeling of freedom.This—the open road, Mason’s solid presence in front of me—this is home now.

Too soon, we’re pulling into the driveway of Mason’s house.Our house, I remind myself.It still feels surreal sometimes, how quickly my life has changed.

Mason cuts the engine and helps me off the bike.Before I can take two steps, he’s pulling me into his arms, crushing me against his chest.

“Missed you,” he murmurs, nuzzling my neck.

I melt into his embrace, breathing him in.“Missed you too,” I admit.“But I’m glad I went back.”

Mason pulls back slightly, searching my face.“Yeah?No regrets?”

I shake my head, smiling up at him.“None.It felt good to be back at work.To be doing what I love.”

Relief flashes across Mason’s features.He leans in, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead.“I’m proud of you, you know that?You’re so fucking strong.”

Emotion wells up in my throat at his words.I rise to my tiptoes, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.Mason responds immediately, his arms tightening around me as he deepens the kiss.

When we finally part, both breathless, Mason’s eyes are dark with hunger.“Inside,” he orders, his voice thick with need.“Now.”

I laugh as he scoops me up, carrying me toward the house.“Caveman,” I tease, even as desire pools low in my belly.

Mason grins.“You love it.”

And as he carries me over the threshold, I can’t help but agree.This may not be the life I imagined for myself, but it’s better than anything I could have dreamed.

Mason sets me down in the entryway but doesn’t release his hold on me.His hands roam my body, relearning every curve and plane.I arch into his touch, desperate for more.

“Mason,” I breathe, fingers tangling in his hair.“Please.”

He groans, the sound vibrating through me.“Fuck, Meadow.The things you do to me.”

In one fluid motion, Mason lifts me again.I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me up the stairs to our bedroom.Our lips never part the entire way, the kiss growing more heated with each step.

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