Page 19 of Rage

Mason nods, unlocking the front door.“The clubhouse is great, but I’ve been wanting a place of my own for a while now.Somewhere quiet, away from the chaos.”

We step inside, and I’m immediately charmed by the interior.Hardwood floors, exposed beams, and a stone fireplace give the space a cozy, cabin-like feel.

“It needs some work,” Mason explains as we walk through.“But I’ve got big plans for it.”

As he shows me around, pointing out his ideas for renovations, I can’t help but picture a life here.Lazy Sunday mornings on the porch swing.Cozy nights by the fire.It’s a domestic fantasy I never knew I wanted.

We end up in the kitchen, a spacious room with plenty of counter space and a large island.Mason leans against the counter, watching me take it all in.

“So,” he says, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.“What do you think?Be honest.”

I turn to face him, a soft smile on my lips.“I think it’s perfect, Mason.It suits you.”

Relief washes over his face, followed by something deeper, more intense.He pushes off the counter, closing the distance between us in two long strides.“Let me show you the backyard.”

He laces our fingers together and I stare in awe at the expansive backyard.

“I’m going to get it fenced in because knowing my luck, my kids will be running away into the woods.”

I burst out laughing, thinking of little Masons running around with dirt up their noses, crying because the flowers aren’t growing fast enough.

We head to the swing, which has cushions on it to sit on to make it more comfortable.

Mason’s arm drapes over my shoulders as we settle onto the porch swing.The gentle creaking of the chains and the rustle of leaves in the breeze are the only sounds breaking the peaceful quiet.

“Kids, huh?”I say softly, my heart fluttering at the thought.“You’ve really thought this through.”

Mason’s fingers trace lazy patterns on my arm.“Yeah, I have.I want it all, Meadow.The house, the family, the whole nine yards.”

I smile softly at the thought, tightening my hand on his leg and soaking in the heat he is radiating as the night air becomes a bit chillier.

“What about you?”he asks, his voice low.“Do you see kids in your future?”

I pause, considering his question.“I do,” I say slowly.“But I’ve always been so focused on my career, I haven’t given it much thought beyond that.”

Mason’s thumb traces circles on my arm.“No reason you can’t have both,” he murmurs.“I’ve seen how passionate you are about your work.Any kids would be lucky to have you as their mom.”

Holy shit, that just wrecked me.

Warmth spreads through my chest at his words.I lean up to look at him, finding his eyes already on me, intense and full of emotion.

“Mason,” I breathe, not sure what I’m about to say, but needing to say something.

Mason’s eyes darken as he gazes at me, his hand coming up to cup my cheek.The tenderness of his touch contrasts with the intensity in his eyes.

“What is it, darlin’?”he murmurs, his thumb tracing my lower lip.

I lean into his touch, my heart racing.“What are you doing to me?”I whisper, my voice trembling slightly.“You’re… you’re ruining me, Mason.In the best way possible.”

A slow smile spreads across his face, equal parts tender and predatory.“Good,” he pulls me closer.“Because I plan on ruining you for anyone else, Meadow.I want to be the only man you ever think about, the only one who makes you feel this way.”

His words ignite a fire in my belly, desire coursing through my veins.I shift, straddling his lap on the porch swing.Mason’s hands immediately grip my hips, steadying me.

I have to fight with myself to keep from shifting my hips over him.I can feel his hardness between my legs and my body is aching for him to fill me.

His hands tighten on me like he’s trying to control himself.He licks his lips, and I can’t resist the urge to lean forward and taste them.

Our lips meet in a searing kiss, all the pent-up desire from the past few days exploding between us.Mason’s hands roam my body, one tangling in my hair while the other grips my waist, pulling me closer.I moan into his mouth, rolling my hips against him.

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