Page 20 of Rage

“Meadow,” Mason groans, breaking the kiss to trail his lips down my neck.“God, you’re driving me crazy.”

I gasp as he nips at my pulse point, my fingers digging into his shoulders.“Mason, please,” I whimper, not even sure what I’m begging for.

He pulls back, his eyes dark with lust but also tender.“Not here, darlin’,” he says, his voice rough.“When I take you, and I will take you, it’s going to be in a proper bed.You deserve more than a quick fuck on the porch.”

The crudeness of his words combined with the promise they hold send a shiver through me.I nod, trying to control my breathing.

Mason’s hands stroke soothingly up and down my back.“Soon,” he promises, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.“I want to do this right, Meadow.You’re too important to rush.”

I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder.We stay like that for a while, our breathing slowly returning to normal, the porch swing gently rocking us.

As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks, I can’t help but feel like I’m on the precipice of something life-changing.Here, in Mason’s arms, with the promise of a future stretching out before us, I feel more at home than I ever have before.

I don’t want to leave, I’d be totally fine staying right here wrapped around this man.

I’ve been protected my whole life and, in this moment, being held by him, I’ve never felt safer.

“I really don’t want to go, but I need to go home and get ready for bed because I have to go in super early in the morning for some scheduled surgeries.”I pout and slide off his lap, my eyes going to his dick straining through his jeans.I know that’s uncomfortable.

I turn my eyes away before he can catch me.

Back on the bike, I rest my head on his back, staring into the beautiful sky, my hands resting on his abs, and I can’t resist the urge to run my fingers along them.

Soon we are in front of Elle’s house and I sigh unhappily that we are going to be separated.

I climb off the bike first and take off my helmet, handing it to him.

Mason’s hand wraps around the back of my neck, pulling me in for a deep, passionate kiss.His lips move against mine with a hunger that leaves me breathless.When we finally part, he rests his forehead against mine.

“I don’t want to say good night either,” he murmurs, his voice husky.“But I know you need your rest for those surgeries tomorrow.”

I nod, reluctantly stepping back.“Thank you for today.For everything.”

Mason’s eyes soften as he looks at me.“Anytime, darlin’.Sweet dreams.”

I drive to my apartment, all the while he follows me and watches from the driveway to make sure I’m inside my place before I hear him ride away.

I can’t wipe the smile off my face as I head inside to get ready for bed.

The next morning comes too soon.I drag myself out of bed, my mind still fuzzy with sleep as I get ready for work.The memory of yesterday with Mason brings a smile to my face, giving me an extra spring in my step as I head to the hospital.

I put my things in my locker, making sure to lock it back up when the door opens and in comesDr.Creepy.

Dr.Peterson’s cologne hits me before I see him.Cloying.Suffocating.My muscles tense as he saunters in, eyes locked on me like a predator.

“Good morning, Dr.Beckham.”His voice drips with false charm.“You’re looking particularly lovely today.”

Bile rises in my throat.I force it down, plastering on a smile that feels more like a grimace.“Dr.Peterson.If you’ll excuse me, I have patients waiting.”

I move to step around him.He shifts, blocking my path.My heart rate spikes.

“Now, now,” he tuts, leaning closer.“What’s the rush?Surely you can spare a moment for a… friendly chat?”

His breath fans across my face.Stale coffee and something sour.I fight the urge to gag.

“I’m afraid I’m booked solid with surgeries today,” I say, voice steady despite the tremor in my hands.“Perhaps another time.”

His eyes narrow, that oily smile never wavering.“Come now, Meadow.I’d love to discuss some… private matters with you.Over coffee, perhaps?”

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