Page 83 of Rage

For long moments, we lay tangled together, breathing heavily.Mason’s weight is comforting, grounding me as I float in post-orgasmic bliss.Eventually, he rolls to the side.Mason gathers me against his chest, his arms wrapping around me protectively.I snuggle into his warmth, feeling utterly safe and content.For a while, we just lie there in comfortable silence, basking in the afterglow.

Mason’s fingers begin tracing idle patterns on my skin.“You okay?”he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

I nod, tilting my face up to meet his gaze.“More than okay,” I assure him.“That was…”

“Incredible,” Mason finishes, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

I laugh softly, swatting at his chest.“Cocky much?”

His grin widens.“Just stating facts, darlin’.”

I roll my eyes, but can’t help smiling.He’s not wrong, after all.

Mason’s expression grows more serious, his hand coming up to cup my cheek.“I meant what I said before,” he says quietly.“I’ll always protect you, Meadow.You’re everything to me.”

The intensity in his eyes takes my breath away.I reach up, tracing the strong line of his jaw.“I know,” I whisper.“And I love you for it.For everything.”

Mason’s eyes darken at my words.In one fluid motion, he rolls us over, pinning me beneath him once more.“Say it again.”

Heat pools low in my belly at the command in his voice.“I love you, Mason,” I breathe.

His lips crash into mine, the kiss fierce and possessive.When we finally part, both breathless, Mason rests his forehead against mine.“I love you too, Meadow,” he murmurs.“More than anything in this world.”

As we lose ourselves in each other once more, I know with absolute certainty that this is where I belong.With Mason, I’m home.

nineteen

Meadow

A Week Later

The sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Mason’s sleeping form.I watch the steady rise and fall of his chest, marveling at how peaceful he looks in slumber.The hard edges of the dangerous biker are softened in the morning light.

It’s been a week since we left the clubhouse and moved into Mason’s house.A week since Peterson and his twisted family met their brutal end.

I’ve taken time off from the hospital, needing space to process everything that’s happened.The quiet of Mason’s home has been a balm to my frayed nerves.Here I can finally breathe.

Mason stirs, his eyes fluttering open.A slow smile spreads across his face as he focuses on me.“Mornin’, beautiful,” he rumbles, voice rough with sleep.

I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.“Morning, handsome.”

His arm snakes around my waist, pulling me flush against him.“How long you been watching me sleep, creeper?”he teases.

I laugh, swatting playfully at his chest.“Not long.Just enjoying the view.”

Mason’s eyes darken with hunger.“Oh yeah?See something you like?”

Before I can respond, he rolls us over, pinning me beneath his solid weight.His lips find my neck, trailing hot kisses along my skin.I arch into him, all thoughts of getting out of bed flying out the window.

Later, sated and boneless, I curl into Mason’s side.His fingers run through my hair, the gentle touch soothing.

“You okay?”he asks softly.It’s become a familiar question over the past week, one I appreciate more than I can say.

I nod against his chest.“Yeah.I think… I think I’m ready to go back to work soon.”

Mason tenses slightly.“You sure?There’s no rush, Meadow.Take all the time you need.”

I push up onto my elbow, meeting his concerned gaze.“I’m sure.I can’t hide away forever.And honestly?I miss it.Helping people, making a difference… it’s who I am.”

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