Page 72 of Mason

I look away, but he reaches across the table, catching my wrist, grounding me.

“Tell me what he did to you,” he urges, his grip gentle but firm. “Tell me, and I swear, I’ll handle it.”

I shake my head, blinking back the sting in my eyes. “You can’t. Not this time.”

His fingers tighten around mine. “Try me.”

I exhale sharply, knowing I have to give him something.Just enoughto ease his mind.

“David’s not going to be a problem anymore.”

Something dark flickers across Clay’s expression. “What do you mean?”

I hesitate. “Just… trust me. The moment he saw me with Mason Ironside, he backed off. I haven’t heard from him since.”

His stare burns into me, but after a long moment, he nods—slow and deliberate.

“Alright. I’ll let it go.” Relief floods through me, but it’s short-lived when he adds, “For now.”

I sigh, knowing that’s the best I’m going to get.

Clay leans back, arms crossing over his chest. “So, what now? You staying with Mason?”

The question sends something hot and uncertain curling in my stomach.

Mason.

I can still feel his touch, his breath against my skin, the way his presence makes me feelsafein a way I haven’t in years. But it’s dangerous—this thing between us.

And Clay? I don’t know if he’ll approve.

“For now,” I say truthfully. “He offered me a place to stay after the fire.”

He studies me again, his expression unreadable. “What’s going on between you two?”

“What do you mean?”

“You get a look in your eyes when you look his way. Are you catching feelings for him, sis?”

The question catches me off guard, and for a moment, I can’t breathe.

Is it that obvious? I only just met the guy. Like, days ago.

I don’t know how to answer that. How to explain the storm that rages inside me every time Mason looks at me like I’mhis.

But Clay just smirks, like he’s already figured it out.

“Yeah,” he mutters. “That’s what I thought.”

I open my mouth to deny it, but he cuts me off.

“Ironside’s a good man. He didn’t have to keep his promise and deliver my message to you, but he did. If he’s what keeps you breathing, then… fine.”

His voice tightens, a warning laced in his words. “But if he hurts you? I don’t care who he is. I don’t care what he’s done for us. I’ll put him in the fucking ground.”

A lump forms in my throat, but I manage a small, tired smile. “There’s no need. He’s been good to me.”

Clay nods once, as if sealing some unspoken vow. Then he exhales, rubbing a hand down his face.

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