Page 34 of Obsessed

Even though his emotions were still jumbled, Mason managed a small huff of amusement. “The lock on the kitchen window was broken but it works now.”

“That’s because I fixed it.” This eye-roll was good-natured. “Listen, I’ve done my research. If you need to keep someone from breaking into your place, I’m your gay.”

“Guy,” Mason corrected.

“That too,” Rain smirked.

Mason ignored the joke, the twist in his stomach telling him that Rain knew a lot about security out of necessity, and it made him uneasy.

“Here, put whatever you need in the shopping cart.” He handed Rain his phone. “I apologize for not telling you about things sooner.”

Rain tilted his head, his eyes meeting Mason’s. “I understand why you didn’t.” He hesitated, letting out a sigh. “But tonight scared the hell out of me. I want to feel safe here.”

Mason tried to put another promise into his gaze because he refused to let his family hurt Rain or Mouse ever again. “You will.”

The lines around Rain’s eyes softened even more, and with a small smile, he started shopping on Mason’s phone, selecting various locks and deadbolts as Mason continued to stroke Mouse’s fur, enjoying how she purred in his lap.

“If you want, I can ask around at The Pointe and see if anyone knows a window guy.” Rain jerked his thumb up, toward the living room.

“You’d do that?” Mason blurted.

Rain nodded, eyes still on the phone. “Of course. It’s no big deal.”

“You don’t mind talking to people?” He could force himself to speak with others like he did on the job, but he rarely enjoyed it.

“I like to.” Rain tapped the screen a few times and then looked at him. “And I know you don’t, so I feel honored that you talk tome.” Stretching out his foot, he poked Mason’s thigh.

This was his chance. Gathering every scrap of bravery he could find, Mason ignored the programmed warning bells and pushed through.

“Would…” he rubbed his chin. “If I found some lawyers, would you call them for me?”

Once again, he braced for disgust, but it never came. Instead, Rain’s gaze lightened and he smiled, putting the phone aside.

“Sure. I can makeanycalls you need me to.”

For the first time in years, Mason felt like he could take a full breath. While difficult, it had been more than worth it to scale that wall and be vulnerable with Rain.

“Thank you.” He’d gotten somewhat used to saying those words to Rain because no one had done so much for him other than Gran.

Rain stayed quiet for a moment, staring off, and Mason could see the wheels turning. Suddenly, his gaze snapped back.

“Does your family know about your business?”

“Yes. They get to me through the public number and email.” Taking his phone from Rain’s hands, Mason scrolled his archived texts, showing Rain a few, and fury flashed in his eyes, the storm in them growing dark and threatening.

“This is bullshit. They’ve been threatening you like this?No, not anymore.” Snatching the phone from Mason, Rain went back even farther, a cold expression settling over his face. Mouse must’ve sensed something because she opened an eye, peering up at Rain. “I can screen your emails and voicemail, and I think I can reroute your texts. I have to ask the internet.”

It seemed too good to be true. All the alarm bells went off in Mason’s head but he resisted again.

“You’d do all that?”

“I want to.” Rain shifted closer, putting a hand on Mason’s leg and Mouse stretched, trilling.

“Why?” Logically, Mason should trust Rain but doubts and trauma stood in the way.

“Because I don’t like that they’re bullying you, and if you don’t have to see their shit, then you’ll feel better. And feeling better will help you in your fight to keep the house.” That was more than enough reasoning but Rain kept going, a smirk on his face. “Also, you’re letting me and my gal live here for free and all I have to do is pose? That’s a steal. Besides, your dick is so good that I should be payingyou.”

Even though the night had been stressful, the result had Mason feeling freer than he had in a while, and joyful pressure built up inside of him, making him toss his head back and do something that he hadn’t done in years.

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