Page 77 of Obsessed

“Rain.” Mason rarely interrupted people but he had something pressing to say. “Sex is not a condition. We do it if and when you’re ready. I’m not in love with you because of orgasms.”

That gray gaze cleared, showing Mason its expansive beauty. “You just said the perfect thing.”

“No one’s ever told me that before.”

Rain huffed a short laugh but his expression went serious again.

“Thank you for helping me face off against my mother last night.”

“You don’t have to thank me. How do you feel?” This close, Mason could see every nuance on Rain’s face as he went through a host of emotions.

“Weirdly cleansed. I’m sure she’ll still try to find me if things don’t work out with Josh but,” he let out a long breath, “I told her everything. And now I know how shereallyfeels about me. But I don’t want to give her any more of my time, I’d rather focus on how we feel about each other!” He bit his lip, looking away. “And I need to clear the air.”

Apprehension pinched Mason’s brow as Rain turned back, meeting his eyes.

“I’m sorry for the miscommunication on the day of the fire and the week after. I was hurt and I know you were too, but I avoided you. I should’ve been more understanding.”

“Don’t apologize. You needed space and I wanted to give it to you.” With care, Mason placed a hand over Rain’s, keeping their gazes locked. “For the record, I did want to help you in the foyer, I saw how scared you were, but my body just wouldn’t move.”

“It’s not your fault. You were traumatized by Gage.” Face earnest, Rain leaned in a bit more. “And that’s all on him, I don’t holdanythingagainst you.”

“Then it’s not your fault either,” Mason stated simply, wanting to reassure Rain. “He’s out of the picture now, so you don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

Rain squinted, studying him. “Mason, did you have something to do with Gage going back to prison?”

“Yes. After what he did to us, I couldn’t let him go. I found your SD card-”

“The one from my room? I thought I lost it.” Rain’s eyes were like saucers and a shiver rippled through him. “I could never bring myself to watch the footage.”

“Good.” Relief washed over Mason and he rubbed his palms up Rain’s arms, instinctively calming him.

“Butyouwatched it?” Mason nodded, and Rain stared at him in concerned awe. “Mason…”

“It was worth it. He did things on there that he shouldn’t have done, so I brought it to Ms. Chauhan. She contacted his parole officer. According to what I found online, Gage was combative on the way in and had drugs in his system, which means he’ll be in prison for a while.” It wasn’t like Mason had framed Gage; this was cause and effect. If Gage hadn’t been such an abhorrent human being, then this wouldn’t have happened to him.

“Oh my god, Mason.” Rain covered his mouth with both hands. “Itwasyou. Oh my god.”

“I did this for me and you. For us.” Mason swallowed. It still took some effort to let down his walls but it was becoming easier and easier, especially when Rain looked at him with such adoration. “I’m not as brave as you. I can’t face off against my bullies but I still wanted them out of my life, so I got rid of them by using a bigger bully.”

“Ms. Chauhan.” Rain dropped his hands.

“This isn’t high school or my parents’ house anymore. I don’t have to hide and hope for someone to protect me. I can protect myself.” The rumbling inside rose up, giving his words a growl. “And I want to protect you.”

Rain’s eyebrows flew up but a pleased smile graced his face. “How about we protect each other?”

Warmth surrounded Mason’s heart and he leaned in, kissing Rain slowly, their lips making a click as they parted.

“Agreed.” They stared into each other’s eyes, confirming their bond without speaking, and Mason reached out, grabbing the Pentax he always kept beside the bed. Turning it, he framed both of them, and Rain put his head on Mason’s shoulder, a soft smile on his face. While Mason’s lips stayed in a line, he knew his features were at peace, relaxed, and he pressed the shutter, taking the very first picture of them together.

Pecking Mason on the cheek, Rain slid off his lap and replaced it with the tray.

“Eat, please. I know you were living on instant noodles and coffee while I was away.” He winked and stretched out, lounging on the bed next to him.

“Maybe.” Mason didn’t want Rain to know how right he was but the way he inhaled the food told on him. Mouse got up, circled, and settled back down in the same spot, so Rain reached over to scratch her behind the ears and they all sat together in soothing silence, enjoying breakfast as a family.

A buzz sounded from the nightstand and he glanced at his phone. Old habits had him not wanting to pick it up, but if he wanted to springboard off the exhibition and get his career going again, then there was no more room for fear. Toast in one hand, he grabbed the phone with the other.

No, that couldn’t be right. Scrolling, Mason’s mouth fell open.

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