Page 99 of Word to the Wise

“You’re awfully philosophical when you’re hopped up on allergy medicine.”

“I’ve learned from the best.” He pats my hip with his hand. “Do I sound as smart as you are yet, Sticks?”

I can’t hold back my laugh. “You’re always smart, Mason.”

“Not when it comes to you. You make me really fucking stupid.”

“Thanks?” I wince.

“Don’t worry.” He kisses my forehead. “It’s a compliment.”

“If you say so.”

“I do.” He kisses me again. “Do you miss him?”

My heart jumps into my throat at his question. Of all the things he might have said, I didn’t expect that. The allergy medicine mixing with the alcohol is loosening his tongue.

“Do you really want to know the answer?”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” I lace my fingers through his. “I’m just surprised it’s not awkward for you to hear about my ex.”

“I mean, I don’twantto hear about him.” Mason tightens his grip on my hand. “But I want to understand you, and he was a big part of your life. He’s the reason you’re here with me now. I’m just trying to get to know Reed Jackson—fully.”

“I’m not that interesting.”

“To me, you are.” He gives me a gentle kiss, and I melt for him.

His lips pressed to mine float my heart to the stars and warm it with the heat of the sun. And when he pulls back, the cool plummet as I fall to earth has me wanting him even more.

“Well, for the record, I don’t miss him. I miss the life I thought I was going to have with him, but not Carter himself.”

“Do you think I’m like him?” Mason asks, hugging me close. “I’ve hurt people. I killed someone.”

“Someone responsible for terrible things.”

“Does that make it right?”

Does it?

According to the motorcycle club that raised me, yes. An eye for an eye, blood for blood. But Mason isn’t like them. And I don’t think he acted solely out of revenge.

I cup his cheek, brushing my thumb over his jaw. “Do you think if Gabe was still here, he would have learned from your sister’s death? Do you think he could have redeemed himself?”

“No.” Mason’s gaze darkens.

“I think that’s why you really did it. Not just for her, but for all the women he could have gone after next. Does it make it right?No. But you’re going to have to live with that. And I don’t judge you for it if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He places his hand over mine, holding my palm to his face while he watches me.

“Sienna was like you. She always saw the good in people, no matter how awful they were.”

“My weakness.”

“It’s not a weakness, Reed.” He holds his palm over my hand. “It’s your strength. You believe in the best. Sure, sometimes that doesn’t work out, but it’s better than being like me. So fucking jaded and not trusting anyone.”

“Do you trust me?”

---