Page 36 of The Hero's Bride
Mason laughed and shook his head. “Kenny is very enthusiastic. Doesn’t spend too much time staying still. He’s a good kid though.” He turned the key in the knob and pushed open the door.
As soon as they stepped inside, Thalia felt all her muscles relax. Mason’s clean scent hung in the air, instantly putting her at ease. He leaned down and kissed her gently. “Come on, I’ll show you around, not that it will take much time with only a few rooms, and we can drop these off in the bedroom,” he said gesturing to their bags.
“Sounds perfect.” Light wooden floors ran the length of the kitchen and into the living area. Stone counters gleamed over the kitchen counter and the island, which divided the space from a dining room table and led to a teal-colored couch facing a large television. They walked down the hall, and Mason showed her the bathroom and laundry room, before pausing outside one of the doors.
“This is where I keep Tiny. You’re going to think I’m out of my mind, but he needs a lot of space.” Mason reached out and gripped the door handle. She was momentarily mesmerized by the freckles running down the length of his corded arm.
Dragging her gaze away she looked up into deep blue eyes. “I love that you’ve given him everything he needs to be happy.”
Mason hesitated, then opened the door. An enclosure at least ten feet long and seven feet tall took up most of the space. She stepped closer to peer inside. There was a pool in the corner of the tank, fed by a flowing rock wall. Branches, rock ledges, and greenery stretched to the top of the tank and, at the side, there was a small door where the animal could crawl out and enter the bedroom. There was a climbing structure with a hammock by the window where the reptile could sun himself during the day.
“This is incredible, Mason.” She rushed over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He kissed her forehead and brought her into the main room. A large bed dominated the space, drawing her eye.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is your room. I can sleep wherever you feel most comfortable.”
“We’ve slept in the same bed since the hotel. It would be silly for you to sleep somewhere else when your bed is so huge.”
He dropped the luggage down and turned toward her, smoothing his hands over the length of her hair. “What do you say we go get Tiny and then come back here and I’ll make something for dinner.”
She nodded, but her stomach fluttered at the thought of meeting Mason’s neighbor. When they stepped out of the condo, Kenny immediately swung open the adjacent door. “I thought you guys were never gonna come.”
“Ah, that’s Kenny’s legendary patience showing.” Mason winked at her and led her to the door.
“Hey. No reason a kid can’t look out his condo door if he’s expecting company.” Kenny shrugged and tucked his hands into his front pockets.
Thalia giggled at his response and heard another voice. “Honey, is that them?”
A woman with pale white hair pulled back into a short ponytail approached them. Her face was sun-kissed and freckled and although lines creased at the corners of her eyes and lips, her light expression made her appear youthful. Although she was a grandmother, her appearance didn’t match what Thalia had built up in her mind.
“Mason! What a beauty you’ve brought home.” The slight weight of the woman’s hands on her arms combined with kind brown eyes infused Thalia with warmth. “Tiny, look who’s home!” The click of nails scratching over tile sounded behind the woman.
“Incoming!” Kenny yelled. Seconds later the giant lizard pushed past the older woman, ran out into the hall, and began scrambling up Mason’s jeans. He laughed and reached down to hoist Tiny up to his chest. As if just noticing she was there, the lizard turned his golden eyes to Thalia, and tilted his head, observing her quietly. She held the reptile’s gaze, and Tiny bobbed his head before inching closer to her, leaning off Mason’s shoulders. She stepped closer to Mason and opened her arms, lifting the heavy animal. It went willingly to her as she hugged it against her. She felt the lizard sigh and drop its head onto her shoulder. Perhaps he was just getting comfortable beneath her curtain of long hair, but it felt like it nuzzled her as a puff of breath from its nostrils tickled her neck.
“Wow, do you two know each other?” Mrs. Foster laughed.
“I guess we’re old acquaintances.” She grinned.
“I know you’re probably eager to get settled into the condo, but Kenny and I would love to have you over for dinner some night this week.”
“You have to come for lasagna night, and since you like reptiles, too. You can see my bedroom! I have three snakes and a bearded dragon.”
She grinned and it struck her that this could be her life. Going to sleep and waking with Mason. Visiting with the neighbors. Finding work that she enjoyed. A wave of longing swept over her and she glanced toward Mason, then back to Kenny. “I’d love to see your reptiles.”
“And dinner sound great, Mrs. Foster.” Mason placed his hand on her back. “Thanks for taking care of Tiny.”
“Anytime. And congratulations on your engagement. I’m so excited for you, young man.” Mrs. Foster and Kenny waved enthusiastically before they shut the door.
She grinned up at Mason as they walked across the hall. Tiny was in his arms with his head relaxed on his broad shoulder. The moment they entered the apartment, the sound of Mason’s phone ringing was audible. He paced over to the kitchen counter where he’d left it and glanced at the screen.
“Answer it,” she said tilting her chin toward the phone. She moved forward and picked up Tiny. He certainly wasn’t tiny anymore. The reptile’s tail stretched down to her knees as she held him against her chest. “I’ll just sit on the couch with this big guy.”
“Don’t get too comfortable, Tiny. I’ll be stealing her from you in a minute.”
Thalia walked over and sat down on the couch, when Mason picked up the phone. He was talking in low tones, then thanked someone for the news and hung up.
“That was my contact from Mexico. Estrada was arrested this morning and killed by another inmate an hour after his arrival in prison.”
“Oh my gosh.” She stood up, and Tiny rushed off her shoulder and onto the back of the couch. “I can’t believe it. I was so afraid I’d be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life and now…” Relief was palpable as it pumped through her veins. Maybe it wasn’t right to feel so grateful for another’s death, but anyone who would kill an old man and buy a human to do unspeakable things didn’t deserve to live. Mason swung her up into a hug and she peppered his face with kisses. Although she had thoroughly enjoyed the times she and Mason had explored each other’s bodies, the subtle touches and tender hugs they shared impacted her just as much. He placed her down on the floor and smiled. “I’m going to see what’s in the kitchen. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be gone, so I cleaned out the refrigerator.” He skirted behind the island and opened the freezer. After rummaging for a moment, he moved to the cabinets. “We can also go out to eat or get delivery.”
