Chapter 23

Leah

We hit two clubs before we find one that has a vibe we all like. An hour in, and I’m drenched in sweat and smell like way too many people’s perfumes. The music is fantastic. Beat after beat, the energy on the dance floor spreads like wildfire and everyone’s grinding and swaying in a huge mass.

I spot Mason watching me from the second-floor balcony with Kerrington. Gage is going strong, dancing all up on a woman in a tight red dress. He lifts his beer bottle up in the air when she spins around and drops it low, putting her face at dick-level.

Landon went to the bar.

It’s so crowded, it’s dizzying. Laser lights streak the club in blues and purples. The DJ’s wearing an oversized mask that makes them look like a bobble head on the stage. They’re mixing songs, driving the crowd wild with beats that hit us smack in the chest.

It’s been so long since I’ve gone clubbing. I wish my sisters were here with me. Aly would really appreciate this DJ’s skills and Bex would be a blast to dance with.

Once the song’s over, I snake my way over to order a bottle of water. I need to hydrate before I die-drate.

“I’ve got it.” Landon lifts his hand to the bartender. “Put it on my tab.”

“No, no, I can buy my own water.”

“Let me be a nice guy tonight, Leah.” He puts his hands together like he’s about to pray. “Pretty please, with cherries on top?”

“Fine.” It’s just a bottle of water. Still, I don’t always like it when people pay for my stuff. It makes me feel like I owe them something in return, which isn’t true, but whatever. My brain is not always logical.

“I’m not sure where you came from.” Landon grabs the water and twists the top off for me. “But I’ve never seen Mason like this before.”

“Like what?” I take a careful sip. The liquid pours down my throat, dousing my overheated body with icy goodness.

“Happy. Himself.” He takes a sip of his drink. “Kerrington says you guys just met?”

This feels like a trap. “Yeah.”

“And he flew you out here?”

“Yup.” I don’t think I like where this conversation is going.

“He’s never done that before.” Landon rests his elbow on the bar. “He doesn’t date. He doesn’t go clubbing. And he sure as shit doesn’t talk about having a future wife.”

“That was just a joke.”

“No, it wasn’t.” He takes another sip, cautiously looking up to where Mason and Kerrington have secured us a table. “He’s crazy for you.”

“That’s…” I shake my head. “No, he’s just in a great mood because of the deal you guys secured today. A billion bucks would make anyone happy and talking crazy.”

“Not Mason.” He takes another sip of his drink before locking eyes on me. “He doesn’t give a fuck about money like that.”

“Well, he seemed thrilled when he told me about it. He was super proud. As he should be.”

“Mase took every dime he had, combined it with ours, worked his ass off, and sold his precious company for a mint.”

“Hence the happy mood.” I’m not sure I understand the problem here. What’s Landon getting at? “He made a lot of money today.”

Landon’s smile falls. “No, sweetheart. He lost everything today.”

My gut twists. “What do you mean?”

Landon downs his drink and slams it on the bar just as Mason approaches. “I gotta take a piss.”

“Could have lived my whole life without that knowledge,” Mason says, letting Landon slip by him. Leaning against the bar, he runs his finger along my ribcage. “I thought you might need rescuing down here. Landon doesn’t shut up after he’s had too many drinks.”

“Oh no, he’s fine. He was drinking club soda.”

“Really?” Mason’s brow pinches as he looks in the direction Landon went in. Then he focuses back on me. “You wanna dance?”

“Always.” I drain the rest of my water and place the empty bottle on the bar. Mason leads me into the crowd, his big hand engulfing mine. Even with his jacket and vest off, he must be sweltering. I’m melting in my dress, and it barely covers anything.

We easily find the rhythm, and I wrap my arms around his neck. We don’t say a word, but our eyes talk plenty. It’s hot, secretive, but there’s worry in both of our gazes, too.

The night ends faster than I expect, and we head out to our cars just after the club closes.

“Leah, it was a pleasure meeting you.” Kerrington drapes his arm over my shoulder. “You keep this fucker in line, mmkay? Spank him if you have to. It’s likely the only way he’ll learn.”

“Gage, come get your boy.” Mason looks over his shoulder. “Wait. Where’s Gage?”

“Over there,” Landon points.

Gage is against the wall with his shirt unbuttoned and back against the brick wall. His head is tipped up to the night sky and his eyes are closed. He looks like he’s about to pass out.

“Awww, he can’t hang like he used to.” Landon pushes out his bottom lip. “Don’t worry, I’m driving them both home.”

Mason’s eyes narrow. “How much have you had to drink?”

“Nothing. I stuck with club soda all night.” Landon puts his hands up. “Shocker, I know.” He looks at me next and shoots finger guns. “I can’t wait to hang with you again, Leah.”

“ Leah ?”

I freeze at the sound of that voice. Turning slowly, I swear I’m hallucinating. “ Aly ? Oh my god! What are you doing here!?”

“Uhhh shouldn’t I be asking you that?” My sister rushes towards me with her arms out wide. We hug and squeal, rocking back and forth.

“Fuck me, there’s two of them?” Landon runs a hand down his face.

Aly looks him up and down. “Damn, sis. Who are all these pretty boys?”

Landon nudges Mason. “She thinks we’re pretty.”

“Those two over there are Kerrington and Gage. The blondie here is Landon. And this…” Pride swells in my chest for no good reason as I drag my man over to her. “Is my boyfriend, Mason.”

“ Boyfriend ?” Aly snorts a laugh.

“Yeah. Boyfriend.” I want to choke her now. Of course, Aly would find it hilarious that I have a boyfriend. I’ve never had one of those before.

She stops laughing immediately. “Well shit. I… damn .” Turning to Mason, she shakes his hand. “Hi, I’m Aly.”

“The DJ.” Mason’s friendly attitude eases the tension that just crept into our circle. “Leah’s told me all about you. She didn’t mention you were in town, though.”

“I’m only here for the weekend to work at this club.”

“That was you up there?” I can’t believe I was dancing to my sister’s beats this whole time. She’s really grown in her craft. And in looks. Her hair is bright blue with streaks of black in it now. “I didn’t know you’ve gone incognito.” How long has it been since I’ve spoken with Aly and checked in on her? Now I feel like a shitty sister.

Aly stuffs her hands in the back pockets of her ripped jeans. “It’s easier this way. Wearing a mask makes me more intriguing. You know how hard it is making a name for yourself in any business. If you don’t stand out, you don’t matter.”

A bouncer holds the door open and looks directly at Aly. “We need you back inside.”

“So much for cooling off. Gotta go.” She gives me another hug and whispers. “I’m really proud of you, sis.”

Guilt and shame run through me, making tears prick my eyes.

We squeeze each other tightly, and when Aly lets go, I shove my emotions down and wave goodbye to her.

The ride back to the hotel is a bit of a blur. I have a lot running through my head.

Mason tosses his wallet and keys on the table. “You’ve got that extra crinkle again.”

Ugh. Can he not be so perceptive for once?

“I think I’m going to take a hot bath.”

Mason doesn’t join me, and I don’t know if I’m relieved or disappointed.

···

The press conference was at ten am. Mason had to cancel a construction site tour to make it in time and left the hotel in a rush this morning. I watched it in bed, on my phone, and have already packed my things to head back home.

By lunch time, Mason returns to our suite and looks utterly exhausted.

And sad.

What Landon said to me last night weighs heavy on my chest, and Mason’s behavior only lends truth to his words. I want to ask about it, but it’s not my place to pry.

I haven’t told him what’s on my mind, and I don’t know if I should. Last night I didn’t get a wink of sleep. Neither did Mason.

We didn’t have sex. We didn’t talk much. There’s a weird chasm between us, filled with things I don’t want to bring up because I’m worried it’ll pop the bubble we’ve been playing in.

My sister saying she was proud of me last night did something to me. I hate it.

And Mason looked stoic and stiff on that podium at the press conference. He didn’t smile at all.

If it’s true he lost everything, why would he tell me he had the best news ever and wanted to share it with me first yesterday?

Something isn’t right here.

I’m dreading getting on a plane again. I’m also scared that this fantasy is over. I’ll go home and eventually Mason will too, and then what? At least I’m not taking a private jet home. He’s put me on a regular big ass plane a goose can’t take out. Shit, or can it?

What happens now? Do I say goodbye?

Thank you?

Call me?

You’re amazing and I don’t want this to end, but I also don’t know how to have a relationship because I’ve never been in one before?

Commitment isn’t something I’ve faced. No guy has ever wanted to keep me. And I’ve never felt compatible with anyone enough to make the effort. Not like I do with Mason.

Grabbing his packed bag, he hoists it on his shoulder. “Ready, Princess?”

Wait. I’m confused.

“You’re coming with me?”

Mason tilts his head and arches an eyebrow. “Did you really think I was going to let you fly alone, knowing you’re terrified of planes?”

Tears burn my eyes. “You’re really coming with me?”

“Where else should I be if not with you?”

“But…” Doesn’t he still have work to do here? What about rescheduling that construction visit?

“He lost everything . ” Landon’s words from last night slither up my spine again.

Now I feel like a selfish bitch. I’m acting like a child when this man’s going through some real-life shit.

Mason grabs my hand and gives it a tug. “Come on. We can’t miss our flight.”

···

Three hours later, we’ve boarded, and the plane takes off. Palms sweaty, I squeeze my eyes shut and hold my breath.

“Breathe, Princess.” Mason puts his hand over mine.

I shake my head.

“You’re going to pass out if you don’t get oxygen.”

We’re flying first class, but I’m too terrified to enjoy it. When something soft hits my lap, I pop my eyes open to see Mason’s placed the fleece blanket over me.

“It’s chilly in here,” he says with a wink.

No, it’s not. I’m burning up because I’m so nervous.

The plane dips for a second, and I squeak in panic. I grip his forearm and dig my nails in. “What was that?”

“Just getting past some clouds, baby. Don’t worry.” He holds my hand under the blanket, rubbing my knuckles soothingly.

I suddenly get a horrible, bad, brilliant idea. “Distract me?”

Mason’s eyebrows rise to his hairline.

The panic squeezing my throat makes me squeak, “Please?”

He looks around to see if anyone’s coming, then repositions himself. I spread my shaking legs apart enough for him to have access to my body.

“Unbutton your fly for me, Princess.”

That requires me to unclench my hands, which isn’t happening. “I can’t let go of you.”

His facial features soften. “Okay. Hang on.” He quickly maneuvers my shorts down for me. “Stay quiet, okay?”

I squeeze my eyes shut again and nod. The plane tilts and I swear I feel like I’m going to fall out of the fucking window. “Mason.”

“It’s okay. We’re just turning around to get on course.” He sits forward and leans towards the window, his big body blocking us from the aisle. Then he slips his finger into my pussy and slowly fingers me. I’m not wet enough. I’m too scared for this. Mason notices the problem and pulls out. “Open that pretty mouth for me.”

I unlock my clenched jaw, and he puts his fingers in between my lips. Twirling my tongue around his digits while my stomach roils. I feel dizzy.

“That’s my good girl.” He gets back under the blanket again.

“It’s a pleasure to have you with us again, Mr. Finch.”

My eyes fly open. The airline attendant stands next to us with a tray of filled glasses. “May I offer you two some champagne?”

Mason doesn’t turn to address her. “You thirsty, Princess?” He shoves a slick finger inside me and I gasp.

“N-no.”

“We’re all good, thank you.” He plunges into me again while I stare awkwardly at the airline attendant. She looks down at the blanket, then back at me.

I’m immediately wet.

“If you change your mind, just let me know.” She heads to the next person in front of us and Mason presses his palm to my clit. I can’t take my eyes off the attendant. When she flicks her gaze in our direction again, Mason plunges into me deeper. My breath catches.

Her knowing what we’re doing, us in a very public space, the adrenaline I have from the plane going higher, the scent of his cologne, heat of his touch, his closeness, his attention, my desperation to hold on to him for however long I can…

My orgasm blows my anxiety away. Tipping my head back, silently screaming with my mouth wide open, the only noise I let slip is a moan when he drags the last few pulses of release from me. Pulling his hand out, Mason sucks both fingers clean and looks at his palm that’s also glistening. With a wicked smile, he drags his long tongue across it and cleans that off, too.

“Better?”

“I feel like I’m floating.”

Mason chuckles and tucks me closer to him. “Try to get some sleep, Princess. We’ll be home soon.”

Home .

What happens once we get there?