Chapter 22

Mason was planted between my legs, his sizeable hands moving up my bare thighs. I could feel the distinct flutter of his pulse on my skin beneath him. He was nervous or excited, or maybe a combination of the two.

"Thoughts of you consume me," he whispered. "Every second, of every day..."

I was sprawled out like an ivory buffet on his midnight black comforter, and the man between my legs was hungry with desire.

When Mason's calloused thumb brushed against my clit, an unbridled desire sparked to life within me. It was a raw and primal longing that I had never experienced before. Every inch of me felt untamed and wild, consumed with the need for him.

"Use your words, Kenna," Mason growled as he teased my folds, "tell me what you want from me."

My heart raced as I struggled to express my needs. The words I needed to say remained trapped inside me like a bird in a cage. All I could do was silently beg him to fulfill my burning desire.

"You're so soft, Kenna," he whispered. "I could play with you all day." He teased my opening before he slid two fingers into me. "Would you like that?"

I thrust my hips towards him, begging for more.

With his fingers still inside me, his other hand found its way to my neck. I felt the warmth of his palm enclosing around my throat as he applied slight pressure. My breath caught as I leaned into his touch.

"You look stunning in a hand necklace, Kenna," he growled when a hiccup of pleasure escaped my lips.

His fingers curled inside me, his other hand still draped around my throat. I was entirely under his control, lost in the intense sensations that left me trembling and weak in his grasp.

"Kenna? Kenna?" A voice said in the distance.

My eyes flew open, and I was suddenly aware of my surroundings. I was sprawled out on Mason's leather couch, draped with the same warm, knit blanket that had kept me cozy the evening before. Slowly sitting up, I realized I was still fully clothed.

"Kenna!" Mason repeated my name. "Are you okay?"

Mason's broad frame cast a shadow over me. I let out a small whimper, feeling both embarrassed and disappointed. I quickly scrambled off his couch, the fabric of my shirt awkwardly sticking to my clammy skin. I tried to avoid his intense gaze, my mind racing with flashbacks of my dirty dream.

"Bathroom?" I asked.

He tilted his head slightly and pointed towards his bedroom.

"Oh, yeah," I blushed.

Mason's cologne invaded my nostrils the moment I stepped into his room. I rushed to his bathroom sink, trying desperately to ignore the heady scent as I turned on the tap and doused my face with cold water.

I had a sex dream.

About Mason.

I felt like a pervert for dreaming such things about someone who had shown me nothing but respect and kindness. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of my twisted thoughts.

After mustering up the courage to leave the safety of his pristine, white bathroom, I sprinted out and collided with Mason's bare chest.

"I was just about to check on you," he explained. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, sorry," I said while refusing to make eye contact with him.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yeah, I just had a nightmare," I lied. "I should probably get home."

"Kenna," he said softly, "it's three in the morning."

His blue eyes scanned my face for answers, but I wasn't giving anything away.

"You can sleep here," he told me. "Take my bed. I'll sleep on the couch."

Climbing into Mason's bed, with his scent all around me, was the last thing I needed after my dirty dream about him. But I was groggy from smoking, and I didn't feel like walking home just yet.

"It's okay," I said. "Your couch is comfy. You sleep in your bed."

I returned to the couch and yanked the familiar blanket to my chin to prove my point.

Mason's curly hair bounced in disapproval as he shook his head, but it was clear I wasn't budging from my spot.

"Are you sure everything is okay?" he asked. "Did I do something?"

The mere thought of Mason believing he had done something wrong filled me with guilt. Throughout the evening, he had been nothing but kind and courteous. He was a true gentleman.

"No, not at all! I'm just not feeling great," I lied again.

Mason stood from the couch and made his way over to his bedroom door. His deep voice lowered, "If you have any more nightmares, you know where to find me."