Page 123 of Taint My Soul

Marble walls gleam under low, recessed lighting. The air smells faintly of sandalwood and sterile citrus. A wide mirror stretches across the wall, reflecting the toilet stalls behind. Black stone sinks sit heavily, and Mason stands in front of a sink, trying to wash off the stain on his shirt. When he looks in the mirror, he frowns and continues scrubbing his shirt.

He’s not happy with me. Of course, he’s not.

“Mason.”

“What?” He snaps without looking at me.

“Mason…” I murmur and put my hands in my pockets.

He spins on his heels and faces me with a lethal look. “How could you react like that?! Now everyone knows about us!”

“I don’t care about their opinions.” I try to do damage control. To make it seem as if it means nothing. As if I’m not terrified the same way he is.

“I care! Because we both know the kind of man you have for a father. He’ll fucking rip you from me, and I won’t do anything about it.”

“So, I should have just stood there and watched him disrespect you?”

“Yes!” he hammers back. “That was not the perfect time to play God.” He yells breathlessly.

“Play God?” I shake my head and place my hand on my waist. Silence settles between us. Too raw. Too hurtful. Mason leans on the vanity while I stand barely inches away from him. And God, I want to close the gap between us. I hate that we are fighting.

I’m a thirty-nine-year-old man, and I have never really stood up for what I want.

“And what were you even doing with that woman who wanted to get into your pants?”

“She’s no one.” I murmur.

“Well, you let her kiss you on the cheek.” He turns away from me and continues scrubbing his shirt. “Maybe you love her kisses more than mine. I have a good idea. Maybe you should get married to her right now.” He grumbles, voice shaking with panic and a tinge of jealousy. “You let her get close enough to touch you.” He continues, visibly petrified.

I love jealous Mason. I love Mason. Every part of him, Elio included. It’s stupid that I fell first and fell hard, but I don’t have any regrets. And it makes me feel alive that he’s possessive of me.

I walk toward him and place my hand on his shoulder. He shrugs me off even though I make him face me. “Maybe you should both get a fucking room too.” He pouts and scowls at me.

“Mason, she means nothing to me.”

“Then why did you let her kiss you?”

“It was unexpected. I didn’t kiss her back.”

“I’m the only man allowed to touch you.” He declares.

“I only have eyes for you.” I promise him. “And I don’t want to get married to anyone that’s not you or make love to anyone that’s not you. You’re my everything.” His face cracks with softness, and he tilts his lips into a smile, although it never reaches his eyes. “And I don’t give a fuck what anyone else thinks. I care about you. Your feelings. Your thoughts. Your opinions.” That scowl still sits on his beautiful features.

“You shouldn’t let anyone who’s not me get close enough to touch you.”

“Do you want me on my knees, little devil? I’m ready to do whatever you want to earn your forgiveness.” I press, desperation chipping away at my composure. I’m literally pleading at this point. “You drive me crazy.” I shake my head, voice rough and uneven, out of breath.

His eyes find mine instantly, softening with want. “I drive you crazy?”

“All day. Every day, baby.”

He pulls his bottom lip with his teeth. His jaw tightens as an uncertain look flash across his face. “But we can’t ignore your father.”

“Fuck him. He doesn’t tell me what to do with my life anymore.” I affirm. Choosing this moment, choosing him. Even though every other part of me burns with terror. My hand rests on his back, staking my claim as I take his lips in a ferocious kiss. “If another man disrespects you, I will capture him and make him pay.” My fingers tread up to his ribs, voice low. His brows arch together as he studies me. “You are mine, Mason.” My voice shakes with terror as I smile. “Am I yours?”

He grins, so bright that the smile meets his eyes, then his lips collide with mine in a soft, unrushed, velvet kiss. “Yes.” He whispers. “You’re mine.” He kisses me again.

“We could go home now.” I say in between the kiss.