by Karen Deen
I hope his love for me will stand through it all.
It feels like I’m drowning and the only thing keeping me above the water is Mason.
Mason
I get Paige settled in the bath which will keep her busy while I make some calls. Whoever that dirtbag is threatening Mia and her kids is going to pay for it. There is no way in hell I will stand by and let that happen. I can’t tell Paige some of the army contacts I still have because they’re special forces. I need to call Ashton and see if he’s in the country. He will have a contact here for me to help keep an eye on Mia. Meanwhile, I call Franco to see if his contacts can find out who this Mia is and why she thinks Paige is a threat to her.
There is definitely something not fucking right about this whole thing. I can feel it in my bones, and that’s never a good thing.
“Franco, it’s Mason. I need help on something without Paige knowing.”
“Okay, let’s go then. Tell me what you need.”
“Information on a woman and her two kids living in this building and the possible men who are hanging around her.”
“Okay, I don’t like the sound of this, but continue.” I have Franco’s full attention now. So, I continue to tell him everything that has happened and what I know about her.
“I’ll see if I can get anything from the surveillance cameras in the building and work out what apartment she’s in. Then I’ll see what douchebag comes visiting. Also, where she gets the money to afford to stay there. Leave it with me and I’ll send anything I find to your phone as soon as I get it.”
“Thanks, man. I’m calling an army buddy to get a contact who can keep an eye on her without her knowing, until we can get her safe from whoever this dick is.”
“Mason, why are you so invested in this?” Franco questions me.
“Nobody should have to live in fear. I’ve seen enough of it to last me a lifetime. Plus, Paige has some weird feeling about this and so do I. I just want to keep Mia safe. By doing that, I keep Paige safe, because I have a feeling she’s not going to rest until she knows what’s going on. You know what women are like, they can’t leave things alone once they start on something.” We both laugh.
“Jesus, don’t even get me started about Veronica. She never lets go of things like that.”
“I better go so I can make this call before she comes looking for me.”
“Okay, I’ll be in touch, but whatever you do, don’t approach this guy on your own. I don’t want to have to bail you out of jail for this too.”
“I’ll try my best but can’t guarantee anything.”
Our call finished, I dial Ashton, hoping he’s currently in the country.
“Mason, how the hell are you, man? Long time, no hear,” Ashton’s deep voice booms down the line.
“Yeah, I’m good, man. Finally living the dream life. How about you? You still playing hide and seek with the bad guys?” We both chuckle.
“Nah man, got out just last month. It was time, plus I ended up with a few too many bullet holes. They don’t like damaged goods in our line of work.”
“Shit, I didn’t hear. Everything okay?” I feel bad that I didn’t know he’d been injured on duty, and I haven’t been in contact.
“All good, man. Touch and go for a while. Bullet through the lung, among other things. Figured it was time to become one of the soft cocks of the world like you, brother.”
“Welcome to the club then, you big soft cock.” I can’t stop laughing at him. He’s one of the toughest guys I know, but also frigging hilarious. He was one of the guys who kept me sane on deployment, because he reminded me so much of my boys.
“I’m guessing you aren’t calling to check on my soft cock, though.”
“Ashton, I can assure you, your cock is the last thing on the list of things that I worry about. Unfortunately, though, I do need some help. It’s a long story, but I need a favor.” I proceed to tell him everything in point form, and he listens without interrupting. “So, I just need someone who’s around who can keep an eye on Mia until I can find out who this guy is and get the police involved. I’d do it myself, but this shit with Paige has me protecting her. But there is no way I can stand back and let a woman and her children get hurt on my watch.”
“Fuck no. I’ll do it myself. I’m in Chicago, man. Just settled here a week ago. Just haven’t had time to look you up.”
“Seriously, that’s the best news I’ve had all day.”
“Send me everything you find out from the uncle, and I’ll get on it. We can talk and catch up after this. Don’t want to be seen with you until we work this out.”
“Awesome. Look forward to it. I’ll pay you for it, just let me know what you need, and I’ll make it happen.” Ashton is one of the only guys I’d trust to protect Paige so I can rest easy, knowing he’s on the job.
“Like fuck you will. I don’t need your money. You can buy me a beer when we’re finished.”
“That’s a deal. I’ll be in touch. Thanks, man, I really appreciate it.”
“You’re one of my brothers, man. You know the code, anything for a brother.” I feel that deep sense of belonging that only someone who has served will understand.
“Yeah, man, anything for a brother. Talk soon.”
I feel anxious, standing in the living room and staring out at the city.
I don’t like it, and I hate that it involves Paige.
That word is racing in my head again.
It won’t leave me.
Safe.
I need to keep her safe.
20
Mason
LAST NIGHT WAS INTENSE trying to keep Paige calm. All the scotch did was give her extra courage to want to storm downstairs and find Mia, to take on whoever the guy is and then save the world. This woman has a heart of gold, but for Christ’s sake, do not get in her way when she wants to use it to save someone.
I had to tell her about Franco looking into it and the friend I have watching over Mia and the kids. There is no way I will ever be able to keep a secret from her. She’s like a hound dog and can sniff out anything. Although she was more settled once she knew that Mia was safe for the moment.
Franco found out she’s a single mother who rented the apartment a month ago. Mia Walker, thirty-eight years old. Mother of two children: Jack, four years old, and Kayla, nine months old. Married to an Edward Walker who lives in Bellevue, Illinois and works in a mechanical shop. In debt with no assets. Several credit cards with transactions mostly at the local bars. He’s obviously the cranky daddy who isn’t living with them. What we don’t know is why Mia is now living in this expensive apartment block when she and her husband are in debt up to their eyeballs. The rent is paid each week in cash over the counter at a bank down the block from the apartments.
We’re still waiting on the surveillance tapes from the building to find who’s visiting her here. Ashton has the images of her and the kids. He’s in place outside the building in case she leaves and is watching every person who enters the building. Until we know who’s going in to see her, it’ll be hard for him to know when she’s in danger. But we should have that by the end of today hopefully.
So much is happening it’s hard to keep your head around it all. I’m thankful that Ashton is in charge of the Mia situation so I can be fully focused on my girl. While she’s showering, I prepare her breakfast and make sure everything is in place with Franco. We aren’t flying today, so after she arrives at work, I’ll be entering her building through the service elevator to monitor the security footage of her office and floor. That way I can be the eyes on Tyson if Franco gets caught up anywhere else and can’t be with her. Not that I think he’ll do anything to hurt her at work where there are witnesses, but I’m not prepared to take the risk. Paige is also getting a little edgy about all the weird things going on around her. So, she feels safer if she knows I’m close by.
“What are you thinking about?” Her arms wrap around me from behind as I’m looking out the window in the kitchen. Her voice startles me
a little, but her touch takes away any tenseness it caused.
“You, baby, wondering what outfit you’re going to torture me with today.” Pushing off the counter, I turn so I can check her out.
“Mmm, I approve. Love you in black with red shoes. Pity you aren’t on my plane today. Maybe we might have to test out the mile-high club.” I wink at her, while she rolls her eyes at me.
“Who would be flying the plane while this is happening, you wild man? I’m not sure I trust Aaron to keep us in the air.” She walks away from me to fill her coffee cup. A great view to start the day.
“That’s what the auto pilot is for. Plus, I’m pretty clever. I can do two things at once,” I say, laughing at my own joke.
“If you ever try to have sex with me and something else at the same time, it’ll be the only time you ever try it, that I can guarantee. Now what’s for breakfast, master chef?” She’s snarky this morning. The stress is building, and she’s trying to hold it together, but it’s getting more difficult.
“Well, on this morning’s menu we have a ham-and-cheese omelet on Turkish bread with avocado and tomato. Does that suit my lady?” I bow in front of her to try to get her laughing. I get a small smile, but that’s about it.
“Thank you, Mason, but I won’t be able to eat all of that. You know I struggle with breakfast. Maybe just the toast and the avocado.” She sits and starts to pull apart her food.
“Not a chance, you need to eat. I know you aren’t good at it, but we’re getting better each morning with how much you have. There’s so much stress on you, your body needs fuel to keep it going.”
“But not this much fuel,” she complains.
“With the amount of energy we burn at night, you should be eating twice that. Now see how you do, and I’ll eat the rest before I leave for the office too.” She groans and starts on her food.
After a few minutes of silence while eating, I decide to see what she thinks of my thoughts for later.
“Tonight, you aren’t allowed to be doing any work, so I was thinking, why don’t we see if the ‘family’ wants to do dinner out somewhere. It’ll take your mind off waiting for Tyson to take the bait with the invoice. Franco can keep us in the loop with everything as it happens. What do you say?” I can see her thinking it over.
“I’m not sure I want to go out. Maybe they could come here, and we order in, how does that sound?” She’s quiet this morning, her voice flat.
“Sure, if that’s what you want. I’ll see who can make it and arrange for some Thai to be delivered. Is that okay?”
She nods with a mouthful.
“Paige, be honest with me. Are you staying home to be close in case something happens with Mia?” She looks down, avoiding eye contact when she answers.
“Maybe. I just can’t stop thinking about her and little Jack. He’s so adorable, and we had a real connection. Jack and Kayla can’t defend themselves if someone’s hurting them.” She looks up slightly, and I see water welling in her eyes.
“Ashton will keep them safe. He’s in contact with me all the time. Trust me, sweetheart. We won’t let this guy get to them again.” She nods and takes another mouthful. I’m not convinced she believes me.
“I’m just going to finish getting ready, and I’ll be down in a minute.” Paige stands and leaves her breakfast half-eaten. She’s not her normal self. I don’t want to push her. Having everyone here tonight will help her to get through another tough night.
Cleaning up the kitchen and waiting for her to come back down, I send a message in the ‘crazy fam’ group message.
Mason: Dinner at Paige’s apartment. 7 pm just let me know who can make it. Need your help to distract Paige from work stress.
“Bent is downstairs,” her voice comes from the stairs as she’s walking back down.
I meet her at the bottom. “Do you want me to come down with you?”
“No, don’t be silly. Tyson won’t be in the car today. It’s just me. I’ll see you tonight.” There’s no way I’m letting her leave like this.
“Come here.”
“I need to go,” she complains.
“Paige, come here.” This time she knows I mean it, my voice stern. Walking the few steps to me, I take her work bag out of her hand then wrap her up in my arms.
“You need to breathe, baby. You can do this. I’ll be watching you all day. Nothing will happen, except you giving me a hard-on every time you bend over in that skirt. You’ll kill me having to watch your ass in that tight outfit all day while I can’t touch. This is like torture, you know.” Finally, a smile comes onto her face.
“Maybe I’ll need lots of files from the bottom drawers today then.” She giggles a half-laugh.
“You’re evil. Just think of the blue balls I’ll have by the time I get home. So be ready to fix that situation for me tonight.”
“In front of all your friends? Dream on, Mason. I’m sure that’s not the kind of dinner party they’re expecting. I don’t share my dessert. I’m greedy like that.”
“Now there’s an idea, chocolate for dessert. I can work on that. Prepare for things to get sticky.”
“You’re crazy, you know that.” She smiles the first genuine smile I’ve seen this morning.
“This is true, it’s a well-documented fact. But you know what? I’m your crazy, so sorry, you’ll just have to learn to deal with it.” I kiss her firmly on the lips.
“Now get to work, you don’t want to keep everyone waiting.” Turning her and tapping her on the butt, she’s laughing at me as she enters the elevator.
“Love you.” I hear the tiredness in her voice.
“Me too, baby. See you soon.”
As the doors close, I feel her pain radiating to me. I want to take it all on for her, but I know it’s not possible nor what she needs. Paige is the sort of woman who needs to be in control of her own life yet have me by her side. Any man who tried to tame my tiger would be in for a rude shock.
Checking my phone, I see that everyone can make dinner although both the doctors are on call, so who knows who we’ll end up seeing. I need to call Lex and talk to him about Mia. Last night I needed to know more about her and get things in place to get her safe. Now I need to know what avenues are out there for her if she wants to seek legal help. It’s important to give anyone who has been controlled by someone else, the power to help themselves. It’s part of the healing process to feel empowered.
I finish off my breakfast and clean up. I just want to get to the office so I can be close to Paige. I hate being far from her. Jumping into the Jeep, I call Lex so I can be doing two things at once. Contrary to Paige’s belief, I’m good at multitasking.
“Mason, what’s happening?” Lex’s voice comes through the speakers in the car.
“Hey Lex, glad you can make it tonight. Just wanted to talk to you about something, though, quickly if I can.”
“Sure, man, what’s up?” I hear noise around him so he’s likely already in the office or the courthouse.
“It’s a bit of a long story, but here’s the short version. I need your help with a lady in Paige’s building that we think may be in trouble in a domestic violence situation.” I go on to explain everything with Mia that we know, and briefly tell him what’s going on with Paige and her business. I know I can trust him to keep it all to himself.
“Shit, Mason, no wonder you need us over there to distract Paige tonight. She’s having a shit time. She seems like such a great woman, it sucks this is happening to her.”
“Yeah, buddy, she is one in a million. So, if you can give us any information that will help us if we can get Mia to listen, it would be appreciated.”
“I’ll email you a list of some organizations that can help her, and I’m happy to assist her with anything legal if needed.” Lex is now talking to someone in the background at the same time.
“Perfect, thanks, Lex. I’ll let you go. I can hear you’re busy. See you tonight.”
“No problems, yeah, in court today. I’ll se
e you tonight.”
With that he’s gone, and I’m pulling into the carpark down the road from Paige’s office. I can’t park in her building just in case Tyson sees my car there. I walk down the street with my cap pulled down low over my eyes and keep my head down. It feels ridiculous, like we’re living in a spy movie. Who lives a life like this anyway? I thought this kind of shit was just made up in books and movies, but obviously not.
Let’s see what today will bring. I slip into the service elevator with the security pass Franco gave me, and I’m on my way to the security room we’ve set up.
~
After the first few minutes of Paige flirting with the camera, knowing I’m watching and then sending me dirty text messages, she’s settled into work and I think almost forgotten I’m there. Tyson seems to come and go from her office, along with Brian her VP, often during the day. Along with other managers and staff. She’s just sent me a message to say she’s having lunch with Franco, so I don’t need to worry about her for the next hour. That gives me time to watch what Tyson—and Brian, for that matter—are up to while she’s not around.
Brian seems to be doing what I would expect. In his office, working, eating lunch, taking phone calls, and a quick visit from his wife to drop off a suit to him. They must be going somewhere after work.
Tyson is at his desk, working on his computer and dealing with phone calls. I’m starting to think this is a waste of time until he gets up and looks around suspiciously. He then walks quickly into Paige’s office and closes the door. Bingo!
I quickly message Franco to tell him to make sure they don’t come back until I give them the okay. I don’t want Tyson disturbed so I can see what he’s up to.
The first thing he does is walk to her coat stand and lift her jacket to his face. Smelling it. Now that is fucking weird and freaks me out. There is no way she is ever to be alone for one second with this guy. Now he’s walking to her desk and looking it over.
