Chapter 5 - The Drive to Belltown
The ride back to Seattle was silent.
The rain was falling heavier now, sheets of water crashing against the black windows of the armored SUV. The driver kept his eyes glued to the road, while the silence inside the leather cabin was stretched taut, like a wire about to snap.
Maya sat in her seat, staring at the glittering emerald ring on her left hand. The fairytale of the handsome, wealthy savior had vanished, replaced by the terrifying reality of the man sitting three feet away from her.
Mason sat with his arms crossed, staring out the window into the dark night.
“You’re a mob boss,” Maya whispered into the dark cabin.
Mason didn't turn his head. “I run an enterprise that provides security, order, and logistics where municipal systems fail.”
“That is the most elegant way of saying 'mafia' I have ever heard in my entire life!” Maya exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch. “You sit in my café! You drink espresso! You read tablets!”
“I am also a businessman,” Mason said, turning his sharp gaze toward her. “I prefer quiet mornings.”
Maya pulled at the emerald ring, trying to slide it off her finger, but her hands were shaking so badly she couldn't catch the band. “Take this back. Take it back right now.”
Mason reached across the seat, his large, warm hand covering hers, stopping her panicked movements. “Keep it on until we reach your apartment, Maya. The perimeter of the country club was monitored by Viktor’s men. If you remove it now, word will spread that our connection is fake.”
“Why does that matter to you?!” Maya cried, looking into his eyes. “You’re a billionaire criminal! What do you care what a rival gang thinks about your coffee shop maid?!”
Mason’s eyes darkened, a deep, swirling fire igniting in their depths.
“Because Viktor is a predator,” Mason said softly, his grip on her hand firming without causing pain. “If he thinks you are a temporary fake, he will use you to leverage me. But if he knows you belong to me, he will not dare walk within five miles of your street.”
Maya’s breath caught in her throat. The word belong hung in the air between them, heavy, dark, and dangerously sweet.
“I don't belong to anyone,” Maya whispered, though her heart was pounding so fast she could barely hear her own words.
“You do for tonight,” Mason replied gently, his thumb rubbing smooth circles over the back of her wrist. “Until I know you are safe.”
The SUV pulled to a halt outside her Capitol Hill apartment building.
The street was dark, rain bouncing off the asphalt under the yellow glow of the streetlights.
Maya looked at Mason, her mind a whirlwind of fear, confusion, and a strange, intoxicating thrill she didn't want to admit she felt.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “For dealing with Judith. And Brandon.”
“It was my pleasure,” Mason said softly. “You performed admirably, Maya.”
She managed to slide the emerald ring off her finger, holding it out to him.
Mason looked down at the ring in her small palm. He didn't take it.
“Keep it,” he said.
“Mason, I can’t—”
“It is a gift,” he interrupted, his dark eyes locking onto hers with absolute authority. “Consider it payment for your services as my fake girlfriend.”
May you like
Before she could object, he leaned forward, brushed his warm lips against her cheek in a soft, lingering kiss that sent shockwaves straight down her spine, and opened the door for her.
“Goodnight, Maya,” he whispered.
