Chapter 7 - The Safehouse in the Clouds
Twenty minutes later, Maya was swept away in a convoy of three armored SUVs.
They drove north out of the city, ascending into the secluded, heavily wooded hills overlooking Lake Washington. The vehicle pulled through a massive iron gate guarded by armed men in tactical gear, proceeding up a long, winding driveway to a breathtaking modern estate built of black steel, concrete, and soaring glass panels.
It was Mason’s private residence—a fortress disguised as a architectural masterpiece.
Mason guided Maya through the grand entrance hall into a massive living room featuring thirty-foot glass walls that looked out over the dark blue waters of the lake.
A elderly woman in a crisp uniform immediately brought Maya a cup of warm chamomile tea and a thick cashmere blanket, which Mason personally draped over her shoulders.
“Sit,” Mason commanded gently, pressing her down onto a plush leather sofa.
Maya gripped the hot mug, her hands still trembling slightly. She looked around the vast, silent room. “Is this where you live?”
“Yes,” Mason said, standing before the glass wall, his hands thrust deep into his trouser pockets. “It is the most secure private structure in the Pacific Northwest. You will stay here until Viktor’s organization is dismantled.”
Maya set her tea down on the glass table. “Dismantled? Mason, you can’t just keep me locked up in a mansion! I have a job! I have rent to pay! My mother—”
“Your mother has two armed guards stationed outside her house right now,” Mason interrupted, turning to face her with grave intensity. “They are disguised as municipal utility workers. Your café manager has been compensated five hundred thousand dollars for the damages to his shop, and your position is secured for as long as you require.”
Maya stared at him, stunned into silence by the sheer, terrifying scope of his resources. “You... you bought my café?”
“I bought the entire building this morning,” Mason said calmly, as if discussing buying a loaf of bread.
Maya buried her face in her hands, letting out a wild, breathless laugh. “This is insane. This is completely, totally insane. Two days ago, I was just looking for a guy to trick my Aunt Judith!”
Mason walked over, kneeling on the rug in front of her. He gently pulled her hands away from her face, holding them in his large, warm palms.
“I know this is overwhelming, Maya,” Mason whispered, his dark eyes soft with a rare, exposed vulnerability. “I never intended to draw you into my world. But when Viktor saw you with me, he recognized what you were to me before I even had the courage to admit it to myself.”
Maya looked into his eyes, her breath catching in her throat. “What... what am I to you, Mason?”
May you like
Mason raised his hand, his long fingers gently tracing her jawline, brushing over her soft lips.
“You are the only quiet thing in a world full of noise, Maya,” he whispered gently. “And I will tear this city apart before I allow anyone to hurt you.”
