Novels by Queen

MASON P.O.VWe spent another hour with Patricia, going over every detail of the blackmail, our relationship, the potential legal exposure. By the time we left, my head was spinning with information and my anxiety was through the roof."That was intense," I said as we walked to our cars in the parking garage."Understatement," Eli agreed. "I have to meet with Dr. Chen in less than twenty-four hours and I still don't know what I'm going to say.""Just tell the truth," I said. "Tell her we were attracted to each other, that you transferred me to maintain ethics, and that we started dating after the transfer was finalized.""That's not the whole truth though. The whole truth is that I touched you sexually while you were my patient. That I crossed a line that should never be crossed.""Then don't tell her that part unless she specifically asks," I said. "Patricia was clear about that. Don't volunteer information.""It still feels wrong. Like I'm lying by omission.""You're protecting yours

ELIThe lawyer's office was in a sleek downtown building, all glass and steel and intimidating corporate energy. I arrived fifteen minutes early Sunday afternoon, my stomach in knots, and sat in the waiting area trying to calm my breathing.Mason showed up ten minutes later, looking as stressed as I felt. Dark circles under his eyes suggested he hadn't slept much. He saw me and came over immediatel

MASON P.O.VMy meeting with Brad took place at his office downtown. I'd been here hundreds of times over the years, negotiating contracts, discussing endorsement deals, planning my career trajectory.This time felt different. Final.Brad was in his fifties, sharp and savvy, with silver hair and expensive suits. He'd made me a lot of money over the years. Had been more than just an agent. He'd been a mentor, sometimes a friend.Now I had to tell him I was dating a man and being blackmailed for it."Mason," Brad greeted me warmly, shaking my hand. "Good to see you. I'm glad you called. I wanted to follow up on that ESPN offer. They're eager for an answer. What are you thinking?""That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," I said, sitting down in the leather chair across from his desk. "But it's complicated.""Complicated how?" Brad leaned back, his expression shifting to concern. "Is this about the injury? Because I've assured them you're recovering well, that you'll be able t

ELIAfter Mason left to meet with his agent, I sat alone in my apartment, staring at my phone, debating whether to call Dr. Chen.If someone at the clinic was behind the blackmail, she needed to know. But telling her would mean admitting that Mason and I were in a relationship, that we'd been seen together publicly, that this was becoming a problem.And it might make things worse.My phone rang, startling me. Jordan's name flashed on the screen."Hey," I answered."Hey yourself. How'd things go with Mason after your fight? Did you grovel appropriately?""We made up. But Jordan, we have a bigger problem." I filled him in on the blackmail texts, the threats, everything.Jordan was quiet for a long moment. "Shit. That's serious, Eli. Do you think it's someone from the clinic?""I don't know. It could be. Or it could be someone who recognized Mason at the restaurant. Or a random creep who follows celebrity gossip. There's no way to know.""What are you going to do?""Mason's telling his a

MASON P.O.VI stared at the text message, reading it over and over, my heart hammering against my ribs.Saw you at dinner last night with your physical therapist. Interesting. Does your agent know you're dating men? Does ESPN? Might want to think about that before you sign any contracts. -A Friend"Someone was watching us," I said, my voice hollow. "Someone followed us to the restaurant. Or was already there. And they took pictures or... fuck, I don't know."Eli grabbed the phone from my hand and read the message again, his face pale. "This isn't just someone who happened to see us. This is deliberate. The mention of ESPN, your agent, the timing right after you got that offer. Someone's trying to leverage this.""But who? And why?" I stood up and started pacing, my bad leg protesting but I couldn't sit still. "I'm not even playing anymore. I'm not worth anything to anyone. Why would someone care who I'm fucking?""You're still a public figure," Eli said. "Former NFL quarterback, poten

"Then let's figure it out together," I said. "Both of us. With honest communication. If you're feeling insecure, tell me. If I'm struggling with something, I'll tell you. But we have to actually try. We can't just give up at the first sign of difficulty.""Agreed." Eli reached over and took my hand. "So we're doing this? Actually doing this?""We're doing this," I confirmed. "But Eli, I need you to know something.""What?""I'm not ready to come out publicly. Not yet. Maybe not for a while. The thought of dealing with media scrutiny, of having my sexuality become public knowledge, it terrifies me.""I understand," Eli said. "We'll keep things private. For as long as you need.""And the professional stuff? Your boss?""We'll be careful. We won't give anyone ammunition. We keep our relationship separate from the clinic, we maintain appropriate boundaries in public, and we hope that's enough.""Okay." I pulled him closer. "Now come here. We wasted enough time fighting."Eli came willingl