Chapter 6

"You can't touch her!" Mason shouted again, his voice cracking with rage.

Sophia immediately jumped into action, looping her arm through Mason's and pressing herself against his side. "Honey, are you joking?" Her voice was sweet, but there was an edge to it. "I'm your wife. Don't you want to play with me anymore?"

Mason forced a smile, his teeth clenched. "Of course, baby." He leaned down and kissed her, but it was rushed, mechanical, like he was trying to hide his shame behind her lips.

Grace watched them for a moment, then turned her attention back to Aiden. She traced her fingers along his jaw, leaning in close again. Aiden's hands were still on her waist, and he whispered low enough that only she could hear, "That's quite enough. I think you won this little game."

But instead of letting her go, he slid his hands lower, pressing her hips down firmly against his lap. His grip was possessive and deliberate. He wanted Mason to see.

And Mason did.

His eyes locked onto Aiden's hands. His face went red. His jaw clenched so tight it looked like his teeth might crack. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"ENOUGH!" he bellowed.

He stormed over and grabbed Grace by the arm, yanking her off Aiden's lap with so much force that she stumbled. She yelped in surprise, catching herself just before she fell.

"What is your problem?" Grace shouted, ripping her arm out of his grip. "I'm kissing my husband! What's that got to do with you anyway?"

Sophia chimed in from behind them, her voice dripping with mock amusement. "Well, well. She says she has amnesia, but... she certainly remembers she has a husband."

Mason ignored her. His eyes were locked on Grace, burning with something ugly and raw. Then he turned sharply and grabbed Aiden by the shoulder, dragging him toward the side exit. "We need to talk. Now."

Aiden shot Grace one last look before allowing himself to be pulled away. The door slammed shut behind them, leaving Grace and Sophia alone in the hallway.

Grace crossed her arms, her heart pounding. She glanced at Sophia, who was smiling that fake, sugary smile she always wore when she thought she was winning.

But Grace didn't care about Sophia right now. She needed to hear what Mason and Aiden were saying.

Inside the side room, Mason shoved Aiden against the wall. His voice was low, harsh, boiling with anger. "Okay, I'm warning you. You are going to stay away from Grace. Don't touch her. She's my wife, okay? And you're my brother, so I trust you." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "And you hate her, right?"

Aiden looked at him with contempt. His lip curled. "Oh, now you wanna play the hero, Mason? This is your fucking little game. I'm happy to end it whenever you want."

Mason ran a hand through his hair, his frustration spilling over. "Okay, okay, fine. It's Christmas Eve. I just... I can't resist playing with Sophia, alright?" He let out a bitter laugh. "Don't give me that look. Okay? Just... just remember. Grace is my wife. And she will always be."

Aiden stared at him for a long moment. Then he said quietly, his voice flat, "Whatever you say."

He turned and walked toward the door, his footsteps heavy. He reached for the handle and pulled it open.

And froze.

Grace was standing right there. Right in front of the door. Her arms were crossed. Her face was unreadable.

Both men went still. Aiden's eyes widened slightly. Mason's face went pale.

Grace stepped forward, her gaze shifting between them. "What are you two talking about?"