SAMANTHAMr. Carter didn’t speak.He just watched me from across the room, arms folded, an unreadable expression on his face. Not angry. Not kind. Just… sharp. Quiet.And somehow, that was worse.I kept my eyes on the bookshelf behind him, like maybe if I stared long enough, I’d melt into it. There was a row of leather-bound books, with titles I couldn’t make out. Some law. Some history. Some generic, intellectual crap that screamed power and wealth and don’t mess with me.He still didn’t speak.God. Please say something. Yell. Question. Judge me. Just don’t sit there. Don’t make me sit in this silence like a student about to be expelled.“I—” I started, but my voice barely made a sound. I shut my mouth again.Still nothing.He tapped one finger on the armrest. Calm. Controlled. And then…“Why’d you let it happen?” He asked, voice low, cutting through the air like glass. “With Mason. When he was still with Audrey.”I froze.The shame hit hard, like a cold slap to the face. It crawled u
SAMANTHAI got dressed slowly, like dragging myself through water.Every movement felt heavier than it should’ve. The emerald green dress hung on the back of the closet door like it was watching me. Judging me. Pretty. Elegant. Safe.The kind of dress you wear when you want to be noticed, but not too much. When you want to say, “I belong here,” even if deep down, you’re not sure you do.I slipped it on anyway. It hugged my figure in that careful, flattering way… respectful, not desperate. Modest, but still me.I curled my hair into soft waves, letting them fall over one shoulder. Pinned back one side so it looked intentional. Composed. In control.Makeup was minimal, dewy foundation, a little blush, mascara, and nude lips. Just enough to glow. Not enough to scream, "Look at me."I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard. I just… wanted to look like I still fit into Mason’s world. Into the Carters’ world. Even if I wasn’t sure I did anymore.I stared at my reflection, trying not
SAMANTHAI couldn’t sleep. I’d been tossing and turning for what felt like hours, but Mason hadn’t moved.His arm was still draped over my waist, heavy and warm. His breathing, slow and steady, tickled the back of my neck.Mine wasn’t.My heart was racing. My mind was a mess.What if they hate me? What if I say the wrong thing? What if they still want Audrey?God. I hated that one the most.I shifted again, careful not to wake him, but of course he noticed. Mason always noticed.His fingers brushed over my lower back, lazy and gentle. “You’re thinking too much again.”I didn’t say anything. Just nodded into the pillow.He pressed a kiss to my shoulder, voice thick with sleep. “You want a distraction?”I finally glanced back at him. “Like what?”His lips curved into the smallest smile. “Let me take you out tomorrow. Just you and me. Somewhere nice. You deserve it.”I sighed. “You’re just trying to stop me from having a panic attack.”“Exactly,” he said, completely unbothered. “So let me
SAMANTHAI had to literally peel myself out of Mason’s arms this morning.No exaggeration. He had both arms wrapped around my waist like a human seatbelt and mumbled something about me being “his forever blanket.”It would’ve been cute if it wasn’t already ten minutes past when I was supposed to get up.“Mason,” I groaned, squirming. “Let go. I’m going to be late.”“You’re warm,” he mumbled, voice thick with sleep. “Stay.”“I have to study.”“You can study here.”“With you biting my neck every five minutes?”He peeked one eye open and smirked. “That’s called encouragement.”The moment I mentioned I’d be seeing Liam and Macey today, he perked right up. Like full wake-up mode. Suddenly he was all hands and kisses, his mouth trailing down my shoulder, leaving hickeys like I was a damn canvas.“You’re marking me,” I said, breathless, trying to push him off gently.“Exactly.” He smiled into my skin. “Maybe Liam will get the hint.”I rolled my eyes, even as my stomach flipped. “You’re ridic
MASONAbout a hundred things ran through my mind the second Samantha texted me that she needed to talk.The strongest fear?Liam. That bastard.I sat up straight on my bed, already pulling on a hoodie. “I knew I should’ve hit him when I had the chance.”Flashback hit me fast…earlier that day, parking lot, hot sun, zero patience.He was leaning against that stupid silver Honda of his, arms crossed like he had nothing to hide. Like he hadn’t kissed my girl…yes…I’ve not forgotten that brief kiss.I didn’t waste time.“Do you love her?”He didn’t flinch. Just looked at me, calm as hell, and said, “Yes.”No hesitation. No shame.And I swear, I forgot how to breathe for a second. My hands curled into fists. I wanted to swing. I wanted him to give me a reason.But then he added, “But I’m getting married.”I blinked. “To someone else?”He nodded. “Yeah. Not Sam.”That part? That part made me want to throw a fucking party.“Then why touch her?” I’d snapped.He shrugged, like the answer didn’t m
SAMANTHAMy legs barely worked this morning. And it was all Mason’s fault.I rolled over with a groan, sheets tangling around my ankles. Every muscle in my body felt rung out, used, stretched, and just the right kind of sore.He didn’t just touch me.He tore through me like I was something delicate. Like he couldn’t believe I’d let him. Like I’d disappear if he wasn’t careful.The worst part?I let him. No… worse, I wanted him to… all the time.I sat up slowly, winced a little, and dragged myself to the bathroom.The mirror was a mess. My hair was half a knot and my lips were a little puffy. I looked like someone who’d had a long, long night and a ruinous morning.He left me wrecked and smiling.“I hate him,” I muttered to my reflection, but it came out soft. Full of affection I didn’t know what to do with. “I actually hate him.”The shower was hot and steamy and completely useless at scrubbing my skin. I tried to shake the memory of his mouth on my neck, the way he’d whispered somethi