All Chapters of Secrets Behind The Mask: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Grayson watched as Honey pulled back slightly, her eyes scanning his face as if searching for the sincerity beneath his words. The awkwardness of that moment felt like they were standing on the edge of something monumental."Move in with you?" Her voice carried uncertainty and curiosity."Yes." His hands were warm on her skin, grounding her. "Why not?"Her laugh was a string of notes, tentative and skeptical. "Grayson, that's a huge step. We've barely peeled back the layers of this... whatever this is.""I know." He traced a line down her arm. "But it feels right, doesn't it? Like we're meant to collide."Honey's gaze searched Grayson's face, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. Finding none, she felt a curious lightness spread through her chest despite the weight of his proposition."Meant to collide," she repeated softly. "That's one way of putting it. More like a crash course in complications."Grayson's lips quirked. "I've never been afraid of complicated.""Clearly." She

Jason was already moving, intercepting Riley before he'd made it halfway to their table."Sir, you need to leave." Jason's voice carried authority despite its measured tone."I'm here to have a drink with my friends from work," Riley snarled, trying to push past. "I have every right to be here.""The restraining order says otherwise." Jason positioned himself firmly between Riley and Honey's table. "You're in violation. Leave now, or I call the police."Riley's face flushed crimson. "What are you going to do about it, tough guy! Make her leave, it's a free country."Amanda appeared from somewhere near the kitchen, phone already pressed to her ear. Honey thought she had left for the night. "NYPD? I need officers at Nonna's Restaurant. Restraining order violation in progress."The maître d' hurried over, hands raised placatingly. "Sir, please. You're disturbing our guests—""I don't give a fuck about your guests!" Riley's voice rose, drawing attention from nearby tables. "That's my wife

Grayson's arms tightened around Honey. "I can't lose you," he whispered against her temple, his voice rough with emotion. "When Amanda called, saying Riley had confronted you, then to find out about Paul with the beer... I wanted to beat the living shit out of them—" He broke off, unable to voice the dark possibilities that had flooded his mind.Honey pressed closer, her palms flat against the slick planes of his chest. "I'm sorry I scared you. I just couldn't sit there and let him think I was afraid.""I understand." His hands moved up her back, fingers splaying across her shoulder blades. "But there's a difference between courage and recklessness. Promise me you won't put yourself at risk like that again. He is dangerous because he is now desperate."The worry in his voice penetrated her defenses. "I promise."Grayson tilted her face up, examining her with careful attention. Water streamed down her cheeks, washing away the last traces of beer and the evening's stress. Her copper hai

As they left the brownstone together, Honey climbed into the passenger seat of Grayson's sleek black car wearing her Joy Smith wig… her glasses were in her bag. She couldn't help noticing a dark SUV pull out behind them, Amanda and Jason shadowing their every move. The sight both irritated and comforted her. It reminded her of living with her father. There had been so much freedom being Joy Smith. That was about to change. Things would never be the same.Grayson glanced in the rearview mirror, noting the security detail. "I need to call your father to let him know about Riley's release.""I figured," Honey sighed, settling back in the leather seat. "Is this what my life will be like now? Always looking over my shoulder?""Just until we neutralize the threat." Grayson's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter, his knuckles whitening slightly. "Which reminds me—"He tapped his phone mounted on the dashboard, scrolling through contacts before selecting one labeled simply 'Nate.' The cal

The door swung open before Grayson could fully collect himself. He ran a hand through his hair to smooth it down, dropping quickly into his chair to hide his obvious arousal. His heart hammered against his ribs as he tried to appear composed, all too aware of Honey crouched beneath his desk. He kept his legs apart to give her room, her face mere inches from his crotch.Henderson, the head of legal, walked in with his head bent over a stack of files. He didn't immediately look up, giving Grayson precious seconds to pull his chair closer to the desk."Taylor, I have the contract revisions you requested," Henderson said, still scanning the document in his hands. "There are a few clauses I've highlighted that need your attention before—""Henderson," Grayson interrupted, his voice remarkably steady despite the circumstances. "I wasn't expecting you until this afternoon."Henderson finally looked up, his expression betraying no indication that he'd noticed anything amiss. "Meeting got cance