Page 9 of Mason
Because I was desperate.
Because I didn’t want to be homeless.
Because I could see no other option.
Because I had no one around to remind me to eat.
Because the only food in my pantry was a single box of discount mac and cheese and a can of tuna that I was probably going to feed to the stray cat that snuck into my apartment building for shelter when it rained.
“None of your fucking business.”
Something flickered across Mason’s face, his eyes drilling into mine as if he could extract the truth directly from my thoughts.Tension swirled around us, and my body reacted in a way I did not give it permission to.
“I’m making it my business, beautiful girl.”
Oh.
A wave crashed into me.Delicious heat mixed with relief, sprinkled with fear.I wanted to believe him.Even more than that, I wanted to throw it all at him, let him take control so I didn’t have to make the hard decisions anymore.Reality, however, was sharp and precise, cutting off the need and want and utter yearning for stability before I allowed something dangerous to take root.Like hope.
Clearing his throat, the surgeon who had been brought in to consult had everyone shifting their attention back to him and the current issue—the thick splinter still stuck in my body.
“The most pressing complication is that the wood is currently piercing the large intestine.If not treated immediately, there is a risk of peritonitis, which is an infection caused when waste spills into the abdominal cavity.”
Well, that didn’t sound good.Harper grasped my hand without looking away from the doctor, and my throat clogged with emotion.I didn’t even realize I’d released my death grip on the cello’s neck until her fingers wrapped around mine.Fear crawled up my spine, a new unknown overtaking my life.
“Today won’t last forever.Tomorrow is a new day.This too shall pass.”
Mom’s voice whispered through my mind.I really, really wished she were here.Which was impossible now.But Harper’s mere presence helped so damn much.I turned my hand over in hers, linking our fingers and holding on tight as the doctor continued.Maybe Mom had sent her to me, like a real-life angel in disguise.Knowing my mom, she would do something like that.It probably would have taken some convincing of whoever was in charge on the other side of the tug-of-war that was life and death, but she would have done it for me.
“There is also a high risk of sepsis if not treated quickly.I’d like to get you up to surgery as soon as we have an OR open.”
“How dangerous is the surgery?”Mason asked, moving closer.His hand landed on my shoulder, where my braid was lying.Picking up the braid, he stroked his thumb over my hair, distracting me.Ugh, he smelled good.Something woodsy, mixed with citrus.I wanted to turn my head, press my nose against his arm, and breathe him in.
“On top of the usual risk factors that come with being placed under general anesthesia, we aren’t sure what we will find when we open her up.”He grimaced.“Overall, the pros outweigh the cons in this case.Surgery is the only option.”
“How long before the OR is ready?”Harper asked, her warm hand reminding me that I wasn’t alone.
“It’s being prepped as we speak.”The door opened, and three women in scrubs walked in.“Miss Russell, I’m going to leave you in the capable hands of my team.I’ll see you in the OR shortly.”
As the surgeon left, the nurses started asking me all the basic questions again.Name.Birth date.Allergies.I answered them all while internally freaking out.I was terrified.Mom wouldn’t be here when this was over.I’d go back to my empty apartment.Alone.
What if something happened?
What if I…didn’t make it?
Suddenly, Mason’s face was in front of mine, so close his nose almost brushed mine.He cupped my face in both of his hands, his thumbs tenderly skimming my quivering bottom lip.“Mom and I will be right here when you get back, beautiful girl.I’ll see you soon.”
Some of the panic eased, making it easier to breathe.He was right there, willing and ready to take on a little of the weight that was sitting on my shoulders.And fuck, but I was tired and afraid, and I wanted him to carry it for me.Just for a little while.
“P-promise?”I whispered, the first tear falling.
Emotions I was too overwhelmed to name flashed in his eyes.“I promise you, Sutton.I’m not going anywhere.”
Mason
Mom laughed tiredlyas I paced the private hospital room.Sutton was supposed to be brought there as soon as she was out of recovery.According to the surgeon, everything had gone smoothly.
He’d updated us almost an hour ago, filling us in on what to expect next as well.A short stay in the hospital, lots of rest, and plenty of care.All of which I would see to personally.
