Page 37 of Beautiful Disaster

“I’m so freakin’ embarrassed,” I say. “Two breakdowns in one day. Good times…”

He cups my face and forces me to look at him, but I don’t want to. I also don’t look away. His hazel eyes hold me tethered to him.

“Jinx, your reaction is very normal after everything you’ve gone through.”

“Not for me, it’s not.”

“Bottling everything up isn’t healthy.”

I grunt at him and try to pull away, but he doesn’t let me. “You did,” I retort because I need something to fucking hurt other than me, but he doesn’t take the bait.

“No, I didn’t. I’ve been reclusive, but that doesn’t mean I’ve bottled everything up. Eventually, I had to push aside my pain because I had to move forward with my life.”

Mason drops his hands as I wipe my face and blow my nose. “Sorry,” I mumble.

“It’s okay, but I’m not your enemy, Jinx.”

My body sags, and I nod. “I know.”

Like he’s done a lot since I’ve been here, he holds my jaw, fingers digging into my cheeks, but this time, it’s more forceful. To my surprise, he smothers me in a kiss. A deep one, forcing his tongue inside my mouth. This isn’t a kiss. This is claiming. He uses his entire body in it. When he pulls away, he bites my bottom lip gently before letting go.

“There are going to be a lot of big feelings while we do this. Be prepared. I want you to be free to explore them. Embrace them, precious. Don’t be afraid of them. Trust me.”

I look down at my hands holding the gross tissue and nod. “Okay.” While I agree, I don’t want to feel anything, but after what happened, I know he’s right. I just have to decide if I’m okay with that.

“Did you like being made love to?”

“It was… what do you call it? Bittersweet?”

His laugh is gentle. “I can see that. You can have this again anytime you’re good for me, but only if you want it. I’ll happily worship you in return.”

Mason stands and offers me his hand. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?”

“To run you a bath. I’m going to give you a dose of what’s to come as far as rewards go.”

Chapter 11

Mason

I shouldn’t be giving him any rewards before it’s time, but he needs a good dose of kindness. It should also help built trust between us.

Jinx stands on the bathroom rug, rubbing his eyes and yawning as I run the bathwater. I then pour in some of my favorite bubbles. The air soon fills with steam and the scent of eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil. I stand behind him and rub his shoulders.

He leans his head back on me and moans. “Mmm, that’s nice.”

“Your shoulders are stiff.”

“Life of living tensely. Shoveling manure from the stables doesn’t help.”

“It’s made you strong.”

Jinx is more defined than I am. I try to work out, but I don’t always have the time. Still, I eat healthily.

“I used to be so skinny. Tito barely fed us to keep us thin and boyish.”

“No doubt it was easier to subdue you.”