Chapter 86
Lily
Wendy crossed her arms, shifting her weight from one foot to the other as she eyed the long line stretching ahead of them.
"I can't believe we're doing this," she muttered, her tone dripping with exasperation. "Standing in line at the mall... to meet Santa." She shot Lily a pointed look. "Do you realize how ridiculous this is?"
Lily, on the other hand, was practically buzzing with excitement, her eyes twinkling like the Christmas lights strung across the mall's ceiling.
"It's not ridiculous! It's festive," she insisted. "It's the only thing in California that actually feels like Christmas."
Wendy let out a dramatic sigh, glancing around at the kids clutching candy canes and parents juggling shopping bags.
"Lily, you're literally going back to New York in a few days. The land of actual snow and freezing temperatures and Christmas markets. Thisâ" she gestured vaguely toward the oversized Santa throne up ahead, "âis not the highlight of your holiday season."
Lily turned to her with a playful pout. "Maybe not, but it's all I've got right now, so liven up a little, Scrooge." She nudged Wendy's arm. "Come on, where's your Christmas spirit?"
Wendy huffed but couldn't fight the small smirk tugging at her lips. "Fine. But if this Santa smells like department store cologne and bad life choices, I'm blaming you."
"If I had know you were going to complain so much, I would have came with Gabriel," Lily rolled her eyes.
"Oh, right," Wendy smirked. "I forgot about your boytoy."
"He's not my boytoy," Lily gasped. "He's my â"
Wendy waited for Lily to finished. When she saw her hesitate, she arched her brow.
"It delights me to see you struggling to say the word boyfriend," she commented.
"Shut up," Lily turned away.
"You're walking a very dangerous line here, Silvano," Wendy shook her head.
"Blame it on being young and reckless," Lily muttered.
"And stupid, and selfish, and dumb, and an idiot, and â"
"Okay, I get it!" Lily sighed. "I'm a horrible person. I know."
"Not horrible," Wendy nudged her. "Just misguided."
Lily didn't reply. The smile in her face had vanished and her eyes were no longer shimmering with Christmas magic. Wendy felt a ping of guilt creep up her back as she stared at her best friend.
"Sorry," she said quietly. "I didn't mean to ruin your mood."
"You didn't," Lily muttered.
"Liar," Wendy smiled as she nudged Lily once more. "Now, smile for me. The sun don't shine when you don't smile, Sunshine."
"Sunshine?" Lily chuckled.
"Blame your brother," Wendy rolled her eyes.
The corner of Lily's mouth curved up as she turned to face Wendy, "How are things with my brother? I noticed you slept over the other night.....and not in the guest bedroom."
"No," Wendy shook her head. "We are not going to talk about this, young lady."
"We are most definitely talking about this," Lily nodded, her grin spreading. "Is it official? Has he asked you out on a date? Did you sleep with him!"
Wendy groaned, tilting her head back dramatically. "You're insufferable."
Lily merely grinned wider, practically bouncing on her heels. "That's not a no," she sing-songed. "Come on, give me something. Is it serious? Or are you justâ" she wiggled her browsâ"having fun?"
Wendy crossed her arms, shifting her weight. "It's casual."
Lily's nose scrunched. "Casual? My brother doesn't do casual."
"Well, he does with me," Wendy replied smoothly, her face unreadable.
Lily narrowed her eyes, studying her. "Are you okay with that?"
Wendy shrugged. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Lily let out a huff, clearly unconvinced. "Wendy..."
"Lily..." Wendy mocked her tone, arching a brow. "I know your brain is working overtime, but let me save you the troubleâit's just fun. No feelings, no complications."
Lily frowned, folding her arms. "Mason isn't like that."
Wendy smirked. "Then maybe he's the one playing a dangerous game."
Lily stared at her for a moment, like she was trying to read between the lines, but Wendy simply smiled, as if none of it mattered.
Before Lily could press further, the line moved forward, and a cheerful mall elf ushered them ahead.
"This conversation isn't over," Lily muttered.
"Oh, but it is, Sunshine." Wendy chuckled. "Enough about me and your brother," she said, tilting her head. "Let's talk about you and Gabriel."
Lily instantly tensed, her fingers tightening around the straps of her purse. "What about us?" she asked, a little too quickly.
Wendy's smirk deepened. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that you practically choked trying to say the word boyfriend a minute ago? Or that you get all wide-eyed and breathless whenever someone even mentions his name?" She leaned in, lowering her voice dramatically. "Are you in love, Lily Silvano?"
Lily's brows furrowed, "No....I'm not that stupid."
"Yet," Wendy teased. "There's always room to grow into your stupidity."
"You so mean," Lily laughed.
"Just being honest," Wendy shrugged. "But tell me. What's it like finally having your little dreamboat all to yourself?"
Lily sighed, dropping her hands and looking away. "I don't know.....It's... weird."
Wendy raised a brow. "Weird how?"
Lily hesitated before answering. "I don't know. I spent so long wanting him that now that I have him, it feels..." She trailed off, searching for the right word.
"Terrifying," Wendy said quietly.
Lily shot her a look. "Why would it be terrifying?"
Wendy shrugged. "Because when you really want something for so long, finally getting it can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff. You're either going to fly or crashâno in-between."
Lily chewed on her lip, looking thoughtful. "No....," she said softly. "I don't think that's how it should feel...."
Wendy softened. "Do you want to be with him?"
Lily hesitationed and then slowly nodded, "Yes."
"Then stop playing games with him," Wendy bumped her shoulder playfully. "At least one of us has to be in a stable relationship, and it sure as hell isn't me."
Lily rolling her eyes. "Make sure my brother knows that."
"Whatever," Wendy huffed, glancing at the unmoving line ahead of them. "Seriously, what is taking so long? Are these kids giving Santa their entire life stories? Dear Santa, I'd like a pony, a new iPad, and a better tax system for our economyâ"
She turned to Lily, expecting a snarky reply, but her friend's attention was elsewhere. Lily's expression had darkened, her gaze locked on something in the distance. Wendy followed her line of sight and spotted Alexa and Jake inside one of the makeup stores, laughing together near the lipsticks.
Lily's entire demeanor shiftedâher shoulders tensed, her lips pressed into a tight line, and the warmth in her eyes vanished, replaced by a sharp, seething anger.
"Lily?" Wendy asked, raising a brow.
"I'll be right back," Lily muttered, already stepping out of line.
Wendy grabbed her wrist. "Waitâwhere are you going?"
Lily barely spared her a glance. "Just need to take care of something."
Wendy's grip tightened. "Lily, don'tâ"
But Lily pulled free and strode toward the store, her fists clenched at her sides, her movements filled with quiet fury.
Wendy sighed, watching her disappear through the store's entrance. "Yeah, this is totally going to end well," she muttered, crossing her arms.
Lily slipped into the store, her movements careful and calculated as she weaved through displays of high-end lipsticks and perfume bottles. She ducked behind a shelf lined with foundation testers, peeking through the gaps to get a clear view of Alexa and Jake.
They stood near the makeup counter, laughing softly, their heads tilted close together in a way that made Lily's stomach churn.
Jake reached out, tucking a strand of Alexa's hair behind her ear. "You always look beautiful," he murmured.
Alexa giggled, her hand brushing against his arm. "You're such a flirt."
Lily's jaw clenched. She could feel the heat of her anger rising, simmering just beneath her skin. She took a slow breath, forcing herself to stay hidden as she listened, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. The sound of their flirtatious exchange grated on her nerves, fueling the fire already burning inside her.
Lily's gaze flickered to Alexa's open designer handbag, hanging loosely over her shoulder as she leaned into Jake. A slow, calculated smirk played on Lily's lips as an idea formed.
Keeping her movements smooth and unhurried, she reached for a few small makeup productsâa compact powder, a tube of mascara, a couple of lipsticks. With practiced ease, she maneuvered through the store, subtly slipping each item into Alexa's bag as she passed behind her. The oblivious girl remained engrossed in Jake, giggling at something he whispered in her ear.
Lily stepped back, her heart poundingânot with nerves, but with satisfaction. She positioned herself near a display by the entrance, arms crossed as she watched the scene unfold.
Just as Alexa and Jake reached the exit, a sudden, piercing alarm blared through the store. Heads turned. Shoppers paused mid-step. The sharp sound echoed against the sleek tile floors, demanding attention.
Alexa jolted, confusion flashing across her face. She looked around as if expecting someone else to be the cause of the commotion, but thenâ
"Excuse me, miss?"
A security guard stepped forward, his voice firm, his eyes locked onto her.
Alexa blinked. "What?"
"We need to check your bag."
Jake frowned, glancing between Alexa and the guard. "Why?"
"There's been a report of shoplifting." The guard didn't wait for permission, already reaching for her purse.
Alexa let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. "That's ridiculous. I didn't take anything."
But as the guard unzipped her bag and pulled out the stolen makeupâone item after anotherâAlexa's face drained of color.
"IâI don't know how that got in there!" she stammered, eyes widening in panic. "I swear, I didn'tâ"
Jake took a subtle step back, his brows furrowing as he stared at the evidence in the guard's hands.
Lily stood near a display, watching the scene unfold with quiet satisfaction. Alexa's mouth opened and closed, scrambling for an explanation, but every excuse sounded weaker than the last. Her eyes darted across the storeâlanding right on Lily.
As if something clicked in Alexa's frantic mind, her eyes widened. Her expression twisted with rage.
"You!" she shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger. "You did this!"
The entire store fell into a stunned silence, all eyes snapping to Lily.
Lily blinked, placing a hand over her chest in mock confusion.
"Me?" she asked, her voice laced with innocence. "IâI don't even know you."
Alexa's nostrils flared, her face burning red as she shoved past the security guard, storming toward Lily. "Liar! You planted that stuff in my bag! Admit it!"
Jake was right behind her, his expression just as furious. "What the hell, Lily?" he snapped. "What kind of psychoâ"
Before he could finish, a concerned older woman nearby gasped. "Oh my God, she's attacking that poor girl!"
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.
Another shopper, a middle-aged man, stepped forward protectively in front of Lily. "Hey, back off!"
A store employee quickly followed. "Security, do something! She's scaring our customers."
Alexa looked around in disbelief as more people came to Lily's defense. "No! She's the one whoâ"
"Miss, calm down," the security guard ordered, stepping between her and Lily.
Lily pressed her lips together, trying not to let the smirk she felt creeping up show. Instead, she let her eyes well up slightly, shaking her head as if she were confused and scared.
"I don't understand why she's yelling at me," she whispered, glancing around at the sympathetic faces.
Alexa let out a furious scream, her entire body trembling with frustration. "She's lying! She's a manipulative littleâ"
"Alright, that's enough," the security guard cut in, gripping Alexa's arm as another guard joined him. "You need to come with us. Now."
"Jake, tell them!" Alexa pleaded, looking to him desperately.
But Jake just stared at her, his frustration giving way to something elseâuncertainty. Doubt.
Lily bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.
This was perfect.
___________________________
Wendy and Mason
Wendy shifted her weight from one foot to the other, glancing toward the store entrance impatiently. Lily had said she'd be quick, but it had already been longer than expected. With a sigh, Wendy pulled out her phone, scrolling absentmindedlyâuntil it buzzed with an incoming call. Mason.
She hesitated for a moment before answering. "What do you want?"
"Don't be like that, darling," Mason chuckled, amusement laced in his voice. "No 'hello'? No 'Mason, I've been dying to hear your voice'?"
Wendy rolled her eyes. "I don't have time for this."
"Relax," he chuckled. "I just wanted to know what your plans are tonight, since Lily's ditching you for Gabriel."
Wendy scoffed, crossing her arms. "She's not ditching me."
"Right. She's just conveniently spending the whole night with him while you stand alone in a mall like a loser."
Wendy clenched her jaw, ignoring the flicker of annoyance in her chest. "I'm not alone. I have plans."
"Uh-huh." Mason sounded unconvinced. "Well, change them. I'll make dinner and we can watch a movie or play Mason Poke. It's like strip Poker, but I always win and you end up naked."
Wendy let out a short laugh. "Oh, so I'm just supposed to drop everything and be at your beck and call?"
"Worked before."
"Mason," she said, exasperated, "I'm not your booty call."
There was a pause. Then a smirk in his voice. "That's not what you said last time."
Wendy felt heat rush to her face, though she refused to let him hear her flustered. "Goodbye, Mason."
"Waitâ"
She hung up before he could say anything else, shoving her phone back into her pocket. Annoying, infuriating man. She wasn't going to be some convenient option for him.
Still, as she stood in line, arms crossed tightly over her chest, she couldn't quite ignore the way her fingers twitchedâitching to grab her phone and see if he'd call again.
__________________________
Lily
Lily stood outside Gabriel's house, gripping the black silk blindfold between her fingers. Excitement buzzed through her veins as she rocked on the balls of her feet, anticipation making her giddy. She had planned a surprise date for Gabriel, everything was going to be perfect.
But when the front door opened, her excitement faltered.
Gabriel stepped outside, his shoulders tense, his jaw locked tight. The usual warmth in his dark eyes was replaced with something colderâsomething weighed down. His hands raked through his tousled hair, a deep furrow between his brows.
Lily frowned. "Hey..." she started softly, lowering the blindfold as he approached. " You okay? What's wrong?"
Gabriel let out a sharp breath, shaking his head.
"Alexa." The name alone was like a curse spilling from his lips. "She got caught shoplifting at the mall. The cops were called."
Lily's stomach twisted.
"Our mom is freaking out," Gabriel went on, rubbing a hand down his face. "She's embarrassedâangry. I don't even know what the hell Alexa was thinking. She swears she didn't do it, butâ" He exhaled, eyes filled with frustration. "She always does this and now it's gotten out of hand."
Lily swallowed hard, guilt creeping at the edges of her mind. She hadn't thought about how this would affect Gabrielâhow it would hurt his family. She hated stressing him out. She hated upsetting his mother, who, despite everything, didn't deserve this kind of humiliation.
But regret?
No.
That, she didn't feel.
Because Alexa did deserve it.
Lily bit down on her bottom lip and stepped closer. "I'm really sorry. That sounds awful."
He sighed, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yeah. It's a mess."
She hesitated before gently touching his arm, offering a small squeeze. "Is there anything I can do?"
Gabriel finally looked at her then, his dark eyes searching hers for somethingâcomfort, distraction, anything to pull him out of the stress swirling around him.
Lily lifted the blindfold slightly, giving him a small, teasing smile. "Maybe I could steal your attention for a little while?"
Gabriel's gaze lingered on her, the tension in his face easing slightly as his dark eyes softened. The weight of frustration, anger, and exhaustion seemed to liftâjust a littleâas he took her in.
"You planned something?" he asked, his voice quieter now, laced with something gentler.
Lily nodded, her smile growing. "I did. But you have to trust me." She lifted the blindfold again, her eyes glinting with playful mischief.
Gabriel exhaled a slow breath, the ghost of a smirk playing at his lips. Then, without a word, he stepped forward. His fingers brushed against her cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, lingering for just a second too long.
Lily stilled, heart stuttering in her chest as he kissed her.
It wasn't rushed or desperate, but deep, unhurriedâlike he needed to drown in her, to let her wash away the weight of the day. His lips moved against hers with slow, intoxicating warmth, and when he pulled her closer, she felt the heat of his body press into hers.
Gabriel inhaled softly as he broke away, his forehead resting against hers for a fleeting moment. His hands, strong and steady, lingered at her waist before finally pulling back.
"All right," he murmured, his voice lower now, his breath still mingling with hers. "Blindfold me."
Lily grinned, her pulse fluttering wildly, and she carefully tied the fabric over his eyes, her fingertips brushing his skin.
She knew she shouldn't enjoy this moment so much.
But she did.
Lily bit her lip, suppressing a smile as she guided Gabriel toward the car, her hands gently gripping his wrists to keep him steady. He followed her lead without hesitation, his body relaxed under her touch.
"Watch your step," she murmured, placing a careful hand on his chest as he ducked into the passenger seat.
Gabriel smirked, even blindfolded, as if he could sense her amusement. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Maybe a little," Lily admitted, reaching over to buckle his seatbelt. She leaned in close, her fingers brushing against the fabric of his hoodie as she clicked the buckle into place.
Just as she was about to pull away, Gabriel shifted. Slowly, deliberately, he tilted his head forward, running his nose along the curve of her jaw. A slow, teasing inhale.
Lily sucked in a sharp breath, freezing in place as warmth flooded her cheeks.
"Being blindfolded," he murmured, his lips just shy of her skin, "is making me feel you more." His voice was low, rich with something that made Lily's stomach flip.
Her fingers tightened around the seatbelt strap. "Gabrielâ"
"You smell good," he added, his mouth dangerously close to the hollow beneath her ear.
Lily swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way her pulse pounded at his words. With a shaky breath, she pushed his shoulder lightly. "Sit back and behave."
Gabriel chuckled, the sound deep and knowing, before finally settling into his seat. "No promises, angel."
Lily exhaled, pressing her lips together as she closed his door.
This was going to be harder than she thought.
Lily grinned as she pulled out of Gabriel's driveway, stealing quick glances at him from the corner of her eye. He sat relaxed in the passenger seat, blindfolded, his fingers drumming lazily against his thigh.
"This is kind of unfair," Gabriel said, tilting his head toward her. "You get to stare at me as much as you want, and I can't even look at you."
Lily laughed, "You're assuming I'm staring."
"I know you are," he smirked. "How could you resist?"
She rolled her eyes, even though he couldn't see it. "Oh, please."
Gabriel reached out blindly, his hand landing on her knee, making her breath hitch. "I can hear you smiling. I know that smile like back of my own hand."
Lily swatted his hand away, cheeks warm. "Keep your hands to yourself, mister."
He chuckled, settling back into his seat. "Fine. But at least tell me where we're going."
"Nope," she said, popping the 'p.'
"Not even a hint?"
Lily tapped her fingers against the wheel, pretending to consider it. "Hmm... it's somewhere I think you'll like."
Gabriel groaned dramatically. "That's not a hint, that's just common sense. You're obviously taking me somewhere I'll like because you like me."
Lily shook her head, "Just be patient. You didn't tell me where you were taking me either, remember?"
"At least you could see," Gabriel muttered, reaching for her hand once again.
Lily swatted at his hand playfully. "Gabriel, I'm driving."
"And?" He laced his fingers through hers, smirking.
"And I need both hands," she huffed, trying to wiggle free.
Gabriel gave her hand a light squeeze, his thumb stroking over her knuckles. "I need to teach you how to drive with one hand."
Lily scoffed. "Why?"
"You need to know how to take full advantage of a car," Gabriel said. ""Especially with a car as fast as yours."
Lily rolled her eyes but didn't pull away this time. His hand was warm, steady, and despite the teasing, she liked the way it felt wrapped around hers.
"You just want an excuse to hold my hand," she accused.
Gabriel chuckled. "Guilty."
After a few more minutes of driving with Gabriel's hands teasing, Lily pulled into the parking area. She was practically vibrating with excitement. She turned off the engine and unbuckled her seatbelt before hopping out of the car.
"Come on," she said eagerly, rushing over to Gabriel's side.
He smirked, tilting his head slightly as he listened for her movement. "Are you finally going to tell me where we are?"
"Nope." She grinned, carefully opening his door and taking his hand. "But I will help you out."
Gabriel let her guide him, his grip firm but trusting. As he stepped onto solid ground, he stretched slightly. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"I am," Lily admitted, biting her lip to contain her excitement. "Just a little more, and then you'll see."
Gabriel exhaled dramatically. "You're lucky I like you so much."
She laughed, pulling him forward. "I am, aren't I?"
Finally, she positioned him just right before reaching up to undo his blindfold. The fabric slipped away, and Gabriel blinked as his eyes adjusted to the golden afternoon sunlight.
His gaze landed on her first, his dark eyes softening as he took her inâher bright smile, the way her excitement practically radiated off of her. His lips curled into a small, genuine smile.
"Wow," he said, voice smooth and teasing. "You were right. I do like this."
Lily blinked, caught off guard by the way he was looking at herâlike she was the surprise, not the location. A warm blush crept up her neck, but she quickly shook it off with a laugh.
"Gabriel," she snorted. "Look around!"
He finally tore his gaze away from her, taking in the open fields, the wooden fences, and the beautiful horses grazing nearby. His brows lifted slightly in surprise.
"A ranch?" He glanced back at her, his smirk returning. "You brought me to ride horses?"
Lily beamed. "Yup! Thought I'd surprise you with something fun."
Gabriel's smirk widened as he turned back toward the ranch, his dark eyes lighting up with something boyish and eager. He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.
"This is actuallyâ" He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "This is amazing."
Lily's grin stretched even wider. Seeing him excited, genuinely excited, sent a warm buzz through her chest.
"You like it?" she asked, practically bouncing on her feet.
Gabriel shot her a look, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Like it? I love it." He turned back toward the horses, his usual cocky exterior giving way to something lighter, something full of unfiltered joy. "I haven't been riding since I was a kid."
Lily's heart swelled at the sight of him, so open and unguarded. She had done that. She had put that expression on his face.
"Well, lucky for you," she teased, nudging his arm, "I picked the best place in town."
Gabriel laughed, a full sound that made her stomach flip. Then, without warning, he reached out, caught her waist, and spun her in a quick circle. Lily let out a startled squeak, but it melted into giggles as he set her back down.
"This is the best surprise," he admitted, his hands still lingering at her waist. "Thank you, angel."
Lily's breath hitched, but before she could say anything, Gabriel grabbed her hand and tugged her forward, already making his way toward the horses with an excitement that made her heart race.
She had planned this as a surprise for him, but watching him like thisâbright-eyed, carefreeâfelt like a gift for herself, too.
_______________________
Wendy and Mason
Wendy lay sprawled on her bed, a book open in her hands, but the words blurred together as her mind wandered elsewhereâstraight to Mason. She huffed, flipping a page aggressively, determined to focus. But then she remembered the teasing lilt in his voice, the way he had so casually told her to come over, like he just expected her to.
Her lips twitched. She barely noticed at first, but then it hit herâshe was smiling.
Her eyes widened in horror.
Snapping the book shut, she bolted upright, groaning as she ran a hand down her face. "No. Absolutely not."
She had spent the entire afternoon waiting for him to call her back. Like an idiot. Like some girl who actually cared.
She flopped back onto the bed, glaring at the ceiling. "I do not care," she muttered, as if saying it out loud would make it true. But the weight in her chest told her otherwise.
"I Don't care, I don't care, I don't care," Wendy chanted. "I ....don't.....care."
__________________________
Lily
Lily's heart was practically doing somersaults as she walked beside Gabriel, their hands intertwined, the warmth of his palm against hers making her feel almost dizzy with excitement. The scent of hay and leather filled the late afternoon air as their horses' hooves clopped softly against the stable floor, the sunlight spilling golden across the landscape.
Gabriel glanced at her with a curious smirk. "How'd you know I could ride?"
Lily grinned, tilting her head toward him. "I saw one of your photos in your room. You were on a horse and your dad was standing next to you."
Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head as he squeezed her hand. "So, you've been snooping?"
"I prefer the term observant," she teased, flashing him a playful smile.
They reached the clearing where they would mount their horses, and Gabriel instinctively moved to help her up. But Lily was quicker, slipping her hand from his and swinging onto the saddle in one smooth, practiced motion.
"I'm an expert," she declared proudly, settling into place with effortless grace.
Gabriel raised an impressed brow, a slow smile tugging at his lips as he watched her. "Impressive."
Lily tossed her hair over her shoulder, grinning. "Thank you."
As Gabriel mounted his own horse, he gave her a look filled with something warm and admiring. And as they set off down the trail, Lily felt lighter than air.
As they rode on, making their way down the forest trail, Gabriel urged his horse forward until he was riding beside Lily, the rustle of leaves and the rhythmic clopping of hooves filling the quiet woods around them. He watched her for a moment, the sunlight catching in her hair, her expression open and filled with excitement. Then, without warning, he leaned over, closing the small distance between them, and pressed a slow, lingering kiss to her cheek.
Lily's fingers tightening on the reins as warmth spread through her. "What was that for?" she asked, turning to him.
Gabriel smirked. "Felt like it."
Lily laughed as they rode on, the towering trees arching over them like a tunnel, the air filled with the scent of pine and earth.
After a while, Gabriel suddenly pulled his horse closer, reaching for her. Before Lily could react, his strong arms lifted her off her saddle as if she weighed nothing, drawing a surprised gasp from her.
"Gabrielâ" she started, but he was already settling her in front of him on his horse, her back pressed against his chest.
"Relax," he murmured, his voice brushing against her ear. "Your horse will follow."
And it did, obediently trailing behind as Gabriel wrapped one arm around her waist, keeping her close. The warmth of his body, the steady rise and fall of his breath, sent a shiver down her spine.
Then, just as naturally as the wind rustling through the trees, he tilted her chin up and kissed her.
The world seemed to slow, the sound of the forest fading into nothing as his lips moved against hersâdeep, unhurried, filled with a quiet intensity that made her stomach flutter.
Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, anchoring herself as he kissed her again, and again, until the only thing that existed was him, the steady rhythm of the horse beneath them, and the dizzying warmth of his touch.
Lily's heart pounded against her ribs, each beat echoing in her ears as Gabriel's hand slowly, hesitantly, traveled down her body. His touch was warm even through the fabric of her clothes, his fingers skimming over her waist with a caution that sent shivers down her spine.
She felt the way he hesitated, the way his breathing changedâdeep and controlled, as if he were holding himself back. Her own breath came quicker, her pulse fluttering wildly as anticipation coiled tight inside her.
Lily turned slightly in his arms, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. Without a word, she reached for him, her fingers tangling in the fabric of his shirt as she pulled him closer. And then, with a soft, deliberate nod, she gave him permission.
Gabriel's restraint unraveled, his hand slipping further, exploring the curves of her body with a newfound confidence. His fingers traced the dip of her waist, the shape of her hips, mapping her like he wanted to memorize every inch. A quiet sigh escaped Lily's lips, her body melting into his touch, into the intoxicating warmth of his embrace.
The forest blurred around them, the steady rhythm of the horse beneath them grounding her even as everything else felt weightless, as if she could float away in the heat of his touch.
"Gabriel," Lily said, breathlessly, her fingers aching from how tightly she held his shirt.
Gabriel's lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk as he hovered over Lily, his breath warm against her skin. His fingers traced lazy circles along her waist, reveling in the way she trembled beneath his touch. He leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing, thick with amusement and something deeperâsomething possessive.
"You sound cute when you moan my name like that," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear.
Lily's breath hitched, her grip on him tightening, her fingers digging in as if she needed to hold onto something solid. That only made his smirk widen. He loved how easily she came undone by him, how desperate she became when he teased her just right.
"And when you grab me like this," he added, his voice laced with dark amusement as he felt her nails sink into his skin. "So needy, angel."
A flush crept up Lily's neck, but she didn't let goâif anything, she only clung to him harder. Gabriel chuckled, dipping his head to press a lingering kiss to her shoulder.
"Don't worry," he whispered against her skin, his voice a promise. "I like it......I dream about it."
A shiver ran down Lily's spine at his words, at the way his voice dropped lower, thick with something dark and intoxicating. Her heart pounded, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps as his lips lingered against her skin. The warmth of him, the weight of his presenceâit was too much, yet not enough.
Before she could think, before she could second-guess herself, she reached up, fisting her hands in his shirt, and pulled him toward her.
Her lips crashed against his in a kiss so fierce, so urgent, it startled even her. She had meant to meet him halfway, to respond to his teasing with something coy and playful, but the moment their mouths met, something in her unraveled.
Gabriel stilled for the briefest second, as if surprised by the intensity of her kiss, before a low, approving sound rumbled in his chest. Then, just as quickly, he responded, his hands tightening around her, pulling her impossibly close.
Lily melted into him, her fingers threading through his hair, her body pressing against his as if she could somehow disappear into him completely. The way he kissed her backâhungry, deliberate, like he had been waiting for thisâmade her stomach tighten, heat blooming low inside her.
When they finally pulled apart, Gabriel let out a breathless chuckle, his forehead resting against hers. His dark eyes gleamed with something wicked, something utterly consuming.
"Well," he murmured, his voice rough around the edges, "that was unexpected."
Lily's chest rose and fell rapidly, her lips tingling, her mind spinning. "Iâ" She swallowed, unsure of what to say, of how to explain the way she had just lost herself in him.
Gabriel tilted her chin up with his fingers, his thumb brushing over her swollen lips. "Not that I'm complaining," he added, his smirk returning. "I like this side of you."
Lily exhaled shakily, her pulse still racing. She wasn't sure what had come over her, only that she wanted more. And judging by the way Gabriel was looking at her, so darkly amused, so utterly captivatedâhe did too.
________________________
Wendy and Mason
The afternoon melted into evening, the sky shifting from warm gold to dusky purple, and stillâno call from Mason.
Wendy curled up on her bed, the soft glow of her TV illuminating the room as she mindlessly scrolled through social media, a spoonful of ice cream hovering near her lips. The show she had been watching played in the background, but she wasn't paying attention.
Then, her thumb froze mid-scroll.
An Instagram story. Loud music. Flashing lights. And right in the middle of itâSophia, laughing, twirling under neon lights at some club, surrounded by a few familiar faces from Verve.
Wendy's eyes darted to the back of the video.
Mason.
He was there, standing casually with a drink in hand, talking and laughing with some guy before Sophia's camer moved onto him and she called out his name, getting him to grin at the camera and give a wink.
Wendy's stomach twisted. Her grip tightened around her phone as the video looped again. The flashing lights, the bass-heavy music, Sophia twirling, Mason standing there so damn effortlessly, drink in hand, grinning, winking at the camera like he didn't have a care in the world.
Heat flared in Wendy's chest.
She clicked on his contact and hit call.
One ring. Two.
Straight to voicemail.
She stared at the screen in disbelief, her pulse pounding in her ears. He sent her to voicemail.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," she muttered, sitting up.
Without hesitation, she hit call again.
The call went to voicemail again.
Wendy pulled the phone away from her ear, staring at the screen like it had personally offended her.
Was he ignoring her?
A sharp, irritated laugh bubbled up in her throat. "So that's how we're playing it?"
Fine.
If Mason thought he she'd sit at home waiting for his stupid call while he winked at cameras and had the time of his lifeâhe had another thing coming.
Wendy's eyes flicked to her closet.
Oh, she was going out.
And if she was going out, she sure as hell wasn't going to show up looking like she'd spent the evening sulking in bed with ice cream. No, she was going to make sure Mason saw her, and when he did, he'd wish he had picked up the damn phone.
Wendy practically leaped from her bed, yanking open her closet doors with renewed purpose. She rifled through her clothes, searching for something tight, something short, something that would make Mason's jaw clench the moment he saw her.
A slow smirk curled at her lips as she pulled out an outfit she thought she had no use for. Taking off her shirt, Wendy rushed into the shower, her ironclad determination powering her through and everything shower.
After almost an hour, Wendy slipped into the white strapless corset top, the structured fabric cinching her waist and emphasizing her curves. The matching mini skirt hugged her hips just right, the sleek material making her legs look impossibly long. The open cutouts at her sides added an extra touch of allure, a silent challenge to anyone who dared look her way.
Her beach waves cascaded over her shoulders in effortless, tousled perfection, framing her face as she leaned closer to the mirror to admire her smoky eye makeup. The deep hues made her gray eyes pop, turning them into a weapon of their ownâsharp, piercing, impossible to ignore.
She smirked at her reflection. Mason was about to learn a very important lesson.
___________________
Lily
Gabriel's fingers tapped against the steering wheel, the low hum of the engine blending with the steady beat of the music blasting through the car speakers. Lily, sitting in the passenger seat with her legs crossed, had abandoned any semblance of restraint. She was singingâno, beltingâthe lyrics at the top of her lungs, her voice carrying through the car in a mix of enthusiasm and complete disregard for pitch.
Gabriel glanced at her, an incredulous smile pulling at his lips.
"You are good at so many things, baby. But signing is not one of them," he started, but his words were drowned out by Lily's exaggerated dramatic performance, one hand clutching her chest while the other gestured wildly.
"I know you want my touch for life. If you love me right, then who knows? I might let you make me Juno" she wailed, tossing her head back and laughing mid-verse before immediately diving back in.
Gabriel let out a full-bodied laugh, shaking his head as he shifted gears. "This is awful," he said, eyes crinkling with amusement. "I hope you know that."
"I'm amazing," Lily corrected, grinning as she turned toward him. "You just don't appreciate talent when you hear it."
Gabriel scoffed, still laughing. "Completely butchering a song is not a talent."
Lily gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest like he had just personally offended her. "How dare you? You should be grateful. I don't sing badly just in front of anyone, you know."
Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head as he stole a glance at her. "Oh, so I should feel honored?"
"Obviously," Lily shot back, flipping her hair dramatically before picking up the next line of the song, completely off-key but entirely unbothered.
Gabriel exhaled a laugh, gripping the wheel as he turned onto a quieter road. The streetlights cast golden streaks across the windshield, but his focus kept drifting back to Lily, who was now drumming her hands against her thighs in rhythm with the beat.
Her energy was infectious.
"Okay, but seriously," he said, his voice still laced with amusement. "You are horrible."
Lily burst into laughter, her eyes crinkling as she shoved his arm lightly. "Shut up! You love it."
Gabriel smirked. "I don't know if love is the word."
"Oh, it so is." Lily grinned, leaning in closer, her voice dropping playfully. "Deep down, you're obsessed with me."
Gabriel hummed, tapping his fingers against the wheel like he was considering it. Then, with a teasing glance her way, he shrugged. "Maybe."
Lily blinked, caught off guard for a split second before he reached over, his fingers briefly grazing her knee as he turned the volume up.
She recovered quickly, rolling her eyes and launching right back into the songâlouder and more off-key than ever.
Gabriel laughed, shaking his head as the city lights blurred past them, the warmth of the moment settling in.
After some time, Gabriel pulled into his driveway, cutting the engine as the last notes of the song faded into the quiet hum of the night. The second he unbuckled his seatbelt, Lily started up againâthis time launching into a new song, her voice loud and dramatic, completely unbothered by the fact that they were no longer in the car.
Gabriel groaned, shaking his head as he stepped out. "You can't be serious," he muttered, already rounding the hood to her side.
But Lily was very serious. She threw her head back, eyes closed like she was performing at a sold-out concert, belting the lyrics with full commitment.
"You're an idiot, now I'm sure...Now I'm positive, I should go and warn her...Ooh, bet you're thinking, "She's so cool"
Gabriel swung her door open and stared at her for a second, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. "Yeah, no. I'm not dealing with this."
Before Lily could react, he reached in and effortlessly threw her over his shoulder, making her squeal.
"Gabriel!" she shrieked between laughter, her fists playfully pounding against his back as he carried her toward the house.
"Keep screaming, angel," he chuckled, tightening his hold around her legs. "Maybe the whole neighborhood wants to hear your terrible singing."
Lily, never one to back down from a challenge, only upped the volume, stretching her arms out as if she were a rockstar being carried off stage.
Gabriel laughed, shaking his head as he reached the front door. Without breaking stride, he smacked her butt lightly, making her jolt. "I have neighbors, baby girl."
"And they deserve to be serenaded!" she declared between giggles, still singing as he kicked the door open and stepped inside.
Gabriel let out a dramatic sigh, adjusting his hold on her as he carried her deeper into the house. "I swear, one day, I'm leaving you on the porch."
Lily just laughed, still clinging to him like she belonged there as Gabriel carried her up the stairs with ease, her laughter still spilling into the quiet of the house as she continued singingâmuffled slightly every time she bounced against his shoulder.
By the time he reached his room, he was shaking his head, biting back a grin. "Alright, that's enough," he muttered, kicking the door open and stepping inside.
But Lily had no intention of stopping. The moment he set her down, she threw her arms out dramatically, ready to belt out another verse.
Gabriel moved faster.
His hand came up, covering her mouth before a single note could escape.
"Shhh," he whispered, his face inches from hers. His palm was warm against her lips, his fingers cradling the side of her face as his dark eyes locked onto hers.
Lily froze, blinking up at him with those wide, doe-like eyesâso innocent, so effortlessly captivating. Her cheeks were still flushed from laughing, her lips parted slightly beneath his hand, her breathing just a little uneven.
Gabriel swallowed hard. Something in his chest tightened, an ache so deep and sudden it nearly knocked the breath out of him.
Shit, he thought to himself.
Gabriel didn't move. He couldn't.
Lily stood in front of him, her soft, flushed face cradled in his palm, looking up at him with those impossibly big, impossibly dangerous eyes. Eyes that made his pulse stutter, that made something in his chest squeeze so tightly he almost forgot how to breathe.
She looked at home like this. Right here, standing in his room, her lips quirked in that teasing, knowing way, her warmth sinking into him like she belonged against his skin.
And maybe she did.
Gabriel's fingers twitched against her cheek, the weight of an unspoken truth settling deep inside him.
There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her. Nothing.
Not when she looked at him like that. Not when she fit so seamlessly into the spaces of his life he never realized were empty. Not when she could drive him absolutely insane one second and have him completely wrecked the next.
His thumb brushed against her cheek, slow, almost reverent.
Yeah. He was screwed.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Lily asked, slowly lowering his hand from her lips.
"I'm just thinking," Gabriel said quietly, still searching her eyes.
"About?"
Gabriel hesitated, the words he wanted to say sitting heavy on his tongue, threatening to spill out. But he pulled back just in time, swallowing the truth he wasn't ready to admit.
He didn't want to sound like he was moving too fastâlike he was already tangled up in things he hadn't sorted out himself. He couldn't let her see how much he was already feeling. How much she was already affecting him.
Instead, he settled for something safer, something that didn't feel quite as vulnerable.
"I'm just thinking," he said, his voice quieter, his eyes lingering on hers like they were trying to find some piece of truth in her gaze. "About how much I'm going to miss you when you go home for Christmas."
He made sure to soften his words, to make it sound light, as though it was a casual thought, when deep down, it felt like a punch to his chest. He wasn't used to this, the way she had managed to worm her way into his thoughts so easily, into his routine. He wasn't used to thinking about missing someone in this way.
Lily's brow furrowed for a moment, her lips parting slightly as she processed what he said. His thumb brushed against her cheek, slow and reverent, his fingers lingering there, almost like he was trying to hold on to this moment before it slipped away.
Her gaze softened. "Is that so?" she asked, a quiet curiosity in her voice.
Gabriel swallowed, his throat tight. "Yeah," he muttered, barely above a whisper, "It is."
And just like that, he realized he was in deeper than he'd ever intended to be. But he wasn't sure he cared anymore.
____________________
Mason and Wendy
The bass thrummed through Wendy's body the second she stepped into the club, neon lights flashing across the packed dance floor. The air was thick with perfume, liquor, and the unmistakable energy of a Friday night in full swing.
She didn't have to search longâher friends from Verve were right where she expected them, gathered near the bar, laughing over their drinks. And right in the middle of them, twirling her straw in a cocktail, was Sophia.
Wendy made a beeline toward them, flashing a bright smile as she slid effortlessly into their circle.
"Hello, ladies," she greeted, her voice smooth, casualâlike she hadn't just spent the last two hours getting ready to make a certain someone eat his heart out.
But she felt it.
The weight of his gaze.
It burned into her back, crawling over her skin, settling low in her stomach.
Mason had seen her.
And she knewâknewâhe was taking his time, drinking her in, noticing every inch of her, especially the way her skirt clung to her hips, the way it barely skimmed mid-thigh. He was probably already itching to come over and say something.
But she wasn't going to give him that satisfaction.
Instead, Wendy laughed at something one of the girls said, leaned in just a little closer to the bar, and turned away from him completely, making sure he had the perfect view of exactly what he was missing.
As Wendy stood with the other interns at the bar, the air heavy with laughter and music, she couldn't help but feel the shift in the room. It was like a ripple of energy that followed her wherever she wentâmale eyes grazing over her as if she were a magnet, drawing them in. She could feel their gaze as she laughed, could practically hear the unspoken thoughts that followed every time she twirled her hair or adjusted her posture. It was like they couldn't help themselves.
And then, as if on cue, a man, tall and with a cocky grin, approached her. His gaze was unmistakableâquick, appreciative, and lingering. He leaned in, his voice smooth, low, and laden with the confidence that only a stranger could afford.
"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked, his eyes tracing the curve of her jaw and the shimmer of her necklace, barely missing a beat as he sized her up.
Wendy didn't hesitate. Her lips curved into a coy smile as she met his eyes, her expression both flirtatious and detached. She could already feel Mason's presence from across the bar, his eyes drilling into her, but she didn't care.
"Sure," Wendy said, her voice cool and casual, dismissing any hesitation. She didn't even glance in Mason's direction, but she knew he was watchingâhe'd probably been watching her the entire time.
The man grinned, motioning to the bartender, but Wendy barely acknowledged him. Instead, she sipped her own drink, enjoying the electric hum of the moment as the man spoke to her, trying to keep her engaged with flattering remarks.
But her attention wasn't on him. It was on the way Mason's eyes seemed to narrow across the room, the way he didn't move, didn't come over to her, as if he was just waitingâwaiting for her to break, to give him a reason to care. And Wendy had no intention of doing that.
Her smile remained, but it was for the strangerâhis offer, his attentionâbecause, in that moment, Wendy was more than happy to let Mason watch her.
The stranger kept talking, his voice dripping with smooth confidence as he threw out compliments like he'd rehearsed them. Wendy nodded, smiled at the right moments, let out a soft laugh when he leaned in to say something playful. She wasn't really listeningâjust letting the conversation flow, letting herself enjoy the way Mason was undoubtedly watching from across the bar.
But then, the stranger moved.
His fingers brushed against the back of her hand, a light touch, barely thereâbut it made something in Wendy's stomach twist. It wasn't that it was aggressive, or even unwelcome, but it was enough to make her shift uncomfortably, her smile faltering for just a second.
But before she could even process the shift in her own body language, she felt Mason.
His presence was instant, electric, swallowing up the space beside her like he had been waiting for an excuse. One second, he had been across the room, watching, and the next, he was there, standing closeâtoo closeâhis warmth pressing into her side.
The stranger blinked at Mason, clearly thrown off by his sudden presence. But Mason didn't look tense or angry. Instead, he flashed an easy, almost amused smile, tilting his head slightly as he extended a hand.
"Hey, man. Mason," he introduced himself casually, his voice light, almost friendly.
The guy hesitated, glancing at Wendy as if expecting her to intervene. When she didn't, he squared his shoulders. "Steven."
Mason nodded like he approved, shoving his hands in his pockets and rocking back on his heels. "Cool, Steven. You having a good night?"
Steven narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly trying to figure Mason out. "Yeah," he said carefully, still standing too close to Wendy. "I was. Until you showed up."
Mason chuckled, shaking his head. "Damn. Tough crowd." His gaze flickered toward Wendy, his lips twitching like he was fighting back a smirk. "You didn't tell me you were making new friends tonight."
Wendy rolled her eyes, but before she could respond, Steven leaned in slightly, his voice taking on an edge.
"Look, man, we're talking here, maybe you should find someone else to bother," he said just seconds before making a huge mistake.
Wendy watched as Steven reached for her hand again.
But before his fingers could make contact, Mason's hand shot out, gripping Steven's wrist with a force that made him stiffen.
"Is there a reason why you're touching her?" Mason leaned in, his voice lower now, quieterâbut there was no mistaking the authority in it. "I don't think she wants you to touch her."
Steven hesitated, his confidence wavering for the first time as he glanced at Wendy. But Mason didn't give him a chance to respond. His fingers tightened just slightly, enough to send a clear message.
"Do you?" Mason asked, his eyes locked on Wendy's.
There it wasâthat possessive streak that made her stomach flip, the one that sent a shiver down her spine no matter how much she wanted to ignore it. He wasn't asking just to ask. He was making sure Steven understood exactly where he stood.
Wendy exhaled slowly, glancing at Steven before meeting Mason's gaze. And then, with a small, satisfied smirk, she took a step closer to Mason.
"No," she said simply.
Mason's lips twitched at that, and he finally released Steven's wrist, clapping him on the shoulder like they were old friends. "You heard her. Now, fuck off."
Steven swallowed hard, his jaw clenching before he muttered something under his breath and turned, disappearing into the crowd.
Mason exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair before looking down at Wendy, his smirk returning.
"You really know how to pick 'em," he said.
Wendy folded her arms, arching a brow. "Don't act like you didn't have fun messing with him."
Mason shrugged, his voice lower now, teasing. "What can I say? I have a thing about guys putting their hands on you."
Wendy's heart thumped harder than she wanted to admit. "Oh? And what thing is that?"
Mason leaned in slightly, his voice brushing against her skin. "I don't like it."
"That's too bad," Wendy shrugged, taking a lazy step away from him. "Because I'm as free as a brid, Mace. I can be around whoever I want. Just as you can be around whoever you want."
Mason didn't look impressed. If anything, his expression darkened, the teasing glint in his eyes fading as he watched her, unmoved by her mock indifference.
Wendy tilted her head, lips curling into something that wasn't quite a smirk, but close enough.
"What?" she pressed, feigning innocence. "Did you think I was going to thank you for playing hero?"
Mason exhaled sharply through his nose, shaking his head like he almostâalmostâfound her amusing. But there was something else in his gaze now, something heavier, something that made her fingers twitch at her sides.
"I don't need a thank you," he said, his voice deceptively calm. "But don't pretend like you didn't want me to step in."
Wendy let out a short laugh, rolling her eyes. "Please. I had it under control."
Mason took a step forward, closing the distance she'd tried to put between them. Not touching her. Not grabbing her. Just near enough that she could feel the heat of him, the weight of his gaze pressing into her.
"Did you?" he murmured.
The air between them crackled, tense and charged, but Wendy refused to let him see how much he was affecting her. She lifted her chin, keeping her posture loose, unfazed. "Of course."
Mason studied her for a long second, like he was waiting for her to crack. When she didn't, he clicked his tongue, shaking his head again. "Right. And that's why you looked so damn uncomfortable the second that guy touched you."
Wendy's jaw tightened, but she didn't let her expression slip. "I wasn't uncomfortable."
Mason let out a soft hum, unconvinced. "If you say so, Birdie."
Her stomach flipped at the nickname, but she ignored it, ignored the way his voice dipped just slightly when he said it. Instead, she forced a lazy smile, flicking her gaze away dismissively.
"Glad we agree."
Mason huffed out a quiet laugh, but there was no real amusement in it. Just something knowing. "Sure."
He didn't believe her.
He saw right through her.
And Wendy hated that.
"How long before you tell me what game you're playing?" Mason asked.
Wendy's gaze snapped toward him, "Excuse me?"
"What are you doing here?" Mason asked. "You don't even like going outâ"
"Is me being here bothering you?" Wendy narrowed her eyes, her voice angry. "Is it disturbing your time with Sophia? Are you so botheredâ"
"So that's what this is about?" Mason laughed. "Sophia? My god, baby. What the hell?"
Wendy clenched her jaw, her nails digging into her palms. She hated how easily he unraveled her. Hated that he could see right through the cool, effortless front she had spent hours perfecting. Because, yes, she had come here for him. She had put on this outfit, these heels, this lipstick, all because of him. Because she had wanted him to look at her.
And now, standing here, caught in the spotlight of his knowing gaze, she felt ridiculous.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she said flatly, lifting her chin in defiance.
Mason let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head as if he couldn't believe her. "Right."
Before she could come up with another excuse, she felt his fingers wrap around her wristâgentle but firm. A spark shot through her at the touch, her breath catching as he tugged her forward.
"Come on," he said, voice low, unreadable.
"Masonâ"
But he didn't stop. He weaved them through the club, out the doors, and into the cool night air, his grip never faltering. Wendy barely had time to process what was happening before they reached his Jeep, parked beneath the dim glow of a streetlamp.
And then, in one swift motion, Mason lifted her.
Her breath hitched as he placed her on the hood of his Jeep, his hands firm around her waist, steadying her as if he knew she'd try to protest.
Wendy blinked at him, her legs dangling over the headlights, her heart hammering against her ribs. "What the hell are you doing?"
Mason stepped between her knees, his face inches from hers. "Making sure you stop running from this."
"This?" she repeated, her voice unsteady.
Mason tilted his head, eyes locked onto hers. "Whatever this thing is that's making you lose your damn mind."
Wendy's lips parted, but no words came out. Because she knew what he was talking about. She just didn't want to admit it.
Mason exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair as he studied her, his gaze dark and unwavering. Wendy could feel the heat of it, the weight of everything unspoken pressing between them in the cool night air.
"You know," he started, his voice low, almost amused, "if you're gonna get jealous of every girl who talks to me, there's only one way this works."
Wendy scoffed, tilting her chin up defiantly. "Jealous? Please. Don't flatter yourself."
Mason smirked, stepping in closer, his hands bracing on either side of her thighs as he leaned into her space. "Oh, so you just decided to get all dressed up, let some guy put his hands on you, and act like you didn't care if I was watching... just for fun?"
Wendy's lips pressed together. She hated that he was right. Hated that he had her figured out so easily.
"Here's the deal, baby," Mason continued, his voice dropping, sending a shiver down her spine. "If you're gonna pull stunts like this, if you're gonna lose your damn mind every time another girl so much as looks at me, then we're not doing this halfway."
Wendy swallowed, her heart hammering in her chest. "What does that mean?"
"It means," Mason said, his fingers brushing lightly over her knee, "you have to be mine. My girlfriend. No games. No running. No acting like this isn't real."
Her breath caught.
He let the words settle between them, his expression unreadable. "Because if you're gonna be jealous, Wendy, then we damn well better be exclusive."
Wendy stared at him, her pulse pounding in her ears. For a second, she swore she forgot how to breathe.
Then, she scoffed, shaking her head. "Be your girlfriend?" she echoed, like the idea was absurd. "Mason, come on. We're not serious. You're not serious."
Mason's jaw ticked. "Not serious?" he repeated slowly, like he was testing the words on his tongue, trying to decide whether to be amused or pissed off.
"Yeah," Wendy folded her arms. "We flirt, we fight, we dance around each otherâbut it's not real."
Mason huffed a short laugh, but there was no humor in it. "You think this isn't real?"
He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers before she could pull away. His grip was firm, but not unkindâgrounding, steady.
"Then tell me, my sweet sweet firecrackerâwhy are you here? Why are you losing your mind over Sophia? Why did you let that guy touch you while staring at me the whole damn time?"
Wendy clenched her jaw, refusing to answer.
Mason exhaled sharply, shaking his head. Then, his grip on her hand tightened slightly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles like he was committing the feeling to memory.
"You can't answer, can you?," he asked finally, his voice dropping, rough with something that sent chills down her spine.
"Here's how this is gonna go," he continued. "You either say yes to being mineâright here, right nowâor you walk away. But if you walk, Wendy, you have to live with it. You have to live with never touching me again. Never feeling my hands on you again. And you sure as hell better get used to watching me touch other girls instead."
Her stomach dropped.
Mason stepped closer, eyes dark and unrelenting. "So, what's it gonna be, baby?"
Wendy parted her lips, but no words came out. She hated thisâhated how easily Mason could back her into a corner, how he always seemed to know exactly how to push her, how to pull her apart piece by piece until all that was left was the truth she wasn't ready to say.
Her silence was all the answer he needed.
Mason hummed, low and knowing, before stepping in closer, his warmth pressing into her, his presence swallowing her whole.
"Nothing to say?" he murmured, his voice edged with amusement. "That's a first."
Before she could fire back, his hand found the hem of her skirt, fingers grazing up the smooth skin of her thigh in a slow, deliberate path. Wendy sucked in a sharp breath, but he didn't stop. He trailed higher, barely touching, his knuckles ghosting over her hips, over the dip of her waist, up her ribs, until his fingertips skimmed over her bare shoulder, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.
Her heartbeat pounded against her ribs, a desperate rhythm she couldn't ignore.
Then, without warning, Mason's fingers tangled in her hair at the nape of her neck, gripping just tight enough to make her breath hitch. With a firm tug, he tilted her head back, forcing her to meet his gazeâdark, unreadable, hungry.
His thumb brushed against the curve of her jaw.
"You wanna pretend this isn't real?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Fine. Say the words, Wen. Tell me you don't want this. Tell me you don't want me."
She swallowed hard, her resolve slipping through her fingers like sand. She tried to hold out, to not let herself fall for his silly demands. But it was damn here impossible to find a cell in her body that wanted to fight him.
As Wendy sat silently, her gaze flickering to his lips, Mason smirked.
"That's what I thought," he said, releasing her hair. He took a small step back and lifted Wendy off the car again. Placing her back down on the ground, he grabbed her face and kissed her. "Now, get in the fuckin car. We're leaving."
These boys give me butterflies *blush*
Also, I tried putting up a pic of wendy's outfit but it didn't work :/ if you have IG and you follow me, go find it there <3