Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Elnora sank into the couch, closing her eyes as a mental exhaustion washed over her. Mason’s assumption that she was planning to leave him played on a loop in her mind, and the anxiety she’d seen in him, however brief, had warmed her. It was as if, for a moment, the indomitable Mason Castelli had been scared of losing her.

It was a bittersweet ache that settled in Elnora’s chest, a gnawing realization that Mason had likely spent most of his life watching people slip through his fingers. The thought of him assuming she might be another who’d eventually leave stung. There was a time she would have shrugged off such feelings, convinced herself that his paranoia was part of the territory—something inevitable when you lived a life drenched in death and betrayal. But the way his eyes had darkened with fear, that flicker of vulnerability that crossed his face when he thought she might abandon him, it made her heart tighten in a way she wasn’t prepared for.

She didn’t want him feeling that way about her. She didn’t want to be another fleeting connection in a life marked by loss and distrust.

Deep down, a cynical voice whispered that maybe this was inevitable. In Mason’s world, loyalty was as fragile as the alliances he brokered—temporary, transactional, and always one misstep away from shattering. Even if she stayed, even if she promised herself that she wouldn’t be the one to walk away, there was no guarantee he’d believe her. Trust, once lost, was nearly impossible to rebuild in his line of work.

But damn it, she wasn’t just anyone. She wasn’t going to let him lump her in with the ghosts of his past. She’d make him see that she wasn’t just passing through his life. If he thought she’d leave, then she’d show him just how wrong he was.

And if he didn’t believe her? Well, then she’d make him. One way or another.

But what was she thinking when she claimed him as hers? The impulsive declaration echoed back to her now, and she groaned. That had been pure emotion, no logic, no foresight. If she stayed with him, what would that mean for her life? Would she have to leave everything behind—Marcy, her mother, her career? The thought of dragging them into this world made her stomach churn.

“I have a feeling your brooding is about M,” Marcy said, a grin spreading across her bruised face. The sudden shift in tone made Elnora laugh despite herself.

“Oh, he’s gorgeous, and those eyes. I’m not gonna lie, I would love to have him for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Marcy continued.

“Why are you still talking?” Elnora snapped, getting up to pace toward the dining area, needing to move, to clear her head of the conflicting emotions swirling inside her.

“What’s the problem? Is it because of what he’s involved in?” Marcy’s voice followed her. “I assume you knew that before you fucked him, didn’t you?”

She spun around. “I’ll shove a sock in your mouth.”

Marcy grinned wider, baring her teeth in a mock dare. “I’ll bite off your fingers.”

She let out a frustrated breath and returned to the couch, her pacing getting her nowhere. Marcy watched her with a knowing look, despite the pain and swelling that made it hard for her to even keep her eyes open.

“Talk to me,” Marcy urged. “I’m guessing he’s who you’ve been with this whole time and if you didn’t like him, you would have already left?”

Elnora nodded, her mind working through everything Mason had said. “There are a lot of things I didn’t consider. I really want to be there for him, but—”

“Do you want to be there for him or do you want to be with him?” Marcy interrupted.

The question hit her like a punch to the gut. Did she want to be with Mason, or was she just caught up in the thrill of being needed? Marcy’s arched brow, despite the swelling and bruises, made it clear she wasn’t letting this go.

Elnora chewed on her lip. “Both,” she admitted. “We could be great together, but he has demons haunting him and I don’t know.”

The idea of a future with Mason was as intoxicating as it was terrifying. He wasn’t like Enrico, who had promised forever and then vanished without a trace. Mason was worse in some ways. He was the boss of the Castelli, a man who had made peace with the idea of dying, and that scared her more than anything. Could she really commit to a man who might not be there tomorrow?

“It seems Ric’s presence is clouding your mind,” Marcy hissed. “You need to stop comparing them. They’re completely different. You’re overthinking everything, I can see it in your eyes. Focus on what matters.”

“And what would that be?” Elnora folded her arms across her chest, a defensive stance she hadn’t realized she’d taken.

“Apparently, it’s going to be my job for the rest of my life to remind you,” Marcy said with a wry grin, waving Elnora over. “I’m going to sit here and wait for the doctor that Mr. Hottie Pants is sending over. You are going to find him and clear this up before you drag me along on your spiralling descent into madness. Now go.”

“There’s nothing to clear up,” she frowned, though the unease in her chest told her otherwise.

“Fine, go see how he’s doing then. If there’s a turf war brewing, don’t you think you should be helping him win?” Marcy arched a brow.

“A good friend would tell me this is doomed based on what he’s involved in and that I should get out now,” she shot back.

“The bad news is, I’m a great friend, and I know what you’re capable of—something he doesn’t seem to know yet. The odds of him winning are better if you help him. Now get out of here and go help him before I throw you out.”

“Odd that you like him and not Ric,” Elnora mused, still surprised by Marcy’s acceptance of Mason.

“Dangerous as he is, he looks like the type to tell you exactly how it is. He admits when he’s wrong, isn’t selfish—even in bed,” Marcy added with a mischievous grin.

Elnora managed a small smile, and headed back to the elevator. As she rode up, she caught herself smiling a couple of times, only to bite it down, unwilling to let herself get too comfortable. When the lift opened, she stepped out and approached the private elevator, her pace slowing as she noticed that sleazy lawyer, Stanley, deep in conversation with Giorgio.

Stanley was a snake, the kind of person who thrived in the shadows of men like Mason, and seeing him here irkced Elnora. Giorgio, for his part, looked as stoic as ever. Whatever they were discussing, it couldn’t be good.

Stanley deepened as soon as he saw her. “You’ve got to be kidding me. What the hell are you doing here?”

Elnora’s eyes narrowed, her voice laced with venom. “What nerve, you incompetent hack.”

Stanley took a step toward her, his face contorting with anger, but before he could close the distance, Giorgio grabbed his arm, yanking him back with a force that made the lawyer stumble.

“Hey! You don’t touch her, and you don’t run your mouth at her, barrister, or bad things will happen to you!” Giorgio warned in a way that reminded Elnora that as nice as Giorgio looked, he was not a good guy . “Go in the conference room.”

Stanley glared at Elnora, his eyes burning with resentment before he stormed into the conference room, slamming the door behind him and pulling the blinds shut. Elnora rolled her eyes, dismissing him with a wave of her hand as she turned to Giorgio.

“What’s your connection to him, ~signoria~?” Giorgio asked her.

A dry chuckle escaped her lips. “I consulted with him while setting up my cybersecurity firm. He’s not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. Why is he here?”

“The boss keeps his firm on retainer. We’ve got a problem with a rogue partner,” Giorgio explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

Elnora raised an eyebrow. “And what’s his brilliant suggestion?”

“He wants us to buy the partner out and wash our hands of it,” Giorgio said with a shrug. “I’m waiting on the boss’ decision.”

“Where is he anyway?” Elnora asked, looking around as if expecting him to materialize.

Before Giorgio could answer, the elevator dinged, and Mason stepped out with Benny at his side. His stride faltered slightly when he saw her standing there. Benny continued over to Giorgio, and as Elnora looked at them, she noticed a striking resemblance between the two—something beyond the matching grey suits they wore with such casual authority.

“Are you brothers?” she asked, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Giorgio nodded with a grin, while Benny shook his head in disagreement, his expression more serious. Elnora chuckled at their contrasting responses, then turned her attention back to Mason. He stood there, silent and still, his gaze locked on hers like she was unreal. Then, as if snapping out of a trance, Mason turned to Giorgio.

“Where’s Stanley?” Mason asked, his voice a low rumble.

Elnora squinted at him, a bit miffed that he would ignore her like that. But then Mason reached out, taking her hand and pulling her gently to his side. Despite herself, Elnora felt the familiar stir of desire, a heat that only Mason seemed capable of igniting within her. She laced her fingers into his, and he squeezed her hand softly.

“I sent him back in, boss,” Giorgio said, glancing at Elnora. “He and the ~signoria~ don’t get along.”

Mason turned to her, his eyes probing. “You know Stanley?”

She met Mason’s gaze, her lips curling into a smirk. “We’ve crossed paths,” she said. “It’s a high-priced firm, but they bought every review and recommendation they have. I called Stanley out on his phishing scams right after I deep-dived him, and we’ve been enemies ever since.”

“He’s no good?” Benny asked.

“Not worth the price is how I would put it,” Elnora replied, shaking her head. “Giorgio, you should have that rogue partner sign a dissolution in accordance with the partnership agreement. That way, the partnership is dissolved legally and amicably, and you maintain control over the narrative. Stock prices don’t have to take a hit.”

Giorgio raised an eyebrow. “And if the stock prices are already falling?”

“Push them back up,” Elnora said with a shrug. “It’s pretty easy to manipulate the market for someone like me.” She felt Mason’s hand squeeze hers gently, and she glanced up at him.

“Boss?” Giorgio asked, looking between them.

“Let me know what Stanley and his team think about the dissolution. Benny, you’re with him,” Mason ordered, waving them off. As they left, he turned his full attention to Elnora. “I didn’t think I’d be seeing you so soon.”

“What happened to the cameras you set up in Marcy’s room?” she asked.

“They were for her protection,” Mason replied, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I hadn’t intended to listen in on your private conversation. I apologise for that.”

She slipped her hand from his grasp with a sigh. “I’m sorry if I gave you the impression that I couldn’t wait to leave you,” she told him. “But I have bad news for you, Mason. I’m not going anywhere.”

His green eyes lit up, piercing through her defences and making her heart flutter. “Good to know,” he murmured.

“But…” She exhaled, her fears pressing down on her. “Mason, tell me my mum and Marcy will be safe. Tell me my choice won’t put the people I love in danger.”

He cradled her face, his touch sending warmth through her that eased some of the tension in her chest. “I’ve got you, El. That means I’ve got them by proxy.”

She searched his eyes, looking for any hint of doubt but found only unwavering confidence. “I’ll take your word for it,” she whispered.

Mason held out his hand to her again, and she slipped her fingers into his, feeling a sense of calm wash over her as he led her to the elevator. The doors opened as soon as he pressed the button, and she considered the difference between his gentle touch with her and the stormy presence he commanded with his men. As they settled inside the elevator, he glanced at her, and she smiled when their eyes met.

“What brought you to Marcy’s suite?” she asked.

He smiled faintly, almost as if he couldn’t help himself. “I haven’t the slightest idea,” he admitted, pausing as if debating whether to say more. “I just left Octavia, and she said something interesting about you.”

Elnora raised an eyebrow. Octavia knew nothing about her—at least nothing worth sharing. When they reached Mason’s floor, she noticed the team of armed men guarding the entrance had increased.

“Boss. ~Signoria~.” They chorused as he led her inside.

Was it because of Amelia he’d doubled the security? She must have rattled him more than he was letting on. Now Elnora wanted to learn more about his strained relationship with his mother, but Mason’s dismissive attitude made her hold back her questions. He shut the door behind them, his gaze hard as he walked toward her in his all-black suit.

“What’s that look?” he grinned, pushing her hair back from her face with a tenderness that made her chest tighten.

“I was thinking you look delicious in that,” she teased. “I could just eat you up.”

“Wouldn’t say no to that,” he replied, his grin widening as he leaned in and kissed her, long and hard. The hunger in his kiss satisfied her, and she leaned into him, her arms slipping around his shoulders. But then he pulled away, his expression shifting to something more serious.

“Octavia thinks you’re here because you need access to information the Castelli family kept off the grid. From back when we were the De Lauro family,” he said against her lips, his fingers tracing along her nape with a torrid abandon that made her shiver. He began placing soft kisses on her face, and she gulped, feeling the hunger coil in her chest.

She turned away from him with a frown, trying to regain her composure. “And?” she asked. “What else did she say? What information does she think I’m after?” Whatever Octavia thought she knew, she was wrong. Their fling had fizzled out because of Octavia’s incessant prying into parts of her life she didn’t care to share. But looking at Mason now, Elnora realized she might have to open up about things she hadn’t ever considered sharing—not even with Marcy.

Mason circled her slowly before lowering himself onto the couch behind her, forcing her to turn toward him.

Crossing his legs, he said, “Something about your father. She suggested you already knew who Enrico was before you met him, which implies that you targeted him, and that you’re far more devious than I thought.”

“You can’t possibly have a problem with devious,” Elnora mused, trying to smother the throbbing in her chest.

“It’s the missing piece in the masterpiece that is you, Elnora,” Mason replied, her name rolling off his tongue with a deliberate twang of his fine Italian accent. His smile was electric, and his desire to have her match his own darkness made her tingle with a mix of excitement and fear.