Page 32 of Unmasked

Her gaze skimmed over her from head to toe, catching on her bloodied knees. She let out a little tsk. “Goodness, I’ll say. Do you need some help?”

“I can handle it, thanks. But Lettie? Can you please set the house alarm until my parents get home?”

Something flickered in her eyes, but she gave a concise nod. “Of course, miss. You go on and take care of yourself.”

“Thanks.” With that, she trudged what felt like a full mile to her room. Inside she locked the door, then crossed to the bathroom where she plugged the drain in the oversized tub and turned the water on as hot as it would go.

A groan left her throat as she stripped out of her clothes, her muscles protesting every movement. Climbing over the edge, she sank into the water with a little sigh and tipped her head back. She stared at the ceiling, worry clouding her brain.

She still wasn’t sure who the person following her was, or exactly what he wanted, but one thing was clear—he was closing in, and quick. She was incredibly fortunate that Mason and Vivi had shown up when they did. Someone was determined to hurt her, and she wasn’t sure she’d be so lucky next time.

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

Knox swept a hand through his hair, hoping it looked presentable and not like he had spent the past two nights on the couch. His temper was rapidly fraying, and the suit he had been living in was long overdue for a wash. Thank God he kept spare undershirts and button-ups there just in case.

Admittedly, he had been a coward, refusing to go home and risk seeing Everleigh again. After the incident on Tuesday, he had stormed back into the house and spent the night tossing and turning. For the past two days, he had practically locked himself in his office, spending every waking moment working as much as possible.

He would have to go home eventually. He wasn't going to let her run him out of his own house. But he wasn't quite ready yet. He focused on the file in front of him, but his mind kept drifting.

The office door opened then closed, and he lifted his gaze to meet Mason’s. He cocked a brow. “Yeah?”

“Can I talk to you for a sec?”

Knox repressed a sigh. What else could go wrong right now? “Whatcha need?”

Mason slipped into the chair across from him and eyed him for several seconds. “I noticed you stayed here last night.” He paused. “And the night before.”

That wasn't at all what Knox expected. He remained quiet and stone-faced as Mason continued, “I don't think Vivi noticed.”

Well, thank God for small favors. If she caught wind of him sleeping in his office, Knox would never hear the end of it. “And?”

Mason’s tawny eyes drilled into Knox’s, and he fought the urge to squirm. Those unsettling eyes had always had the power to set his teeth on edge. He prided himself on keeping calm, but right now he was close to snapping.

“I love your sister.” Another topic Knox hadn't expected. “But I think you know that.”

Reluctantly, Knox nodded. “I do.”

“So it's because of her that I say this. I had no idea I needed her in my life. Everything was fine the way it was but... She makes me a better man. If I lost her...”

Knox’s throat tightened as he watched Mason’s expression morph into one of pain. “I don't know what I'd do. It would crush me.”

“I know.” Knox’s voice was gruff, and he forced down the emotion clogging his throat. She was his baby sister, and he would do anything for her. But Mason loved her in a way he couldn't, and he knew Mason would literally put his life on the line for her. A little over two months ago, he’d taken a bullet for her. If that wasn’t love, Knox didn’t know what was.

“When you find someone you love, I think you need to fight for it.”

It felt like Mason had ripped the ground right out from under Knox’s feet. Every cell of his body froze as he stared at him. “Think you're an expert now?”

“No.” Mason shook his head, gaze never leaving Knox’s. “Just want to see you happy.”

“I appreciate your concern but⁠—”

“You called for her.”

Those golden eyes bored into Knox’s, sending a spidery sensation crawling over his skin. It always seemed like Mason saw too much, and this case was apparently no different.

“I'm sorry?” What was he talking about?