Page 75 of Unmasked

“I couldn't sleep without you,” she complained softly as she cuddled up next to him, tucking her feet beneath her.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Vivi said from where she was perched on Mason’s lap, her gaze bouncing between the two of them. “Both of you.”

“Me, too.”

Everleigh smiled up at her, then smothered a yawn with her hand. Deciding she’d had enough, he made their excuses. “If you guys don’t mind, I’m getting tired. I think I’ll go relax for a bit.”

“Of course.” Mason’s shrewd gaze told him he hadn’t missed a thing, and he urged Vivi to her feet. “We’re headed over to your place next. Sullivan said you’re good to move back in whenever you’re ready.”

“Awesome.” He stood and extended a hand his way. “Thanks for taking care of everything. I appreciate it.”

The ladies moved ahead of them, and Mason hung back as they made their way to the front door. Knox had a feeling something was on his mind, so he kept quiet and waited.

As soon as Vivi and Everleigh were out of earshot, Mason swiveled his head to look at him. “I just wanted to apologize.”

“For what?”

He blew out a breath. “I should have gone straight for her.”

Knox remembered Mason pulling him out of the line of fire, so he couldn't be mad about that. And Everleigh was safe. “Really, it's⁠—”

“I’ve felt sick for days over it,” Mason continued. “She could have died because of me.”

Knox settled a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “She didn’t.”

Mason had arrived seconds after Everleigh had run toward the bedroom. He’d laid down fire as he pulled him out to the porch, then went after Fletcher and Everleigh. “You did exactly what you were supposed to do. And if Everleigh hadn’t stopped him, I know you would have.”

Mason nodded, not looking entirely convinced, and Knox squeezed his shoulder. “We’re both fine, so stop second-guessing yourself. Take some time off, spend it with Vivi.”

“But—”

Knox shook his head. “You deserve it.”

Vivi and Everleigh had paused by the front door, and he pulled his sister into a hug. “Thanks for coming by.”

She stretched up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “Just get better soon.”

“We will.” Knox pulled Everleigh to his side, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, cautious of his broken ribs.

They saw Mason and Vivi out, then headed for the stairs where Mr. Beaumont stopped him. “Mr. Castillo, may I have a word with you?”

Conrad still looked a bit ashen, and Knox wondered if he should even be up, but he nodded. He threw a look at Everleigh, whose face was lined with a combination of curiosity and concern. “Why don’t you head up without me, sweetheart? I’ll be there in just a minute.”

“Okay.” She managed a small smile and a nod before making her way up the wide staircase.

Mr. Beaumont slowly led the way to his office, where he sank into a leather chair. He gestured to the one next to him, indicating Knox should sit, and he eyed him as he did so carefully. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore,” Knox admitted with a self-deprecating smile. “Hurts to breathe, but it could be a lot worse.”

“True.” Conrad took a moment to gather himself before speaking. “I wanted to thank you.”

Knox’s brows drew together as he stared at him. “For what?”

“For helping me. For taking care of Everleigh. Take your pick.”

Conrad shrugged. “Anyone would have done the same.”

“No, son, they wouldn’t.” Beaumont shook his head. “Especially not after…” He trailed off, and they both remained silent for a moment.