Page 121 of Forever Relentless

“Was it?”

I turned and met Mason’s cold look.

“Why are you here?” He was in dark jeans, a dark over-the-head hoodie, and a dark ballcap — dressed like a man who didn’t want to be seen either, which was the first thing that made me pause. “Why are you always just appearing behind me?”

“I came to see my sister.” His jaw was tight, like it was already clenched with anger, temper already running hot before I’d even shown up. “Why the fuck are you in her building?”

“Hadley, the girl I was with that time we all met, with the long dark hair, she lives next door.”

He didn’t even blink. “Thought she was the wide receiver’s.”

“She is.”

“Then why are you hiding?” He looked me over. “You’re fucking your guy’s girl?”

“No.” I threw my hands up. “Why does everyone assume I’m fucking a friend over?”

“Because you’re hiding in broad daylight and look guilty as fuck.” His tone was flat, his look closed off. But I could read him; I’d known it in the garage when I met him. Mason Sterling and I weren’t so different. He wasn’t even looking at me anymore, his attention had shifted to the door, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to walk through me to leave. He’d already lost interest in why I was here, now that he knew it wasn’t for Briar.

He had a good point though, I probably did look guilty. Seeing Mason and recognizing that anger in his gaze . . . I was already feeling reckless, and seeing him here wasn’t quenching that thirst. “She’s at work.”

“I figured.” He held up his hand. “I have a key.”

“Is it normal for you to drop in and visit your sister?”

He looked me over. “You saying I’m a shit brother?”

Wow. “I’m saying you don’t seem the type to be here considering—”

“Considering this is where I crashed and burned?” His eyes glittered with darkness. “Yeah, well I wouldn’t be, but my sister decided to work here, and I don’t fucking like her being here, so . . . I check.”

Which made sense. “Risky for you.”

He grunted. “Is it?”

“Maybe not for you, but for Briar? You’re putting her on the map by coming to see her, no?”

The glare turned deadlier. “When I want your opinion, I’ll let you know. Until then, shut the fuck up.”

Possibly fair.

“It’s just you want to protect her, but you being here puts her at risk. I wondered if you’d thought it through. That’s all.”

He looked like he wanted to punch me, and then his face cleared as he considered me. “You’re worried about her?”

“She’s risking a lot,” I answered gruffly.

“She is.” He didn’t move. “Interesting that you seem to share the concern.”

I felt like I was being dissected, and then the look was gone.

“If you move, I’ll head out,” he told me.

I started to step aside, and stopped myself. This might be the stupidest thing I’d ever done “You feeling crazy?”

He looked at me with a scheming gleam in his eye, but under it the wariness and hostility were still there, both of us circling each other like two fighters in the ring. “Does it involve Bri?”

“Nope.”