Page 152 of Game Plan

His jaw was clenched tight, and I traced the contours with my finger. After a few seconds, he relaxed a little. “It’s my job to protect you, Mel. I failed you once, and I won’t fail you again.”

“Mase, listen to me, and listen good. You never failed me. You’ve always protected me. I’m grateful for it. Violence isn’t good for anyone. Don’t play his game. Don’t give Evan the satisfaction of hurting you, okay?”

He nodded once.

“Say it.”

“I’ll try.”

“No. It’s not good enough. You gotta promise me you won’t interfere anymore.”

He sighed and cocked his head, his lips lingering on my forehead for a beat. “I won’t. I promise you.”

Right now, I didn’t know if I could believe him.

Mason Pierce was wired to fight for me. I didn’t know when or how it had happened, but I knew deep in my heart he wouldn’t let it go unless he was sure I was safe and sound.

40

You’re one of us. And we protect ours. Always

As soon as we arrived at the ER, I saw a doctor who sent me for X-rays and an ultrasound. The pain had receded a little, and I was certain nothing was broken. Mason had been pacing the room for the last hour, pressing an ice pack to his bruised jaw, looking agitated, making sure I was all right every other minute. When we’d first walked into the emergency room, the nurse was convinced we were there because my boyfriend had been beaten up. He had been, but he had also refused to let the doctor check him, stating the cuts and bruises appeared worse than they were and that I was the one needing their attention. From an outsider’s point of view, I bet we looked like a great pair.

“Okay, you’re making me dizzy.” I fidgeted with the hospital bracelet attached to my left wrist, waiting for him to turn around and stare at me. “Stop. No need to wear out the floor. I’m okay.”

“We don’t know. Nichols kicked you in the stomach, Mel. There could be damage. He’s twice your size, and he’s one hell of a kicker. Trust me, I’d know. I train with him for hours every week.”

“It hurt at first, but I’m all good now. You heard the doctor. He said he doubted there was anything broken.”

“I won’t relax until we know for sure. Why is it taking him so long to come back with the results?”

“Okay, Mase, here’s a new game plan.”

He cocked one eyebrow, looking unimpressed.

“What? I’m using words you understand. See? I’m speaking football now.”

“Oh, you’re speaking football?” He closed in on the bed and claimed my mouth in a soft kiss. “Is that so?”

I bobbed my head a few times. “I do. I learned just for you.”

He leaned back and chuckled, the sound addictive.

As I said earlier, we’d be all right. After all, we had each other. “Oh yes, that game plan. Instead of pacing like a lion in a cage, you go grab us something to eat. I’m sure I’ll be discharged soon. I’ll rest in the meantime. That pain medication they shot me with is making me sleepy.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. Go. You’re much more relaxed when you’re fed. Trust me.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me, Shepard?”

I brought my thumb and forefinger together, not quite touching. “Just a teeny-tiny bit. You need a mission, and I’m giving you one. Now, go.”

“Fine.” He slipped his arms into his jacket and fixed a black beanie over his head.

“You look pretty hot right now. A bit badass, but very attractive.”

“You think?” He moved closer to me, pulling my lower lip between his teeth before kissing me.