Chapter 304

Chapter 304

Mason had come for the sole purpose of confirming that Janet was still in one piece.

His instincts, honed by years of navigating high-stakes danger, told him that something significant had happened to her over the last few days. Fortunately, as she stood before him, she appeared unscathed.

Janet, uncharacteristically unsure of what to do with her hands, frowned lightly. “Are you okay?”

It was rare for her to voice concern for anyone. It was one of the small, quiet realizations that made her acknowledge this man held a special place in her heart—a feeling fundamentally different from the platonic bond she shared with Dexter, Tyler, or Lee.

“Do you remember the bangle I gave you?” Mason asked suddenly, his gaze dropping to her wrist.

“Mm-hmm.” Janet nodded, lifting her hand and shaking it. “It won’t come off,” she added, her voice tinged with a slight, habitual annoyance.

Mason’s lips curved into a delighted smile at her pout. “It isn't supposed to come off.”

“Why is that?” Janet looked at him, her confusion deepening.

Two days ago, my organs took a hit from the impact of Damien’s Octago, she thought. Today, Mason is complaining that his chest hurts. My instincts are telling me the bangle is a bridge. Is it possible this man feels my injuries? Where on earth did a piece with such a strange hue come from?

While she was lost in thought, Mason’s eyes twinkled. “I’m not entirely sure either!” He flashed her a grin that was as charming as it was enigmatic.

Janet nodded slowly. As she moved to step away, Mason leaned down, catching her off guard by pressing a kiss to her cool cheek. She looked up at him, noting the sharp, strong line of his jaw and those refined, devilish eyes framed by long lashes.

Suddenly, she felt a heat crawl up her neck. It’s broad daylight, and I’m having a total sensory overload.

Seeing her blush, Mason’s smile turned mischievous. He cocked his head and captured her lips in a brief, lingering kiss.

Janet was stunned. Her eyes snapped wide open, a mix of embarrassment and indignation swirling in her gaze. She rolled her eyes, mentally bracing herself. I won’t sink to the Devil’s level. If I do, I’ll be the one he takes advantage of.

Annoyed by the lack of warning, she instinctively drove her knee toward his stomach. Mason was faster; he caught her knee mid-air and, with a swift movement, used his momentum to pin her down.

“Wh-What are you doing?” Janet hissed, keeping her voice low. She was still in the middle of packing, and if Grandma Jade—whose room was just across the hall—saw them in such a compromising position, Janet’s reputation would be beyond salvage.

Mason smiled evilly, nuzzling the tip of his nose against the slender curve of her neck. He inhaled deeply. That familiar scent... it’s the only thing that makes me feel at ease.

“Babe, I haven’t been able to sleep,” he murmured, his deep, sexy voice sounding like a playful accusation. He buried his face in the crook of her neck.

Janet was at a loss. If he had been distracted or in pain because of the connection through the bangle, she felt a spark of responsibility for his exhaustion. She wasn't used to such intense physical proximity, yet she found herself increasingly entranced by him.

In the end, she caved.

“In that case, you should rest for a while.” She managed to wriggle out of his grip to continue her packing.

Mason’s eyes, bright and almond-shaped, flashed in the sunlight before he settled back. He reached out, pulling Janet’s pillow toward him and inhaling. “It smells like you,” he said with a touch of boyish charm.

Janet froze. She couldn't pinpoint the exact emotion, but it felt as though they were two magnets, pulled together by a force she couldn't yet name or control.

Feeling the weight of his fatigue finally lift in her presence, Mason lay back on Janet’s small bed. Surrounded by her scent, the "Devil" of Sandfort City finally drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.