by Eden Summers
“How can you be sure?”
Sidney sucked in a breath, waiting for Mason to state the evidence to clear her mind of doubt. Sean had been with them from the start, he’d been at the bar the night the threats started, he’d texted her shortly after she received the second round of threats, and he had a motive—he wanted to protect her from Mason.
“He was involved in the sex tape,” the detective stated. “I assume he knows the location of your New York apartment, and probably has inside knowledge of your security system.”
“At the time, I didn’t have a security system,” Mason grated.
The detective cocked a brow. “Then from what I’m told, two years pass, you and Ms. Higgins reunite, and again, Sean is on the scene. That’s enough cause to make us wary. Does he have any reason to be jealous of the two of you?”
Sidney looked away, unwilling to give them more cause to remain on their line of questioning. Hell, she was even beginning to doubt Sean’s innocence. He’d made it clear he wanted to be with her, and the threats told her to stay away from Mason. He hadn’t been with them in the bar parking lot when the first photos were taken. He’d left moments earlier when Mason had thrown her in the pool. Too many pieces were clicking together, and she shook her head, hating the growing doubt toward another man she’d cared so much about.
“Ms. Higgins?”
“Huh?” Bile rose in her throat, and her hands began to shake as the detective pierced her with a questioning stare. “Sorry, what did you say?”
“Do you have any cause to think Mr. Taiden might be involved?”
She stared blankly at them, seeing Sean staring back at her in her mind, remembering the hurt in his gaze when she’d rejected him.
“It isn’t Sean,” Mason grated. “What about my bodyguard? The same could be said of him. He was at the Grammys. He rode in the Town Car we took to my apartment the night I made the video. He was with us Saturday night. He knows Sidney is staying at my house.”
“We aren’t accusing Mr. Taiden of being involved. We’re merely trying to narrow our scope. Giving us other avenues to investigate helps, so any contact details for your bodyguard would be appreciated.”
Sidney’s mind continued to flash images of Sean while the conversation continued without her. She hated doubting his innocence, yet it hung heavy in her chest all the same. He had motive. He had opportunity. She couldn’t believe he would do it—to her, Mason, or even the dogs.
“Kitten?” Mason slid his hand to the low of her back, rubbing in gentle circles. “Are you ready to go?”
She looked up and found one of the detectives holding his hand out for her to shake. She nodded to Mason and took the offered hand. “Thank you,” she muttered, feeling far from grateful.
“If you think of anything that might help, please call me.” He released her hand and then passed her a business card. “I know it isn’t favorable to let the perpetrator get what they want, but I would consider placing some distance between yourselves until we can investigate the situation further. It isn’t a good sign that the threats are escalating. No one can predict what they will do next.”
“Thanks.” Mason turned into her, ignoring the retreating detectives as he placed his lips gently against hers. “We’ll be careful.”
THE DRIVE TO Sean’s city apartment was done in silence. Sidney sat in the passenger seat, her head rested against the window as she stared outside, while Mason tried his best to focus on the road.
“It isn’t Sean, kitten.”
Her chest expanded with a deep inhalation. “I know.”
He wanted to laugh at her lack of conviction “Are you sure? You didn’t seem convinced earlier.”
“I was shocked. I hadn’t contemplated him being a part of this. And it was worse when all the pieces fit together.” She turned her head to meet his gaze. “I feel horrible for doubting him. I just can’t stop thinking that he had the opportunity to be involved in each incident.”
Mason had his own apprehensions, but he wasn’t going to be a hypocrite and voice his thoughts without proof. No matter what they’d been through in the past, Mason still trusted Sean with his life. No matter how bad the situation became, or how many fingers pointed in the drummer’s direction, not one whisper of accusation would slide from his lips.
“Do you want me to find another place for us to stay?” He wanted her to say yes. To take the fear for her safety out of his hands. He could push himself to make the drive to the cabin. They’d be alone there.
“No. I do trust him. I just don’t like this feeling of not knowing.”
“I’m right there with you.” The words came out before he could stop them.
“So, you’re questioning him too?”
Fuck. “I’ve known Sean all my life. He’s not capable of this. Especially when it involved hurting my dogs.” Then again, he never thought his best friend would’ve doubted Mason’s innocence when it came to the sex video either.
Sidney sighed. “I hate myself for contemplating the possibilities. He’s always been the perfect gentleman to me.”
Mason ignored the pang of envy tinged guilt tightening his chest. Sean had treated her like a princess, while Mason had treated her like shit. And still, his friend didn’t get the girl.
“That’s the kinda guy he is.”
She hit him with a sad smile before resting her head against the window and staring toward the city streets.
“We’re almost there.” He needed to keep talking, to stop the silence from eating away at him. Guilt. Desire. Jealousy. It didn’t stop, wouldn’t lessen. “Sean has a penthouse apartment overlooking Rockett’s Landing. You’ll be safe there.”
She laughed with derision. “Unless you plan on spending every minute by my side, I sincerely doubt that.”
If he was lucky, they could skip the meet and greet with Sean and head straight to the bedroom. For protection purposes, of course. Mason already had his own remote for the apartment complex parking lot, and a security card for the elevator. Fingers crossed, Sean left the front door unlocked and they could slip in unnoticed.
“I’m happy to oblige,” he purred, thankful for the opportunity to drop the conversation into a gear he was comfortable with. “Obviously, that would require me to sleep in the same bed. Up close. To make sure you’re safe.”
“Oh, of course,” she drolled, the corner of her lips curving into a shy smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“I’d take your mind away from your worries.”
“For at least two and a half minutes, anyway.”
Mason snorted. “The best two and a half minutes of your life, kitten.”
“I severely doubt that.”
Mason turned into Sean’s street and backed off the accelerator as they approached the large apartment building at the end of the block. “You’ve had better?” He pulled to a stop in the middle of the empty street. He was confident in his prowess. Women flocked to him because of his celebrity status, and they begged to hang around because of the pleasure.
“I’ve had more, remember?” She met his gaze, and the humor faded from her features.
He couldn’t contain the envy tightening his lips and making his fists clench the steering wheel. Every time he thought of the night they shared with Sean, he hated the memory more. Not only because the pleasure had been tainted with the scandal, but because he couldn’t wipe the image of Sidney with someone else.
He’d never do it again. If given the ultimatum, he’d have to let her go before he could watch her with another man. There was no doubt in his mind. He couldn’t survive witnessing her gorgeous body gaining pleasure at someone else’s hand.
“Do you want that again?” he asked, hating the weakness in his voice. “You, me, and Sean?”
She searched his features, her irises darkening. “No.” The word was a breathy whisper. “I don’t want anyone else. I never have.”
Mason inclined his head, playing it cool even though his insides were exploding li
ke a firecracker on the fourth of July. “Good. Because I no longer want to share.”
“You have to obtain something before you can share it.” A sad smile pulled at her lips. “And we both know I’m leaving tomorrow… It’s too dangerous.”
“We’ll see.” He pressed down on the accelerator and turned to face the road. With the glimpse of hope, his confidence was boosted. He’d won back her friendship in forty-eight hours. He could win back her body in far less. And once she was hooked, he’d be able to convince her to stick around, not only for the album, but for him, as well.
***
SEAN’S SOMBER EXPRESSION greeted Sidney at the front door of his penthouse apartment. All he wore was a set of silk boxers and an unconvincing smile. It was enough to make her lose her train of thought. He was still big and buff, broad chested and muscled from neck to toe.
“Hey, Sid. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”
“I wish it was under better circumstances.” She went into his welcoming arms without an ounce of reluctance. She may have misjudged her parents’ reaction to the scandal, and all the negativity from friends and relatives, but she couldn’t misjudge the concern in Sean’s eyes. He cared for her. He wasn’t capable of putting her in harm’s way. “Sorry to wake you.”
“Anything for you.”
She smiled at his flirty tone and stepped back, immediately being claimed by one of Mason’s strong arms around her waist.
“Come on.” Sean waved them inside, ignoring Mason’s protective gesture. “You look like you need to crash.”
The three of them dragged their feet in silence down the immaculately clean hall. The tiles gleamed in the sparkling light, mirrors shone without a scuff. Band pictures lined the walls, making her stop to take a second glance. She was exhausted, completely drained of adrenaline, and still the photos called to her.
Mason called to her.
He was in every frame, his sexy grin smiling at her as he struck different poses with his band of friends. She missed seeing him this way—carefree and jubilant.
“These were taken a long time ago,” he murmured against her cheek.
“You look happy.”
“I was happy, because you were still in my life.”
Sidney rolled her eyes and turned to face him. “Quit the lines, I’m not a naive groupie.”
She waited for another smoothly drawled compliment. None came. He leaned in, moistening his bottom lip briefly before he took her mouth with his. He proved he didn’t need lines. The only requirement was the passion in his kiss. The spark between them was undeniable, inextinguishable. It gripped her around the heart and made her reach up on the tips of her toes for more.
By the time he broke the connection, she was breathless, her chest heaving. Still, there were no cheesy lines to back up his earlier statement. He simply placed his palm back on her hip and led her down the empty hall, as if his work here was done. And for the most part it was. She was convinced of his affection. Her panties were already damp, and she was well aware getting to sleep in sodden underwear was going to be a pain in the ass.
They caught up to Sean in the kitchen. He stood leaning against the doorframe at the far end of the room, his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze no longer meeting hers. “Your room is down this way, directly across the hall from mine.” He poked a thumb over his shoulder. “Mason can take the spare room downstairs.” He pivoted into the hall behind him and led the way.
Apprehension filled her chest the same moment Mason growled, “Like fuck I am.”
She didn’t want to be alone in an unfamiliar room, and Mason’s tightening grip around her waist made her want to stick closer to him. Her independence vanished the moment her life was thrust back into the social media circus. Until now, she’d had enough restraint to stay clear of the latest Internet hype. But if she was by herself the humiliation and fear of the unknown would haunt her. She’d end up searching online, unable to tear her gaze away from one demeaning post after another.
“I’m staying with her,” Mason called after Sean, moving his hand to the base of her spine to encourage her to move.
Sidney quickened her footsteps, following after Sean. He led them down another hall, stopping before an open doorway. His back was stiff, the muscles of his stomach tense as he stared at her. “You can sleep in here.”
She hesitated before moving into the room and waited for Mason to enter. When he reached the doorframe, Sean placed a warning hand on Mason’s chest. “I don’t know, Mace, the bed probably isn’t big enough for you, Sidney, and your massive ego.” His gaze drifted to meet hers. “Are you sure you want him in there with you?”
She nodded, wishing she could ignore the heartbreak in his eyes. “I don’t want to be alone.”
“You could always share with me.” He flashed her an unconvincing grin, his blue eyes filled with sorrow.
“Take a hike,” Mason grated, brushing off the hand at his chest and striding into the room. “We’ll see you in the morning.” With a flick of his wrist he slammed the door shut in Sean’s face. “I’ll show him where to shove my fucking ego,” he muttered.
“Mason,” Sidney scolded, reaching for his wrist as he began to trudge around the bed. “Was that necessary?”
He turned on her, his pupils dilated, nostrils flared. “Was what necessary? Placing distance between you and the guy who adores you? Yeah, it kinda was. Do you think it’s easy knowing my best friend wants you? I fucking hate it. I know he’s better for you than I could ever be. Seeing the way he looks at you makes me want to start swinging.”
“He was being nice and…” She heaved a sigh, unable to announce the inevitable.
“And what?” He bit out a caustic laugh. “You’re not mine and never will be, right? The police have you running scared.”
“What is up with you right now?” Her voice rose in anger. “Yes, I’m scared. There’s no weakness in admitting it’s risky for us to be together at the moment. I’ve lost a lot, Mason. I can’t handle my world crumpling any more than it has.”
“Well, I don’t scare as easily.” He sucked in a breath and then seemed to let go of his anger with the exhalation. He slumped onto the bed, entwining their fingers to pull her between his spread thighs. “I don’t want to lose you, kitten. I don’t want you to leave, even though I know your mind is already made up.”
She wasn’t strong enough for this—the heartache from Sean, the rejection in Mason’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”
He released her hand, his expression turning somber. “You haven’t left yet. I still have time to change your mind.”
She stumbled back as he pushed to his feet, lifting his shirt above his head. He exposed her to the glorious spread of his muscles, taunting her with the way they flexed as he let the material fall to the floor. He quirked a brow, walking backward to the bathroom, the knowing gleam in his eye announcing he knew exactly how much the show of skin affected her.
“I’m going to take a shower. Feel free to join me.”
SIDNEY WAITED UNTIL Mason had turned on the water in their private bathroom before she left the bedroom, padding into the hall. Sean’s door was open in front of her, and the stark sight of him sitting on the edge of the mattress with his head in his hands almost brought her to her knees.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured.
He dropped his hands and peered up at her. “What for?” He ran a palm over his face. “I’m just waiting around to make sure you don’t need anything before I crash.”
She nodded, not believing a word. “I actually do need something.”
He quirked a brow.
“I have no clothes. Could I borrow a shirt to sleep in?” She still wore the blouse and jeans from the night before.
“Sure.” He stood and strolled toward a walk-in closet, returning minutes later with a black shirt in his hands. “It’ll be huge on you, but the material is soft.”
He flung it toward her and she caught it in one hand. “Thanks.”
&nbs
p; “No problem.”
Sidney worked the cotton between her fingers, trying to think of something to say as uncomfortable silence surrounded them.
“Don’t feel sorry for me, Sid.” He came to her, pulling her into his bare chest. “Just make sure you don’t put up with any of his shit. You deserve the best.”
She nodded into his neck, wrapping her hands around his waist. “I won’t.”
“Good.” He gave her a final squeeze before leaving her bereft. “And please, for fuck’s sake, keep any nocturnal activities to a minimum. I don’t want to have to jerk off to sultry tones of you two fucking all morning.”
She grinned, thankful he still had the ability to joke around. “I promise.”
“Yeah, right.” He rolled his eyes and then went to his bed, flinging the wrinkled covers back. “Do you mind turning the light off and closing the door when you leave?”
“No problem.” She waited until he was settled into the black silk sheets, the defined muscles of his torso on display. “I’ll see you later.”
He nodded against the pillow, his eyes closing before she flicked off the light. She pulled the door shut behind her and then dragged her feet into the spare bedroom. The shower shut off while she stripped out of her clothes and tugged Sean’s majorly baggy shirt over her head. She’d resigned herself to falling asleep without brushing her teeth, and by the time Mason strode into the room, a tan towel wrapped around his waist, she had already finger combed her hair and was ready for bed.
He stopped dead in the middle of the room, his gaze narrowed on her. “Take it off.” His whisper soft words made her clit tingle.
“I don’t have any other clothes.”
He raised a defiant brow, his hands hanging limp at his sides. “I said, take it off.”
“And I said, I don’t have any other clothes to sleep in.” Apart from her damp pair of white lace panties, she had nothing on underneath.
He stalked toward her, his lips curled into a snarl. Her heart rate quickened at his approach, the feral dominance in his gaze making her knees weak. He stopped when they were toe to toe, his ferocity seeping under her skin.