Finally, the vehicle came to a halt and I scrabbled to gather my things, stepping off the bus breathlessly. My heart pounded, eager to see Mason again.
But a couple of my colleagues were hanging out by the door, smoking and chatting before our session started.
One of them was Mark, wiry and thin, a sneer on his unshaven face.
Oh no. Just my luck.
I tried to slip past them sight unseen, but it was impossible. One, because there was nowhere to hide. Two, when you’ve got generous curves and a bright red dress, it’s doubly difficult to go incognito.
“Laney!” Mark called out, waving his hand. “What are you doing?”
“Going inside…?” I tilted my head in confusion.
“You’re early. Why would you want to go in that place any sooner than you need to?”
The other journalists agreed.
“Jail smells like piss.”
“The inmates stink even worse.”
“My mentee is a goddamn idiot,” swore one guy Ralph. “That nincompoop doesn’t even know the alphabet which is pretty fucking pathetic if you ask me.”
Everyone laughed at the expense of the prisoners, which only made my blood boil. I ground my teeth, holding my tongue, trying to stop myself from saying something I’d regret – or worse, something that would get me kicked out of the volunteer group.
Because journalism is a cutthroat business. If your colleagues didn’t like you, then you’re shit out of luck. And as a newbie, it’d do no good to make enemies. It was too early in my career to go about shooting myself in the foot.
“Laney’s just lucky. She got the hot one,” Penelope, the office flirt, whined.
“What?” I asked playfully, trying to act like there was nothing wrong. “No, you’re dreaming,” was my careless laugh.
But I didn’t want to be around the group anymore. Sometimes, law-abiding citizens are more toxic than the ones in jail with the way they spoke of other people. So with a quick smile, I strode into the cell complex like nothing was wrong.
“See you inside,” was my merry chirp.
But my mind simmered because my co-workers were all fakes. People who professed to read the Bible, but didn’t live a godly life. In reality, none of them cared one whit about the inmates. They were volunteering because it got them out of work for a few hours every week.
My blood boiled hotter as I walked into the library. They didn’t know Mason. How intelligent and perceptive he was. They didn’t know his story, how he’d been framed for insider trading. My blasted co-workers assumed the worst, snidely talking about their mentees when they should have been lifting them up, bringing their best selves to San Nemo.
I guess it’s just human.
And sometimes I hate being human.
My blood boiled some more, angry tears coming to my eyes. But the moment I set foot in the library, things got better.
Because Mason was already sitting in the big wingback chair, bright blue eyes catching mine. His serious expression softened when he saw me.
In an instant, that big body was up, crossing the room to meet me. As soon as his hands rested on my arms, I wanted to rest my head on his chest, melt into his embrace and let the fears of the world drift away.
But I couldn’t.
There were people watching. We were in a public place.
Plus the cameras.
Why did he have to be an inmate, constantly surveyed by those annoying red eyes, unblinking from every corner of the room?
It was enough to drive a woman insane.
“Laney, what’s wrong?” Gently, he placed his finger under my chin, lifting my head so that our gazes met.
I swallowed.
“Nothing,” came my mumble, lashes coming down to shield my eyes. I was embarrassed for my co-workers’ behavior, not to mention ashamed.
“Laney.” His voice was firm and unwavering. “Tell me.” By his side, his hand curled into a fist as if ready to defend me by any means necessary.
I knew, deep down, that this man would protect me against anything. He cared about me, my welfare was of paramount importance.
And I adored him for making me number one.
“Some of my colleagues were talking,” came my slow words. “They were all sorts of things about the San Nemo,” was my broken whisper. “About the prisoners, how they stink and don’t know their alphabet. It made me so angry,” were my trembling words.
But Mason wasn’t disturbed. Instead of mouthing off or swearing revenge, the alpha merely chuckled deep in his chest. One big hand moving to my cheek, cupping it gently.
Oh no. We were moving into intimate territory. Anyone could easily see we were more than just working together, but Mason didn’t seem to care. Then again, he was always so confident. Nothing fazed my self-assured alpha.
“Thank you sweetheart,” he whispered, leaning forwards. “Thank you for caring about us supposed losers.”
“You’re not a loser,” was my whispered reply, staring into his eyes. “Not in a million years.”
And the blue eyes grew dark and mesmerizing, intense with the fire within.
I held my breath.
Oh god, this was it.
If we kissed now, here in the open, our secret would be exposed to the world. Everyone would know that I was in love with a convicted billionaire.
But before it happened, voices sounded at the door, noisy and boisterous.
“Shut up,” hissed one female tone. “We’re almost there.”
“Aw, it doesn’t matter,” drawled Michael. “They’re just bums and schlubs anyways.”
The other reporters. Of course. My cheeks grew red at their comments, embarrassed and ashamed.
But Mason didn’t care. He grabbed my hand and squeezed, reassurance and support in those blue eyes. And then quickly, the alpha swung around and returned to his chair, taking his seat like a member of royalty.
I couldn’t help but stare.
Oh god, Mr. Evercore was sexy. Unperturbed despite knowing that these people hated him and hated being here.
Fortunately, we started the session right away.
Penelope’s high-pitched voice trilled loudly.
“Alright, everyone. We’re so glad that you’ve stuck with the program this long. As our quarterly deadline approaches, we’d like everyone to turn in their projects today. Finishing touches can be made next week. Then you’ll all be able to see your hard work published in the San Nemo Times. Isn’t that exciting?”
She spoke to the group of inmates as if they were a bunch of kindergarten kids, condescending and child-like.
But these were grown men, some already in their fifties, staring at Penelope like she was a circus clown. And yet she had no idea.
How did the redhead get to be so clueless?
“Today’s meeting will be a little bit longer because we’ll be having a pizza dinner together,” the woman burbled on. “Yum!”
Oh God, oh god. I was so embarrassed as Penelope literally mimed holding a piece of pizza and taking a big bite. The charade was unstoppable, totally humiliating to everyone in the room. But she had no idea.
“Anyway, I hope everyone has fun today and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!”
Finally, the redhead stepped down. The room buzzed with energy as people got up to meet with their mentors. And Mason appeared in a flash.
“You ready Laney?” he asked, voice neutral for anyone that was listening. “Let’s find a seat in the back.”
We strolled to the rear of the library, wending our way between towering bookshelves before arriving at a cozy nook. Two matching chairs waited with fluffy-looking cushions that were relatively clean. A table draped with a purple cloth, probably stolen from the tailoring class, was decorated with an oddly-shaped vase. Hmm, someone must have made that during ceramics class, and then smuggled it into the library.
“You like?” Mason growled.
And I looked up at him with wide eyes.
“You did th
is, didn’t you?” I whispered. “This wasn’t here before.”
Mason grinned.
“Sorry it couldn’t be more fancy sweetheart. This was the best I could do.”
And I looked at him, heart in my eyes.
“It’s wonderful,” was my whisper. “Thank you for taking the trouble to set this up. I feel really special.”
Mason didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled back my chair, nodding his head at the seat.
I levered myself down, one leg over the other, looking down at my hands as they rested on my knees. I didn’t want to blush, but heat was already rising in my cheeks.
But to Mason, nothing was wrong. He sat down across from me, that huge form imposing.
“I’m happy you’re here baby,” he growled, blue eyes seizing mine. “Real happy.”
I looked up at him, our gazes tangling.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered again, reaching for his hand. “This is amazing, thank you.”
Carefully, I picked up the vase and smelled the rose. Sweet and pure, the scent drugging me a bit.
“I love flowers,” was my soft admission. “Thank you for doing all of this. You really didn’t have to.”
“But I wanted to,” Mason growled, taking my hands in his, thumbs rubbing against my skin.
I shivered with pleasure. It was amazing how even this simple gesture was enough to send my heart thumping.
“But why?” I asked, trying to fathom what I had done to deserve such treatment. Even though Mason and I had been intimate, I still couldn’t quite understand why he’d gone to such lengths. I would be happy anywhere with him, whether it was in the janitor’s closet or locked in the kitchen cupboard. So long as we were together.
But the billionaire had his reasons.
“I did this because you deserve it, sweetheart. You have a big heart and you’re always trying to help those around you. It’s about time you got something special.” He squeezed my hands once more.
I stammered a little, heart pounding fiercely now.
“Oh… I mean… I just want to make a difference in the world. It’s not much, volunteering here, but it’s something.”
“It’s everything to me,” Mason growled, that gaze intense.
My heart skipped a beat.
God, I loved when he got all possessive, my insides beginning to curl. But we had work to do. Work product that was supposed to be turned in today. So going professional, I removed my hand from his big fist.
“Anyway, we should get started on the article if we want to have any hope of finishing it.” My voice took on a professional tone, all business.
“Right,” he growled, blue eyes still intense. And as I reached into my bag for a pen, Mason slipped his hand into his jumper, fiddling with something.
What was wrong?
But he’d do a reveal in his own good time, so I ignored it, pulling out a folder with all our documents.
“If I remember correctly, we were almost done,” came my business-like voice.
Mason’s reply was dry.
“Amazing, isn’t it?” he asked, one brow arched. “Most of the time, we’re barely working sweetheart.”
I bit my lip, going red. That was true. And even more, I half-expected him to jump over the table and pin me to a nearby bookshelf before ravaging my sweet form. After all, it’d happened all the previous times. It wasn’t a question of if, just a question of when.
My body went hot, insides loose and wet.
God, how did he manage to do this? No man had ever affected me this badly before.
But suddenly the big man pulled away, expression serious.
My heart tightened.
Oh no, had I done something wrong?
My eyes widened, waiting for him to say something, but the billionaire continued looking at me with those fierce blue eyes.
Shit. What was going on? Was he through with me? Did he want to break things off?
Sweat formed on the back of my neck, prickling my skin.
A lump formed in my throat, hot tears beginning to sting my eyes.
I was just about to break the silence with a fumbled apology about something or other when the billionaire got on one knee next to my chair, those blue eyes intense.
What was happening? I stared, disbelieving.
But he leaned forward, big hands and cupping my face, pulling me so close that we were forehead to forehead.
“Laney, sweetheart,” was that low growl. “Will you marry me?”
What?
I nearly choked.
Wait, what?
Marry him?
Is that what he just said?
Was I hearing things? Hallucinating maybe? Going crazy?
I blinked a few times, trying to figure out if this was real or just some strange daydream, conjuring up the impossible.
But Mr. Evercore was totally serious, expression unwavering.
Oh my god, he meant it.
He was serious.
This was a real marriage proposal.
And seeing my shock, the big man’s eyes darkened even further, pulling me into their depths.
“Laney, I want you to marry me. Right here in the prison chapel,” came those growled words.
As he spoke, I struggled to breathe. It was almost as if my throat had narrowed into a straw-thin opening.
This couldn’t be happening.
I had to be dreaming.
Oh God, Mason Evercore wanted to marry me.
What in the world?
Subtly, I pinched myself.
Ouch!
Okay, not dreaming.
Real. This was truly real.
Oh my god.
But Mason was dead serious. Still on bended knee, those blue eyes seized mine.
“I’ve never felt this way about any other woman. You’re open and giving. Sweet inside and out,” was that low rumble. He looked into my eyes, thumb caressing my cheek in a soothing manner. “And I can assure you that I’m not guilty of whatever they say I did. Even at this very moment, my team is working on getting me out, and we’re gonna prove them wrong all the way. But Laney, baby, that has nothing to do with us. We, us I mean, are something else, and I can’t wait anymore. I need you sweetheart. Will you?”
I gulped.
My brain had stopped working, turning to mush. My tongue and lips were paralyzed, leaving me speechless. The only part of my body that still seemed to function was my heart. It was beating so fast and hard, I thought it would burst out of my chest at any moment.
Could Mason hear it?
Could he feel my excitement, the way love poured through my veins?
That handsome face moved closer to mine and as I stared at that square jaw and the sharply chiseled cheekbones, there was only one answer.
I loved this man.
I loved him more than anything else in the world.
And yes, I wanted to marry him – to be his wife – to be the girl forever on his arm.
He already owned my heart and soul.
No words came, my eyes filled with tears, but my nod and smile, the way I squeezed his hands, were answer enough.
And victory exploded in those blue eyes.
“Yes baby,” he rasped. “Yes, you’re mine.”
And with that, it was done. He leaned forwards, catching my lips with his, pulling my curvy form close with passion, wonder, and love all rolled into one. We kissed until my lungs burned, desperate for air.
But I didn’t care.
This was right. If I died at this moment, I’d enter heaven the happiest girl in the world. His soul claimed mine, marking me, branding me with that unmistakable imprint forever.
Because I belong to the alpha.
It’s right and true, and no force could stop us. I imbued my kiss with my feelings, the passion overwhelming, arcing to merge in a burning bright flame.
Eventually, however, he pulled away, that gorgeous mien lit with a smile that glowed like a midnight star.
“Laney,” he grow
led, “You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
I smiled back, happiness rushing through my every vein. In that moment, even flight was possible, my soul soaring through the heavens.
“Me too, Mason. Woman, I mean,” was my soft laugh. And staring into those blue eyes, I said everything that mattered. “We’ll figure out a way to get you out of prison,” was my promise. “We’ll figure everything out one step at a time, together. That’s how things work.”
The dark man nodded, swallowing heavily as those blue eyes looked away for a moment.
Oh my god, was Mr. Evercore going to cry?
But no. It was just a swell of overwhelming emotion, that big chest rising and falling as he breathed deep, our union already complete even if there was no church or priest. We were saying our sacred vows right now, here in the confines of the library.
“Yes, sweetheart,” he rumbled, pulling me close to nestle against that broad chest. “Forever.”
“Forever,” I echoed, my voice muffled against his hardness. “Forever, my love.”
And with that, we kissed again, our lips touching with understanding, with promises, and so much more. A life unfolded, one where we’d be together, walking the unknown hand in hand.
I pulled away, resting my head on his shoulder for a moment. This was the perfect spot. Molded together, listening to his heartbeat until the end of time.
Mason Evercore as my husband.
Me as Mrs. Laney Evercore.
It was right and real. The way things were meant to be, angels singing at the gates.
And the alpha felt the same. Ducking that dark head, he kissed me again, even hotter than before, plundering my depths.
“Yes, sweetheart,” came that low growl. “Together forever.”
But then that big male form pulled away for a moment, blue eyes troubled.
“What is it?” I implored, reaching out to place one small palm flat over his heart. “What’s wrong?”
His head ducked down, unable to meet my eyes.
“I don’t have a ring,” came that low growl, before those blue eyes snapped up once more, meeting mine. “But as soon as I get out, I’ll buy you a huge rock. It’ll shine so bright that people will see you from a mile away.” He ran his fingers through my hair before tucking a strand behind my ear. “But in the meantime, I got you this,” came his hoarse voice.
And slowly, the big man reached into his jumper and pulled out a small piece of braided yarn. It was a golden color, clumsily woven. Carefully, he tied it around my left ring finger with trembling hands.
Prison Fling: A Dark Bad Boy Romance Page 12