Grand Lies (The Promise Duet Book 1)

by JC Hawke

  “Have you spoken to him, though?”

  “Not since I took him to the hospital.”

  I drop my head to the side. “Mase.”

  “Don’t, Nina. Why are you bringing this up? I don’t want a lecture on my dad right now,” he snaps.

  I sit back affronted. What on earth? “I wasn’t giving you a lecture. But I think you should give him a call.” I roll my lips. “Scar told me about the transplant.”

  He scoffs, rolling his eyes and looking to the ceiling. “You don’t need to worry yourself with it. Let me deal with my own shit.”

  My eyebrows pinch together. “Why are you getting angry?”

  “Because you think you always know best about him but you don’t. You don’t even know him, and I’m not interested in continuing this conversation after just getting in the door.”

  “Okay,” I say, shocked at his outburst.

  He pinches the bridge of his nose, not looking at me. “I’m going to go shower. Have you eaten?”

  I sit cross-legged with my back to him, staring at the coffee table, tears staining my face and dripping onto my leggings.

  “Nina.”

  “What?” I snap.

  “Whatever.” He huffs and takes off towards the stairs.

  Mase

  My jaw clenches tight as I lean my arms against the shower wall, the water cascading down my back.

  I clench my eyes tight as I think back to everything Lance told me this afternoon. Cara is back in Australia. She sold the studio, and I seem to have more control than ever.

  For nearly two years, it’s all I’ve wanted, yet now I have it; my world feels like it is slipping through my fingers.

  I stare down at the tiles, watching as the water runs down the drain.

  Because the woman I love, the woman who still tries to put on a brave face for me, tries to fix me, she sits on my sofa none the wiser to who I am and what I have done.

  And I have no idea how to face that.

  Nina

  After last night’s argument, I found myself waiting for Mason to come find me. He didn’t. I spent the entire night in the spare room.

  I need him.

  Probably more than I care to admit, and he hasn’t been here.

  It has me questioning everything I thought he was.

  Everything I thought we were.

  I stare down at my bangle. I promise you forever, my Pixie.

  My head hits the back of the seat, and I tell myself I am doing the right thing. I have to push my own problems to the back of my mind right now. Mason has a lot going on, and I want to be there for him.

  It’s why I’m in a taxi and on my way to Lowerwick. I want to do something, something that will take my mind off of the studio, and something that will allow me to be there for Mason’s family while he can’t.

  After contacting the girls from the studio, I felt reassured. They all vowed to practice at home until I found a space, but I know the more days that tick by, the lesser our chances are at winning the showcase. Losing the studio couldn’t have come at a worse time.

  Henry picked up work with his dad on a building site for the time being. He is a chilled guy and didn’t stress that he was out of a job. And Logan has been on the phone constantly worrying about me. Unlike Henry, he doesn’t have a job or any idea what he’s going to do, but his only concern is how I am.

  I hope we can find somewhere with a similar set up for both of our sakes.

  Lowerwick comes into view, cutting off my thoughts, its beauty undeniable and captivating. It baffles me that Mason can be so absent from his childhood home when it is so beautiful.

  I pay the taxi and cringe at the amount. It’s foolish of me to be spending so much when I am in such a financial mess.

  Taking the sprawling steps, I knock on the door and wait.

  After a few minutes, I try again, but no one answers. I push on the handle, and it opens.

  “Hello?”

  I walk into the entrance and peer into both the rooms on my left and right, but they are empty.

  The entire house is silent, no life or soul, and no love. It was full of it when I was here before, the Montgomerys and Lowells as one, but looking around now I can see it as the broken home that it is.

  My heart hurts for Mason, and I find myself rubbing absently at my chest.

  “Hello,” I call out again, moving farther into the house.

  I hear a light cough, and I halt in my steps. “Anthony?”

  “Who’s that?”

  I push open the door at the end of the corridor and find a small living room. Anthony rises from the chair, and straightaway I notice the pained look on his face.

  “Oh, don’t stand! Here.” I grab the cushion that has fallen and prop it up against his back as he gives up and sits back in his seat.

  “Nina, I’m sorry, I must have nodded off. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “I didn’t tell anyone I was coming. Sorry, I should have called.”

  “No, you’re always welcome here. Scarlet is here somewhere. You will have to give her a call; as you know, it’s a big house—she could be anywhere.”

  “That’s okay. Can I get you a drink?” I ask, feeling a little awkward.

  “No, no. I’m grand love.” He waves his hand around.

  He doesn’t look grand. His skin looks off colour and frail—even more so than before.

  “How have you been?” I ask, unsure of my words.

  I feel bad for disturbing him.

  “Good, it’s been beautiful weather the last couple of days. I’ve been out on the meadow for the most part.”

  “The meadow?”

  “Yeah, it’s on the other side of the estate. Mase has never mentioned it?” he asks, sounding slightly gutted as his brows draw in.

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  “Hmm,” he sniggers. “Do you want to see it?”

  His eyes light up in excitement.

  “I’d love to!”

  I go to help him from the chair, but he shrugs me off. It’s as if speaking of the meadow has bought him a new lease of life. It makes me smile.

  “I may need a new liver, but my legs still work, young lady.”

  “Sorry,” I mutter as he chuckles.

  “Come on.”

  I follow him out of the house and down to a garage. He lifts the door and smiles over at me.

  “I thought you said your legs work fine.” I laugh, climbing up into the golf-style buggy.

  He doesn’t say anything as he sits in the driving seat and pulls out of the garage.

  It is a bumpy ride down to the meadow, but it’s worth it. Sat two fields away from the estate, the most beautiful meadow lies covered in an array of wildflowers. The grass is greener than any grass I’ve ever seen. It’s bright and vibrant, and seems full of life.

  Trees line the boundary but open up at the bottom of the hillside. Anthony comes to a stop at the gate, and I jump out to open it.

  He speeds in past me, his eyes sparkling in delight.

  I can tell he is loving this.

  “It’s beautiful,” I beam, slipping back into the buggy beside him.

  He shakes his head, smirking at me, and I see so much of my beautiful man in that look, it makes my chest constrict.

  They are so alike.

  “You’ve not seen nothing yet. Hold on.”

  He takes off through the flowers, and I spin in my seat, shocked. “Anthony, the flowers!”

  He laughs freely. “They will bounce back.”

  I look behind us to see the trail of destruction, but my eyes lift instead to the beautiful view.

  We come to a stop at the top of the hill, and I sit speechless in my seat as I absorb Lowerwick in all its beauty. I can see the entire estate from here, and it seems so much bigger, grander. More.

  “Wow,” I mutter.

  “Look at this,” he says, tapping my arm.

  I turn, my eyes following his finger to where he is pointing, and the view in front of m
e takes my breath away. At the bottom of the meadow sits a glistening lake. I see no end to it, just miles and miles of uninterrupted water.

  Stepping from the buggy to get a better look, I take in the paddle boat and rope swing that lies broken on the floor.

  Mason.

  “He loved it out here. They both did.”

  I twist towards him. “They don’t come here anymore?”

  “Scarlet does. Nearly every day. Mase hasn’t been in years.”

  I swallow the lump in my throat, turning fully to take in Lowerwick at my back.

  “This has to be the most peaceful place on earth,” I tell him.

  “It is.” He smiles sadly. He steps from the buggy and sits on the grass, then nods his head to the spot beside him, encouraging me to drop down next to him. “You see there—to the left of the property.” He points.

  I squint, trying to work out where he means—until I spot it.

  The headstone stands large and proud in a garden of colourful flowers.

  “Ellis. Your wife.”

  “When she first passed, Mason and Scarlet would play on the lake whilst I sat here. So she could watch them with me.”

  “It’s perfect.” Tears fill my eyes—there’s no controlling them—and I try to blink them away.

  “It is, isn’t it.” He picks at the grass, rolling it between his fingers then letting it go in the light breeze. “Scarlet will never leave, and that fills me with so much joy, but I always hoped Mason would end up back here one day. That maybe I’d see my grandchildren play on the lake, and I could sit on the hill and watch them with her. Like we watched our children.”

  I roll my lips, not knowing how to reassure him when his life seems so uncertain. “I have faith in him, faith that he will come around. Deep down he loves it here.” I grasp my collarbone, closing my eyes briefly as I process that lie.

  Does Mason love it here? Maybe that’s something I can talk to him about.

  “I wish that were true, Nina.” He smiles warmly at me. “You’re good for him, I can see that. Scarlet even more so. She’s left me alone twice this week to do girly lunch.” He bumps me with his shoulder, lightening the mood.

  “She is incredible. They both are.” I grin, feeling my dimple pop.

  “What brought you out here today anyway?” he asks.

  “I lost my job.”

  “Ah, yes. The studio.”

  “How do you know about that?”

  He frowns. “Scarlet, she mentioned it had been sold. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Yeah, I’m gutted about it. I’m looking for somewhere new, though, and something will come up.”

  “Good things come to us when we are least expecting them, Nina. Believe in that, and you will be just fine.”

  I replay Anthony’s words in my head as we sit on the meadow together for over an hour, taking in the scenery. No conversation needed—just the sun on our backs and the hope for better days.

  25

  Nina

  I feel refreshed when I leave Lowerwick. It made me see that there are so many more important things in life than the studio. Seeing Anthony and the poor health he has right now, it makes me realise that sitting around and wallowing over my misfortune won’t make a difference. You have to get out, do something. I plan to explore all my options over the weekend so that when Monday comes I am ready to get my shit together.

  I have to stay positive.

  Mason’s been on my mind all afternoon, and being at his childhood home made me feel closer to him. He is distant right now and it’s hard to understand his headspace, but I want to make things okay between us.

  Pulling out my phone, I call him, hoping he will answer.

  “Angel,” he says down the phone, his voice smooth and comforting.

  I smile wide at the endearment. “Hey.”

  Silence stretches between us, and I worry I should have just waited until I got home to talk. I just missed him.

  “Sorry I didn’t call today. It’s been busy in the office,” he tells me.

  “You don’t need to apologise, it’s me who should be sorry. I know you have a lot on right now, and I should be better. I was a little emotional last night, and I was deflecting my own problems.”

  “What?” he says, sounding confused.

  “It’s just a job,” tears fill my eyes, and I fight to keep my voice steady. Do I even believe my own words? “I will find something else, and I will work at making it just as good. But I shouldn’t be dragging you down into my mess, it’s not your fault and you have enough going on.”

  He clears his throat. “Can we talk about this when I get home, babe? I’m nearly there.”

  “Uh, yeah, you might beat me back though.” I chuckle as I think about my impromptu afternoon.

  “Where are you? You’ve been out?”

  “Yeah, I went to see your sister and dad.”

  “Where?”

  “Lowerwick.” I frown, gripping the phone tight.

  Shit.

  Should I have asked him first?

  “The girls were both working, and I knew Scar would be home,” I try to explain.

  “It’s fine. I will see you at home.”

  I already know it’s not fine. The tone of his voice tells me it’s not fine. I keep fucking this up.

  “Okay. I’m sorry, Mase.”

  “Stop saying sorry. Please. There is nothing for you to be sorry about.” He exhales heavily down the phone, and my heart aches in my chest.

  Why does he feel a million miles away from me right now?

  “I’ll see you soon,” he says, hanging up.

  My mood hits rock bottom, and I regret calling him. I drop my head to the taxi window and let the first tear fall.

  Crying. Again.

  I feel fed up.

  I feel hurt.

  And I feel like a fool. I can’t mask the turmoil that’s plaguing me, not when my only escapes are gone.

  My studio and my Mase.

  Mase

  I made it back before Nina, and with my head thoroughly fried after a day trying to find the perfect studio, I decide to order in Chinese for dinner, knowing it’s her favourite.

  I’ve been in the gym every morning and evening this week, trying to work off the guilt that seems to be hanging over my head. Despite my constant workouts, my body is still wound tight, and I have no idea how to shift it.

  And as for her, I struggle to even look at her, knowing what I’ve taken away.

  “Mase?” she calls, making her way through the penthouse.

  “In here,” I call back.

  “Hey!” She smiles as she steps into the kitchen, and my heart sinks when I see her red-rimmed eyes.

  I go to her, taking her in my arms and holding her close. “I can’t stand to see you cry.”

  “I’m okay.” She sniffles as more tears fall to my shirt.

  I take her chin and lift her face so I can see her. I haven’t given her this connection in days. Our eyes blaze, and I can’t look away, something passing between us that’s deeper than anything I’ve ever experienced before.

  A carnal need to take what we both crave.

  I shake my head as my mouth comes down on hers, and the world seems to tilt just an inch back into place.

  Nina

  I’m hungry for him. Starved. If you told me ten minutes ago this is how my evening would go, I would have laughed in your face. But this is us, and it’s what we know. It’s what we are good at.

  Mase pulls at his tie, loosening it enough to pull it over his head. His shirt follows moments later. And this isn’t a romantic undressing of one another, we shed our clothes ourselves as we rush to have the connection.

  I only manage to get my jeans off of one leg when he lifts me, pushing me back hard into the fridge. My legs wrap around his body as he pulls my trousers down over my foot.

  His strong, powerful body ripples under me and I squeeze my legs around him, urging him to come closer.

  The lace of my u
nderwear tears as he rips my thong from my hips, and in the next second, he fills me. He drops his head on a deep groan, resting it against my breast bone. He takes a second—unmoving—his breath fanning my heated skin.

  “Mase.”

  When his head comes up and his gaze meets mine, I see the darkness lurking there.

  His brows dip low as I smile down at him, and it seems to break his trance. He begins to move inside me. Hard and fast, not giving me a moment to catch my breath.

  His hand lifts my leg, putting it flush to the fridge. My other leg drops an inch from his waist, and the move has him rubbing perfectly against the spot inside me.

  “Fuck!” he bites out. “Don’t come yet.”

  I close my eyes and try to think of anything but the feel of him.

  His movements are uncontrolled and unlike him; a hyper wave of adrenaline as he thrusts into me relentlessly. I grit my teeth as his hand grips my thigh tight enough to mark.

  He is wild. Unleashing everything he has.

  My eyes flash open as a tortured cry leaves his throat. His sad eyes are locked on my face, and for a moment, he looks utterly broken.

  Dropping his head, he hides from me, picking up the pace until my toes are curling and I can’t hold off any longer. My body coils tight around him, and I jerk forward as my orgasm takes me. He follows behind me, pumping three more times inside me before he stills, gripping my shoulder hard as he rains open-mouthed kisses against my throat.

  What the fuck was that?

  “Mase?”

  His head rests heavily on my shoulder as we stand connected as one, but he doesn’t answer me. My leg begins to cramp, and I push from his grip, letting it fall to the ground. My tired eyes meet his, and the smile he gives me soothes some of the worry.

  “Go shower, angel, and I will set up the table for dinner.”

  I yawn and stretch, feeling incredible, my body the perfect kind of sore. Mason couldn’t get enough last night. Every time I thought he was done, he would be desperate for more and I know I will pay for it today; I feel exhausted.