Page 20 of Love Corrupted
I looked around the massive house and took a quick peek at Mason’s father. It would all appear to be lovely to someone looking in: a wealthy man, a beautiful home, and a son. I knew better, though.
Sometimes, our heads could be a dangerous place. My mind had always been my own worst enemy. Declan’s next words solidified what I was already figuring out.
“I think she just wanted it all to end, ya know? From what my dad told me, she just lost touch with reality, wanted to give Mason a chance to have a normal childhood.”
We fell into silence after that. I knew exactly how it felt to have hell in your head, but then along came Mason and made it safe again. Was he trying to save me because he felt responsible for his mother somehow? The theory made sense.
I was always so worried about my own issues, I never stopped to wonder who helped him through his. Maybe we really were alike.
“Why did you lie the other day?” I kept my voice low.
“Because you need him to think you’re playing along. And…the person you’re looking for won’t help you in the long run. If you really want some answers, check the living room.”
“Why would you—“
“He’s coming,” he interjected, raising a glass to his mouth to play off his warning.
“Do you paint, too?” I swiftly changed the subject, blurting out the first thing that popped into my head.
“Do I…?” He shook his head and laughed, “No, angel, I just work the Red Rooms.”
“The Red Rooms?” It sounded like the name of a cheap porno.
“You’ll have to ask Mason about them.” He winked a silver eye at me and walked across the room as Mason approached.
Sure—I’d just pencil that in under question four-hundred that he had yet to answer.
Chapter Fifteen
I lay on my side and watched him undress.
“Why haven’t we gone home yet?” I yawned, snuggling into my pillow.
He paused for a second and glanced over his shoulder at me.
“The house is having some work done,” he answered, pulling his shirt over his head.
“Oh,” I mumbled, watching him drop his pants. A familiar ache settled between my thighs as I stared at him. He was such a beautiful man. His bronze skin and toned physique complimented each other perfectly.
I hoped him undressing meant he was going to attempt to sleep. Then, I could attempt to sneak out. I’d spotted the living room on our way back upstairs.
I couldn’t come up with a logical reason why he should take me to see it right then. I should have asked for a tour.
He turned to face me, and I traced the outline of his abs with my eyes. I’d never seen him work out, but he had to do something to maintain his shape. I doubted killing people was a muscle booster. Though, if he lifted enough bodies, I guess that could be equivalent to lifting weights.
“Katie.”
My eyes snapped up to his. I took in the smile on his face and gave him one that matched. He was so hot and cold—mostly cold. Learning about his mother made me understand his obsession a little more, at least from my point of view.
“Pick four questions,” he said, walking towards me.
Of course, everything had to be some kind of game with him. If he was only giving me four questions, I wanted them to count. I knew he’d grown up loved, thanks to Declan.
His past wasn’t the mystery; he was.
“When did you start…or how did you start painting?”Killing,I silently added.
“That’s an easy one.” He climbed over me and sat down, bracing his back against the headboard and pulling me up to his chest.
