Page 131 of Please Save Me

From how close they both sounded, I was pretty sure they were arguing right in front of my door.

“And Idid, just like I do today.”

A sick feeling filled my stomach as Mason whimpered at Lucian’s words. I thought the two were getting better. But, it seemed like Lucian would never learn how to stop letting Mason down.

“You’re supposed to be myhusband.” Her voice grew weaker, trembling at every single inflection. “You haven’t even been alone with me since last week. Now you don’t want to go to seeourbaby?”

I’d all but forgotten about their engagement. And, honestly? If I was her I’d call it off. It wasn’t like they were already married, and right now, she deserved better.

My ear pressed to the door as I waited for Lucian’s response, silently praying he wouldn’t say anything stupid.

“Rosie isn’tmybaby. She’s Cameron’s.”

Oh my God.

Mason’s shocked gasp pierced my ears and my heart skipped a beat. Instantly, I opened the door so fast I was a little surprised I didn’t tear it off its hinges.

Lucian and Mason both looked shocked as they turned my direction. The tears collecting in the corners of Mason’s eyes damn near killed me. She looked between Lucian and I, suddenly seeming a little embarrassed about being seen like this.

Her breathing stuttered as she squared her shoulders, but even that gesture didn’t prevent her from looking small.

Lucian threaded his fingers into his hairline as he used his thumb to rub his temple. For the past few days, he looked like he was on death’s door. He was pale, sweaty, and constantly shaking, but today he had a little color back in hischeeks. Still, he lacked a certain spark in his eyes which let me know he wasn’tentirelyhimself.

“Look, that came out wrong,” he said.

Mason wiped her tears with the sleeve of her sweater. “Then how was it supposed to come out? Because that seemed very clear.”

I had the opportunity to let Lucian dig his own grave if I wanted. In my eyes, nothing he could ever do would make-up for him risking Mason and Rosie’s life. But… Mason loved Lucian, and I was a better man than him.

“Sweetpea, I still don’t think he’s feeling well.” I stepped between them and put the back of my hand to his forehead.

He was cool as a cucumber.

Lucian melted into my touch slightly, and I yanked my hand back.

“You’re burning up, you need to go lay down,” I lied, hoping to save Mason’s feelings.

He closed his eyes as his shoulders slumped before he pulled away. I’m sure he would have thanked me if Mason wasn’t at our heels. But, I didn’t save his skin for him.

When Lucian walked into his room, Mason let go of the torrent of tears she’d been denying. She buried her face in her hands, and her shoulders shook so violently I worried she’d pull something.

I tried to step closer but she swatted me away like she genuinely couldn’t stand the idea of me touching her right now.

“Mae, I—“

“I hate you,” she sobbed.

Every muscle in my body went stiff. She realized she was talking to me and not Lucian… right?

“I beg your pardon?”

Her eyes met mine as fat tears slipped through her freckles. She’d been crying a lot recently, and Seb constantly reminded everyone in the house that Mason was hormonal. It wasn’t her fault, and she wouldn’t always be like this. That didn’t make the raw edge in her voice any easier to swallow.

“I hate you,” she repeated, this time withconviction.

And, that made it hurt more. But, years of dealing with Lucian had made me skilled when it came to dealing with misplaced rage. Between that and knowing her mind was wired a little differently than mine, I wasn’t even upset at her for saying something so hurtful.

“I ain’t gonna tell you not to say that. I just want to know why.”

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