Page 48 of The Masks We Wear

Adriana looks at Robert expectantly for him to somehow solve the problem and tighten Brody’s leash and for a second, I feel sympathy for the man. He’s clearly overworked and exhausted and would probably love to have a normal family, but this woman makes him and their children so miserable. He has the power to leave, but chooses not to, so do I feel that bad for him? No. Robert clamps his jaw shut and just exits the room. Adriana mutters arguments under her breath but reluctantly follows Robert out, slamming the door behind her.

Brody throws herself onto her bed and sighs, her eyes closing. Andrew and I exchange worried glances. “You okay, big sis?”

“That felt fucking awesome,” Brody grins up at the ceiling.

Andrew smirks, relieved, “I didn’t know you had that in you. I’m impressed.”

Brody sits up, grinning from ear to ear, “I didn’t either. I was feeling inspired,” she glances at me, meeting my eyes as she blushes. I smile at her, warmth spreading through my chest.

“What should we do for Christmas and Thanksgiving now that we won’t be spending it with them?” Andrew inquires.

Brody shrugs, “Who cares? We can do whatever we want! Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.”

Andrew chuckles, “True.”

“How long are you here for?” Brody changes the subject.

“I’m leaving tomorrow night after your show,” Andrew responds.

Brody’s eyes light up, “You’re staying for the show?”

“Of course. You know I love watching you perform,” he says affectionately.

“I’ll have Selene give you a backstage pass and a VIP ticket,” Brody plans, tapping out a quick message to who I can only assume is Selene on her phone.

He nods, “Sounds good to me,” he yawns. “I’m beat, though. I’m gonna head to bed and have beautiful sweet dreams about Mom’s face when you told her off.”

Brody laughs but gets up to hug her brother. “I’ll see you tomorrow, dumbass.”

He kisses the side of her head and pats me on the shoulder before he sees himself out. Once the door closes, it’s just Brody and I, alone after everything that just went down. She walks over to me slowly, her eyes never leaving mine. “You didn’t have to stand up to her for me.”

A crease forms between my brows. How could she ever thinkIwouldn’tdefend her? I’d protect her against anyone, anything.Why though, Harvey? You’ve never cared this much for anyone before. I ask myself but the answer comes too quickly. Because nobody before her has ever been able to rile me up so quickly, challenge me at every opportunity, and completely flip my entire world as I knew it upside down. Brody Drake alone is a beautiful disaster, the version of herself she chooses to show the world, but when the mask is removed, and her true face is shown, she has the power to send the whole world to her feet. I have never met anyone like her and I never will after her, once we have to say our goodbyes. The reminder of our impending separation has me rubbing an ache out of my chest, right above my heart. “Doesn’t mean I didn’twantto. I willneverstand by quietly while someone disrespects you.”

Her lips curve into an affectionate smile, “Thank you.”

I shake my head, “You never have to thank me for doing what everyone else in your life should’ve done for you.”

Her smile falls and she takes a deep breath in. She closes the distance between us and places her palms on my chest. I place my hands on her waist instinctually and she exhales as she meets my eyes. “I want to do something for you,” her face doesn’t give away anything she’s thinking.

I quirk a brow, “What?”

She smirks and I know immediately that whatever she has in mind isn’t PG-13. She fists the collar of my shirt and drags me over to the bed. I follow her the whole time, letting her guide me. I’ve always,alwaysbeen in control when it comes to sex and my life in general. I need to be in control, I don’t justwantto be. I need it like I need air to breathe and the idea of surrendering control to anyone cuts my oxygen supply off. However, for the first time in my life, I’m completely okay with the unknown, with surrendering control to Brody Drake even though my natural instincts are telling me to do the opposite.Besides, she’s surrendered herself to me more times than I can count, it seems only fair to let her have it this once, right?

She gently pushes me down so that I sit on the edge of the bed, her movements slow as if she knows not being in control is new territory for me, uncomfortable territory. “Is this okay?” She asks, anxiously chewing her bottom lip.

I snort a laugh, “You didn’t even do anything yet.”

She grins, dropping to her knees before me on the ground and I know right away what she’s planning to do. “Brody-”

She cuts me off, “I want to do this for you.”

I shake my head, “I don’t let anyone do that to me, Brody,” I say with dismissal in my voice. The idea of a woman sucking my cock makes me uncomfortable solely because it would require me to willingly surrender control.

Brody makes no effort to touch me, not wanting to cross any lines. “Why?”

“Because I don’t like not feeling in control,” I admit.

She tilts her head at me. “What if I let you control it?”

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