Page 42 of Chief's Addiction

He closed his eyes and nodded frantically, probably praying we’d leave before I changed my mind about not killing him.

“Glad we understand each other.”

Turning back to my woman, I motioned to the door.

Nodding, she took hold of Beckett’s hand and pulled him behind her.

I followed them out the door and into the truck.

“What now?” Cora asked, her voice small as she looked over at me.

I started the engine, feeling the weight of two pairs of eyes on me. This wasn’t how I’d planned to spend my morning, but I’d be damned if I left that kid in that house for another minute.

“Now… we go home.”

Chapter 10

Cora

After leaving Beckett’s foster home, if you could even call that hellhole a home, Mason insisted we swing by my apartment so I could grab some clothes. I’d tried to put up a fight about packing a bag, arguing that I didn’t need to stay with him, but he’d won that battle.Damn him and his persuasive kisses that made my brain short-circuit.

Now there we were at his actual home, which wasn’t at all what I’d expected. I’d pictured something more bachelor pad-ish, maybe an apartment above a bar or maybe even a small townhouse. Not this beachfront beauty that looked like something out of Coastal Living magazine. I mean, seriously. The place was that nice.

My thoughts of how amazing his place was were interrupted when the man himself yanked open my door and reached around me to grab my overnight bag. His broad chest brushed against my shoulder, sending a shiver down my spine as he plucked my keys from the ignition and pocketed them with a smirk.

“In case you try to run,” he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. “As if you could keep me anywhere I didn’t want to be.”

“Is that a challenge, baby?” His eyes darkened with promise.

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I climbed out, brushing past him. “Nope.” I loved a challenge, especially one that was guaranteed to end with us both naked and gasping for breath, but it wasn’t the time for that. Beckett needed to be looked after. “Come on, Beck. Let’s check out the digs.”

We climbed the tall staircase that led to the main level, my hand trailing along the weathered railing. The wraparound porch was even more impressive up close, with its bright red Adirondack chairs and flourishing potted plants strategically placed to create a comfy vibe that begged you to sit down with a book and a big glass of sweet tea. And the view of the Atlantic... yeah, that was nothing short of breathtaking with its endless blue waters stretching out to the horizon.

“I can’t believe you live here,” I said, hearing the awe in my voice.

“It’s just a house, babe.” Mason said over his shoulder as he unlocked the front door.

Just a house? More like my dream house.

He pushed the door open and motioned for us to go in.

Doing as he said, I followed behind Beckett and froze in my tracks the second I was inside.

Holy shit.

The inside was even more stunning than the outside. It was open concept with high, beamed ceilings and large windows that filled the space, giving lots of natural light. And the decor was a perfect blend of coastal blues and masculine dark warm woods.

The more I saw, the more my stomach started to knot. There was clearly a woman’s touch to the place, the thoughtfully arranged throw pillows, the artfully displayed coffee table books, the family photos in matching driftwood frames.

Had this been his wife’s doing? The thought made something ugly twist in my chest.

“What’s wrong?” Mason asked, his eyes searching my face.

I forced a smile. There was no way I was admitting that I didn’t like being in the home he had shared with Tonya. “Nothing, it’s really nice.”

He studied me for a moment, clearly not buying it. “Thanks. Bought it a few months ago. My sister decorated it.”

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