Page 20

I didn’t answer his question. I wasn’t sure. I assumed it had to do with me and he regretted that Eagle Tactical had hired me.
“Jaxson’s sexually frustrated. I see the way he looks at you,” Mason said.
“Like he wants to kill me?” I laughed.
“The man needs to get laid. He stares at you like you’re the prize he wants at the fair.”
It was absurd. “That can’t be it.” I didn’t want to believe that he’d treated me like crap and kicked me out of his house because he wanted to have sex with me. “Oh my gosh! I’m an idiot. Jaxson’s probably upset that he can’t bring another woman over with me living in one bedroom and his sister in another.”
“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want anyone else,” Mason said, spelling it out for me.
Was that true? “I don’t know, Mason. You didn’t see him this morning in the office or when we’re at his house. He can barely look at me.”
“I’d have the same problem if I was living under the same roof as the woman I love and can’t have,” Mason said. His gaze moved from me and locked on Hazel.
I could feel the sexual tension brewing between them with just a simple look. I cleared my throat and backed up toward the door. “I need to head to the store and pick up a few things for Hazel. She’s going to need clothes, toiletries, anything else?” I asked.
“Get her hair dye and sheering scissors,” Mason said. “We can’t take a chance that she’ll be easily spotted by Franco or his buddies. Ariella, I want you to know you’re welcome to stay in the extra bed. One of us will be here keeping watch over Hazel, protecting her, but you don’t have to go back to Jaxson’s if you don’t feel comfortable.”
“Thanks.”
I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but having the option to stay at the hotel eased my mind more than I thought it would. I’d need to pick up my clothes, the few belongings I’d purchased after moving in with Jaxson.
“Do you need anything else?” I asked Hazel.
“Chocolate and maybe a box of condoms.” She grinned, casting a glance at Mason.
Mason groaned. “Woman, you are going to make my job difficult. I can see it now.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.” Hazel winked at Mason.
I took that as my hint to leave.