Page 177 of House of Payne

Mason lets out a humorless chuckle. “I’d say that ended the minute they went after you. I’ll figure out a way to make them pay without making things worse.”

I frown. “Is there a way to do that?”

Mason blinks and looks at me. “That’s not something you should worry about. I’ll take care of it. No one will ever lay another fucking hand on you, London.”

I want to tell Mason not to do anything, to leave it alone, but I know better.

This isn’t my world, but I’d be an idiot to think what they did should be taken lightly.

Mason won’t see things the same way I do, nor can I expect him to.

All I can hope for is that, when the smoke clears, there’s something left for us to rebuild.

Chapter Thirty

Mason

“What the fuck do you want?” I shift to block Mathew’s view of London, who is curled up on the bed with the covers pulled over her. “Here to gloat?”

I am not in the mood to hear whatever smug tirade he’s about to go on.

I already know there’s a mess waiting for me to clean up, but I’ve spent the past few hours going over it in my head. The more I do, the less inclined I am to leave London’s room.

What are you going to do? Hide out at the estate and hope it disappears? Get a grip, Payne. You don’t hide from your problems. This should’ve already been taken care of.

Michael Everett and Lance Fitzpatrick should be made an example of.

Especially that little fucker Lance, who in spite of the multiple bullets put through him, is somehow still walking around.

I’m itching to make it happen, but since I’ve already gone out on a limb by forcing my way into the house to save London, I know I need to tread carefully.

There’s been enough damage, and I don’t want to make it worse, no matter how badly I’m tempted.

Mathew scowls and swings his gaze back to mine. “How the fuck doyou plan to make things right if you’ve been in here playing house for hours? Stop being a pussy and forget your little plaything. She’s not worth—”

I throw open the door and shove Mathew against the wall. “If you like being able to speak, I’d suggest you think carefully before you finish that sentence.”

He stares at me. “She has you wrapped around her finger, doesn’t she? Holy shit. Tell me you’re not going to fucking war for her.”

“I’m not going to fucking war for her,” I reply evenly.

Mathew searches my face. “You are. Because ofher. You’re supposed to be figuring out a way to kiss their asses and make things better, not worse.”

I shove Mathew aside and ignore my growing headache. “When I want your advice, I’ll ask. In the meantime, get out of my face.”

I give my brother a bored look and wait for him to round the corner. Then, I creep back into the room and let the door click shut. London is sitting up now, her blonde hair cascading around her shoulders and bathed in a halo of light.

She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

She has no idea what she’s getting into…

I cross over to her and sit on edge of the bed. “How much of that did you hear?”

London runs a hand over her face and clears her throat. “Enough.”

I tilt her chin up so she’s looking at me. “I will take care of it, and I will take care of you.”

London swallows, and her eyes move over my face. “I’m sorry this happened because of me. I…”