Page 66 of House of Payne

I am Mason Payne. I was born and raised to lead the Payne Empire, and no one, not even someone like London, will ruin that for me.

I’m just going to have to find a way to have fun while I wait.

Katia’s eyes dart down to the bulge in my pants and back up to my face. “Well?”

I yank the door to the office open and step inside. “Find me a way to get to the mayor. I don’t give a shit what it takes.”

With that, I slam the door in her face and cross over to the desk. After pouring myself a generous amount of whiskey, I lift the glass to my lips. On my third drink, I almost forget how it felt to stand so close to London, watching her lower lip tremble as she looked at me.

She wants me.

I can see it in her eyes.

Just say the word, kitten. Forget that idiot who’s waiting for you, and forget about what you think you know. I can make you forget your name if you let me.

I set down the glass with a little more force than necessary and sit behind the desk. For the rest of the night, I leaf through paperwork and stare at my laptop screen until my eyes burn. When the roaring in my ears becomes too much, I unzip my pants and allow myself to spring free.

As I sit there, I picture London’s deft fingers around me. I imagine her mouth doing all sorts of things, and it’s almost enough to make me explode. Abruptly, I stop and curl my hands into fists at my side.

Fantasizing about her isn’t enough.

I need the real thing, and I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.

Chapter Sixteen

London

I use the back of my hand to wipe the steam from the mirror. “You know I can’t tell you what I’m doing. They had me sign an NDA.”

Noah laughs. “Don’t tell me you’re a spy. Am I going to see you on the news going all James Bond on people’s asses?”

I force myself to chuckle. “I doubt that’ll happen.”

“Of course not. You’ll have to be discreet,” Noah replies. “I just can’t believe my girlfriend gets to be such a badass.”

I let my hand fall to my side and take a step back. “Not really. I’m just doing what I have to do.”

I hate that Noah is so upbeat and trusting about this.

How can he not see the truth?

Is he turning a blind eye on purpose because he knows the truth will spell doom for us?

I almost want him to expose me, so I won’t have to lie anymore. Having to tiptoe around the truth the past few weeks is exhausting, and weaving lie after lie is taking a toll on me. I’ve told so many lies, I’m not even sure what the truth is anymore.

All I know is that I miss Noah with a fierceness that surprises me.

I miss the comfort and familiarity of my old life.

I miss knowing what my day was going to look like, between tendingto the diner with my dad during the day and spending nights in Noah’s arms.

The twisted feelings I have for Mason don’t mean anything.

They can’t.

I won’t let myself feel for him. He’s the reason my father is in this mess to begin with.

While I appreciate him coming to my rescue in keeping the creeps at bay and occasionally being kind, I can’t forget who he is and why I’m here.