Page 96 of House of Payne

I shrug. “I guess you’re right. I shouldn’t have expected anything else. I mean, I’d be pissed, too, but I was hoping…”

I have no idea how I expected them to react, but I know I deserve their anger and disbelief.

I wouldn’t have known how to handle them being understanding and compassionate, so logically, I know the way they reacted is for the best.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Miss Deveroux’s hand darts out, and she offers my hand a small squeeze. “You were hoping they’d get it and offer their support?”

I blow out another defeated breath. “I know it sounds stupid, and I know better than that. I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess it’s better they know the truth. At least I don’t have to hide it.”

They might not know the full picture, but knowing I’m not abroad helps ease some of the ache. At least I don’t have to spend a few minutes online before every phone call, looking up weather reports and time zones in a different country.

Miss Deveroux sips her drink. “But you were still angry, and that’s how you wound up in Mason Payne’s bed.”

I nod. “Yeah, I don’t know how that happened.”

The older woman’s expression softens. “He has a way of sneaking up on people. I know I’ve joked about how you should screw him, but in all seriousness, you should be careful.”

“What do you mean?”

She makes a face. “He might seem harmless, but getting involved with a man like that is a bad idea.”

I search her face, and something in me tightens. “I thought you said there were no bad ideas, just good ideas that seem bad.”

Miss Deveroux shakes her head. “Not with him. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into.”

“I don’t understand.”

Miss Deveroux takes a rag out from under the table and averts her gaze. “Screwing him is one thing. Hell, I even think it’ll do you some good. I can tell you enjoyed yourself, but make sure you don’t go thinking about the man behind the mask.”

I swallow. “I won’t.”

Miss Deveroux gives me a knowing look. “It’s normal to wonder, but people steer clear of him for a reason. It isn’t because of what he does; it’s because of who he is. Don’t go tricking yourself into believing there’s a heart under there, because there isn’t.”

Why is she sharing this now?

After weeks of telling me to bang his brains out, Miss Deveroux is backpedaling so fast that it makes me wonder if there isn’t more to the story.

“It’s just sex,” I say unconvincingly. “You have nothing to worry about.”

Miss Deveroux’s lips lift into a half smile. “Good, because the only things that man can commit to are his ambition and desire for power. He loves his work, but his drive and ambition get him places, so that’s all that matters to him.”

I blink. “Okay.”

“He’s as cold as they come,” Miss Deveroux continues, her features changing into something less recognizable. “It’s important to remember that. It will save you a lot of heartache and wasted time.”

A lump rises in the back of my throat. “Of course. I appreciate that.”

Something about her tone and the look on her face leaves me wondering.

How well does she know Mason?

And what did he do to her that compels warning other women at the risk of her livelihood?

Had she seen something in him that was worth saving?

Is she warning me because she sees herself in me?