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twenty

Mason

I pull up to the hospital entrance, the familiar knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. Meadow turns to me, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her eyes.

“You sure about this?” I ask, unable to keep the concern from my voice. “It’s not too late to turn around.”

She smiles, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “I’m sure. I need this, Mason. I need to get back to my life.”

I nod, forcing down the urge to throw her over my shoulder and speed away. She’s right. I know she’s right. But the thought of her walking into that building, out of my protection…

Meadow leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “I’ll be fine,” she murmurs. “You can’t keep me locked away forever.”

“Watch me,” I say, only half joking.

She laughs, the sound easing some of the tension in my chest. “I love you, you overprotective caveman. I’ll see you tonight.”

With one last kiss, she opens the car door. I watch as she straightens her scrubs, adjusting the stethoscope around her neck. She looks every inch the competent doctor she is.

As Meadow walks toward the hospital entrance, my fingers tighten on the handle bars. Every instinct screams at me to go after her, to keep her safe by my side. But I force myself to stay put.

She pauses at the door, turning back to give me a small wave. I manage a smile and a nod, even as my heart races. Then she’s gone, disappearing into the bustling hospital.

I sit there for a long moment, engine idling. Part of me wants to park and wait, to be here the second her shift ends. But I know that’s not healthy. For either of us.

With a heavy sigh, I start my bike, looking back one more time. As I pull away from the curb, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m leaving a piece of my heart behind those hospital doors.

“Get it together,” I mutter to myself. “She’ll be fine.”

But even as I merge into traffic, my mind is already planning. I’ll have some of the prospects keep an eye on the place, just in case. Maybe I’ll swing by at lunch, bring her something to eat…

I shake my head, forcing myself to focus on the road.

With that thought to sustain me, I head toward the clubhouse. There’s work to be done, and I can’t spend all day worrying. No matter how much I might want to.

* * *

Meadow

I feel better than I expected to walking into the hospital. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells wash over me, grounding me. This is where I belong.

Several nurses and orderlies call out greetings as I make my way to the locker room. Their warm welcomes ease some of the lingering anxiety in my chest. These people are my colleagues, my friends. I’m safe here.

I can’t help but smile at the hickey peeking out from my collar. Mason had been… enthusiastic… about marking me before I left this morning. The memory sends a pleasant shiver down my spine.

“Dr. Beckham!” Sarah’s voice breaks through my reverie. I turn to see her beaming at me from across the locker room. “It’s so good to have you back!”

I return her smile, touched by her enthusiasm. “It’s good to be back,” I tell her honestly.

Sarah hesitates for a moment, then steps forward to pull me into a quick hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispers. “After everything…”

I squeeze her gently before pulling back. “I’m okay,” I assure her. “Better than okay, actually. How are you doing?”

A shadow passes over Sarah’s face, but she manages a small smile. “Getting there. The therapy is helping.” I’m surprised she even came back to work after everything but she’s determined to move on with her life.

We chat for a few more minutes as I finish getting ready. By the time I clip on my ID badge, I’m feeling settled and focused. Ready to face whatever the day brings.

As I step out onto the floor, I take a deep breath. Time to get back to work. Time to start living my life again.

The morning passes in a whirlwind of patients, charts, and consultations. It feels good to be using my skills again, to be making a difference. By the time lunch rolls around, I’m riding high on adrenaline and satisfaction.

I’m just finishing up some paperwork when a commotion at the nurses’ station catches my attention. I look up to see Mason striding down the hallway, a takeout bag in one hand.

My heart leaps at the sight of him, even as exasperation bubbles up. Of course he couldn’t stay away.

“Sir, you can’t—” one of the security guards starts to say, only to fall silent as Mason fixes him with a hard stare.

“It’s okay,” I call out, stepping forward. “He’s with me.”

Mason’s face softens as he spots me. In a few long strides, he’s at my side, one arm wrapping possessively around my waist.

“Couldn’t stay away, huh?” I murmur, even as I lean into his solid warmth.

He grins. “Just wanted to make sure my girl was eating,” he says, holding up the takeout bag. “Can’t have you passing out on the job.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help but smile at Mason’s overprotective gesture. “You’re ridiculous,” I tell him, but there’s no heat behind my words.

Mason’s grin widens. “You love it,” he replies confidently.

And the thing is, he’s right. As exasperating as his caveman tendencies can be sometimes, I do love how much he cares. How far he’ll go to make sure I’m safe and taken care of.

“Come on,” I say, tugging him toward the break room. “Let’s eat before this food gets cold.”

As we settle at one of the small tables, I can feel curious eyes on us. Mason in his cut and tattoos is quite the contrast to the sterile hospital environment. But I find I don’t care what anyone thinks. This is my life now, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“So how’s your first day back going?” Mason asks as we dig into the burgers and fries he brought.

I swallow a bite before answering. “Good, actually. Better than I expected. It feels right to be here, you know?”

Mason nods, though I can see a flicker of concern in his eyes. “No problems? Everyone treating you okay?”

“Everyone’s been great,” I assure him. “Stop worrying so much.”

He reaches across the table to take my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my skin. “Can’t help it,” he says softly. “You’re too important to me.”

My heart melts at his words. I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I love you,” I murmur.

“Love you too, darlin’,” Mason replies, his eyes dark with emotion.

We finish our lunch, chatting about our respective mornings. As much as I hate to see him go, I know I need to get back to work.

“I’ll see you tonight?” I ask as we stand.

Mason nods, pulling me close for one last kiss. “I’ll be waiting,” he promises.

As I watch him stride away, my heart feels full to the point of bursting. For the first time in a long time, I feel like everything is exactly as it should be.

The rest of my shift passes quickly. By the time I’m changing back into my usual clothes, I’m exhausted, but satisfied. It feels good to be back in the swing of things.

As I step out of the hospital, the cool evening air is a welcome relief. I scan the parking lot, knowing Mason will be here to pick me up.

Sure enough, I spot his bike idling at the curb. The sight of him, leather-clad and dangerous-looking, sends excitement through me. How did I get so lucky?

“Hey, beautiful,” Mason calls as I approach. “Ready to go home?”

I climb on behind him, wrapping my arms tightly around his waist. As we pull away from the curb, I rest my cheek against Mason’s back, breathing in his familiar scent of leather and smoke. The rumble of the motorcycle vibrates through me, and I feel the tension of the day melting away.

The wind whips past us as Mason weaves expertly through traffic. I close my eyes, savoring the feeling of freedom. This—the open road, Mason’s solid presence in front of me—this is home now.

Too soon, we’re pulling into the driveway of Mason’s house. Our house, I remind myself. It still feels surreal sometimes, how quickly my life has changed.

Mason cuts the engine and helps me off the bike. Before I can take two steps, he’s pulling me into his arms, crushing me against his chest.

“Missed you,” he murmurs, nuzzling my neck.

I melt into his embrace, breathing him in. “Missed you too,” I admit. “But I’m glad I went back.”

Mason pulls back slightly, searching my face. “Yeah? No regrets?”

I shake my head, smiling up at him. “None. It felt good to be back at work. To be doing what I love.”

Relief flashes across Mason’s features. He leans in, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. “I’m proud of you, you know that? You’re so fucking strong.”

Emotion wells up in my throat at his words. I rise to my tiptoes, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. Mason responds immediately, his arms tightening around me as he deepens the kiss.

When we finally part, both breathless, Mason’s eyes are dark with hunger. “Inside,” he orders, his voice thick with need. “Now.”

I laugh as he scoops me up, carrying me toward the house. “Caveman,” I tease, even as desire pools low in my belly.

Mason grins. “You love it.”

And as he carries me over the threshold, I can’t help but agree. This may not be the life I imagined for myself, but it’s better than anything I could have dreamed.

Mason sets me down in the entryway but doesn’t release his hold on me. His hands roam my body, relearning every curve and plane. I arch into his touch, desperate for more.

“Mason,” I breathe, fingers tangling in his hair. “Please.”

He groans, the sound vibrating through me. “Fuck, Meadow. The things you do to me.”

In one fluid motion, Mason lifts me again. I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me up the stairs to our bedroom. Our lips never part the entire way, the kiss growing more heated with each step.

We tumble onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, hands frantically working to remove clothing. When we’re finally skin to skin, Mason pauses, hovering over me.

His eyes roam over my body, dark with desire. His calloused hand trails down my side, leaving goosebumps in its wake. I shiver under his intense gaze.

“Mason,” I breathe, arching up into him. “I need you.”

“Patience, darlin’,” he murmurs, lips brushing my ear. “I’m gonna take my time with you.”

His mouth blazes a trail of fire down my neck, nipping and sucking at my sensitive skin. I know I’ll have new marks tomorrow, but I can’t bring myself to care. Let the world see that I’m his.

Mason’s hands and lips explore every inch of me, stoking the flames of my desire higher and higher. By the time he settles between my thighs, I’m a writhing, desperate mess.

“Please,” I whimper, beyond pride or shame. “Mason, please.”

He looks up at me, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Since you asked so nicely…”

The first brush of his lips elicits a soft whimper from me. A wave of intense delight surges through my body, warm and overwhelming. Mason lets out a low murmur, the sound resonating and sending ripples of sensation through my skin. My body reacts instinctively, seeking more of him. Firmly, Mason’s hands hold my hips steady as he continues his relentless exploration. His lips and tongue alternate between gentle caresses and focused attention.

“Mason,” I breathe, my fingers entwining with his hair. “Oh God, Mason!”

He makes a sound of approval, the vibration coursing through me. I move beneath him, enveloped in a fog of sheer bliss. The tension within me coils tighter, poised to unravel at any moment.

“That’s it, darlin’,” Mason whispers, his words muffled against me. “Let go for me. I want to feel you.”

His words are the final push I need. A cry escapes me as my back arches, and waves of euphoria wash over me. My legs quiver, muscles tightening as the climax overtakes me. Mason persists, guiding me through every lingering tremor until I am left breathless.

As he finally withdraws, his scruff glistening with the remnants of my pleasure. The sight stirs another flicker of desire within me. Mason beams, clearly satisfied, and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Exquisite,” he murmurs, his voice thick with longing.

Before I can catch my breath, I feel a tug between my legs and I jump in shock when he pulls my tampon out of me before throwing it in the trash by the bed.

I cover my face in shock, I totally forgot about my period. “I can’t believe you did that,” I mutter behind my hands, and he bursts out laughing.

“Baby, it’s not like you were bleeding everywhere, you had a tampon in.” He pries my hands away and I sigh, giving in to look at him.

My face is still burning. “I don’t want you to think I’m gross.”

Mason’s eyes flash with anger at my words. “Gross? You think I’d ever find you gross?”

Before I can respond, he flips me over onto my stomach in one swift motion. His large hand comes down hard on my ass, the sharp crack echoing in the room.

I gasp, more from surprise than pain. “Mason, what?—”

Another stinging slap cuts me off. “Don’t you ever talk about yourself like that,” Mason says, punctuating each word with a smack. “You’re perfect. Every. Fucking. Inch. Of. You.”

The heat builds in my backside as Mason continues his assault. I squirm beneath him, more turned on than ever before.

“I’m sorry,” I whimper, burying my face in the pillow. “I didn’t mean?—”

“Oh no, darlin’,” Mason says, pausing his spanking to grip my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I want to hear you say it. Tell me how perfect you are.”

I swallow hard, meeting his intense gaze. “I… I’m perfect,” I whisper.

Mason’s hand cracks against my ass once more. “Louder.”

“I’m perfect!” I wince at the sting, but I chase his hand with my ass, actually loving it at the same time.

“That’s right, and don’t you ever forget it.”

Mason’s hand comes down on my ass one final time, the sting spreading delicious heat through my body. I moan, pressing back against him, desperate for more contact.

“That’s my good girl,” Mason purrs, his voice rough with desire. “So fucking perfect for me.”

His hands roam over my heated skin, soothing the sting. I shiver as his fingers trail lower, dipping between my thighs.

“So wet,” he groans. “Is this all for me, Meadow?”

“Yes,” I gasp, arching into his touch. “Only for you, Mason. Always for you.”

Mason positions himself behind me. “Hold on tight, baby.”

I hold on and he shows me exactly how much I am his.