Page 109 of Word to the Wise

“The engine?” It’s more of a question than anything, and I laugh.

“The engine? All right, big guy, step back. Let the lady take it from here.” I playfully nudge his arm.

Mason waves a hand out, grinning. “Show me how it’s done, Sticks.”

I love that Mason isn’t threatened by the fact that I know way more about cars than he does. That he doesn’t hang onto traditional roles or try to overcompensate.

I love that Mason looks borderline turned on when I bend over the engine.

He’s so supportive and understanding, it steals my breath away.

Glancing down at the engine, I spot the problem immediately. The radiator cap is loose, to the point where it would have fallen off completely if I’d attempted the drive to the Twisted Kings compound.

It doesn’t make sense. No one has worked on Mason’s car recently. And I know because Sage has been giving him crap about it.

There’s no reason that the radiator cap should be sitting the way it is.

Looking the engine over, I see the coolant level is also really low. Too low to make it to the Twisted Kings compound without the car overheating. Someone has definitely tampered with Mason’s car, and it looks like they wanted it to break down the next time he went to drive it.

“You look worried, Sticks.” Mason’s expression pinches when I glance up at him. “Is the car done for?”

“No.” I take a step back, looking around at the cars on the street, my stomach knotting. “But someone messed with your engine.”

“What?” Any amusement is erased from Mason’s tone as he reaches for my hand, turning me to face him. “Are you sure?”

I nod, not liking what it probably means any more than Mason does.

He scans the street, doing the same thing I just did, even if there’s nothing to see.

“This is bad.” My heart races.

Carter has been coming after me in little ways since I left him, but now it’s escalating to Mason. And I can’t handle the thought of Carter hurting him to get to me.

“Come here.” Mason pulls me from the road and leads me up onto the sidewalk. “I need to give Sage a call.”

I’m nodding, even as my chest hums, and I can barely process what’s happening.

“Let’s get you inside.”

“Mason.” I tug against his hand when he starts to guide me toward Twisted Roses, and he stops, spinning to face me. “This is my fault.”

“None of this is on you, Reed.”

“I left him.” My heart races as I start to panic. “I ended our relationship, and now I ruined his deal with your father. He’s going to be pissed. Erratic. And now he’s coming after you, all because of me.”

“Is that what you’re worried about?” Mason tips my chin up.

“I don’t want him to hurt you.”

“He won’t.” Mason offers me the gentlest smile. “The only thing that could hurt me is losing you. So, are you leaving me, Reed?”

I shake my head. “No.”

Even if I should go to protect us both, I can’t.

I love Mason. I love the woman he makes me. It might be fast, but it’s right in all the ways that matter. I can’t lose him.

“Then there’s nothing he can do that I can’t handle.” Mason kisses the center of my forehead. “You let me worry about him.”