Page 110 of Word to the Wise

Mason’s keeping calm for my sake. His tone is level, and his words are reassuring. But in his eyes, I see his anger toward Carter brewing. I don’t know what Mason will do when they finally face each other again. But I know that it won’t be good.

“Okay.” I accept it.

There’s no point arguing when it won’t get us anywhere at this moment.

“How about you go upstairs, and I’ll give Sage a quick call.” Mason brushes my cheek with his thumb. “I’ll see if Lyla wants to come by instead, and then I’ll be up shortly.”

“You have an appointment.”

“I can cancel it.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I shake my head, finding my strength. “Please, don’t. It’s like we were saying, we can’t keep allowing Carter to dictate our lives. I’ll call my brother and see if he can come pick me up. And I’m going to spend the day at the compound as planned. He doesn’t get to decide what we do, right?”

“Right.” Mason smiles, even if it looks like it hurts him a little.

“Good.” Rising up on my toes, I give Mason a quick kiss. “Go to work. I’m going to call Sage for a ride, and I’ll see you later.”

“You’re sexy when you’re bossy.” Mason smirks.

“And you’re sexy when you’re letting me boss you around.”

“All right, Sticks. Have it your way then.” He shakes his head, walking me to the gate that leads up to our apartment. “But I’m the one who is going to be doing the bossing around later.”

I bite my lip, considering all the ways he can live up to that promise, and heat rushes to my cheeks.

With a final kiss, Mason opens the gate for me, and smacks me on the ass as I head up the steps before closing and locking it behind me.

“Later, big guy.” I wink over my shoulder.

“Later, bite-size.”

Stopping at the door to the apartment, I pull out my phone from my purse and dial Sage’s number. It only rings once before he answers.

“You’re here already?”

“No, the car’s having issues, so I need a ride.”

“Fuck, all right, I can send one of the guys to get you. I’ve been telling Mason he’s overdue for taking that thing into the shop. Dude knows nothing about cars. You sure you want to be with him?”

I roll my eyes. “I’m sure. Besides, I don’t think maintenance is the issue. The radiator cap was loose.”

Sage is quiet for a beat. Too quiet to ease my nerves when I’ve already been thinking the same thing.

“Just stay there.” Sage’s tone has changed completely. “I’m heading your way.”

“You’re busy. Just send someone.”

“I’ll be there soon, Reed.” He doesn’t leave any room for arguing, hanging up before I get the chance.

Tucking my phone in my pocket, I tip my head back and let out an annoyed breath. He’s my brother, so of course he’s overprotective, but he and Mason shouldn’t have to spend the rest of their lives looking out for me.

Reaching my key to the lock, I pause. It’s a nice day out, and the last thing I want right now is to be trapped between four walls when I was hoping to have the wind from the road on my face, so I head up to the roof instead.

It’s nice up here, and a calming place to wait for Sage. This time of day, I get a clear view of the street below.

I make my way to the far side of the roof, where the ledge is a little lower so I can get a clear view. Mason’s car is still parked outside the shop with the hood open and people are milling around the street. But no one goes near it.

My phone pings from my pocket, so I pull it out, expecting to see a new message from Sage, but it’s a phone number with no name.