Page 97 of Word to the Wise

Crew stops beside me. “Why does it matter what Reed was drinking, Mason? It’s not like that affects you.”

He’s smirking wide like an asshole, calling me out as loud as he can just to get Sage’s attention. And even if Sage already knows something is going on with his sister, the last thing I need is physical proof of exactly what we’re doing.

Sage looks up from where he’s talking to Lyla. “What did you just say?”

Crew juts a thumb at me. “Mason’s having an allergic reaction to your sister.”

I’ve seen Sage smile before, but what stretches his face is so big, that in comparison, he might as well have never been amused by anything before this moment.

“Is he?” Sage’s eyes move from me to Reed as he laughs. “Good. Karma.”

“Sage, stop it.” Reed scolds him.

“Just saying.” He laughs, even as Lyla tries to get him to let it go. “You’re the one always talking about signs from the universe, butterfly. This is God’s work right here. Smiting this asshole for touching my sister.”

“Like God gives a fuck about doing shit for you, Sage.” Jude shakes his head.

“Umm, guys.” Reed’s face gets a little pale as my entire body starts to burn. “Can we cut the shit for a second? I think he needs some Benadryl or an ambulance. Crap.”

She’s so worried that I should probably be panicking as well, but I can’t. Watching her worry about me has all my attention. Reed rushes to the bathroom and starts ordering the room around as Crew forces me to take a seat.

Reed cares—whether she wants to or not. And her concern is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

It doesn’t matter if I’m allergic to her kiss. I’d do it again and again.

This girl can kill me all she wants. She’s worth it.

30

Reed

“I don’t think you’resupposed to mix Benadryl and alcohol.” Mason offers me a lopsided grin as he takes another drink of allergy medicine.

Tipping up the bottom, I force him to drink the whole dose. “It’s either that or we go to the hospital. And you already refused that option.”

“Because I’ll be fine. I’m just a little itchy.”

He scratches his neck, aggravating the red spots that have patched his skin.

“Careful.” I pull his hand away. “You’re going to make them angrier.”

“Not sure that’s possible, Sticks.” Mason finishes the medicine and sets the cup on the counter.

He slides off the stool and starts making his way to the couch.

“Couldn’t you have changed seats before everyone left?” I ask, coming to his side to hold his arm. “If you fall, there’s no way I’ll be able to catch you. You’re just going to crush me, big guy.”

Mason pauses, tipping my chin up and smiling, even if his eyes are a little hazy. “I’d never crush you, Reed.”

He lets my face go, and that promise feels like a lot more than he’s not going to fall on me.

At least he gets to the couch before he collapses.

“Fuck.” He lays back, draping his arm over his forehead.

I try to walk around him, but he catches me before I get the chance, pulling me on top of him. I scoot until I’m sitting with my back to the couch, and my legs are draped over his hips.

“No getting away now.” He grins. “Plus, aren’t you supposed to be watching out for me? What if my reaction got worse?”