Twenty-three

Pov

Mason

Driving down the dirt road that will take me to the cabin is quiet, and I'm wondering how things will unfold when I get there. Which reminds me, I should've called my brother, but damn, would you look at that? Time just slipped away from me.

I pull up to the cabin and see his boots resting on the porch railing, and I assume he's sitting in one of the chairs scrolling through social media or buying a new gun.

I hop out of the truck, grab the sweatshirt and pants, and head up the stairs, glancing to the right and sure enough, he's scrolling.

"Thanks for calling, you reckless son of a bitch," he throws his feet to the ground and stands up, walking over to me, eyeing the package in my hand.

He waves his damn hand behind him, "We need to figure out what the hell we're doing with her. I still want her, damn it, and I know you do too. Nothing we're doing is working. I thought I had her, but it was a bust. You got any fucking brilliant suggestions?"

"You die and I win. Nah, but seriously, I don't know. Everything we've thrown at her hasn't stuck. At this point, it's better to lay off her until one of us actually kicks the bucket. Then she won't have to choose." His amusement is evident by the mischievous grin on his face, thinking about me biting the dust so he can have Tessa all to himself.

"Hmm. I've got an idea. Stupid as fuck idea, but when have we ever come up with anything beyond stupid that's worth a damn? I'll talk to Grey. You go deal with her because I'm losing my shit. I'm gonna take a walk and blow off steam, and I'll be back soon," my brother says before stepping off the porch and disappearing into the thicket of trees.

I'll deal with whatever he hashes out with Grey in a bit. I need to lay eyes on Tessa and make sure Bennett hasn't killed... or mutilated her face.

Entering through the door, I hear, "I have nothing to say to you. So unless you're here to apologize or tell me my ride's here, just leave."

"You're awfully chatty now for someone who's had multiple orgasms in the last twelve hours or so," I remark casually.

"Mase! Oh, clothes, give them to me. It's fucking cold in here, and I don't like feeling so exposed with your idiot brother outside. He's lucky I don't have a gun. I would've stabbed him," she says, probably half-serious, and I can't help but goad her further.

"From what I heard and the pieces hanging on the front door, you had a gun. My damn lamp. So now you owe me a game, and I think I want to collect now," I pull her towards me until our bodies are aligned.

Bending down, I cup her face with both hands, running my fingers through her hair, and kiss her as if my own life depends on it. I pour every ounce of my frustration into the kiss and steal one from her.

Her body melds into mine, and the way her fingers grip my flannel brings a primal satisfaction to me.

I feel my phone incessantly ringing in my pocket, but I've given my time, and whatever's happening can wait until I'm done here with Tessa.

Pulling away, she asks, "Aren't you going to answer?" I don't bother responding; instead, I force her head back towards mine and capture her lips once more until she's breathless.

"That's why... that's why I won't choose. Why I can't. I wish you all could see how you two are equal in my eyes and in my life."

"I don't want to talk about it, damn it. Damn it, I don't want to think about it. Just be in this moment with me now. Give me that," she's looking at me, reading my face, and must have found what she was looking for because she nods.

I don't move, just watch her, waiting to see what she'll do next, and she surprises me by reaching out with nimble fingers and starting to unbutton my flannel before pulling it off my shoulders.

I let her undress me, aware of how she moves and anticipating what she'll do next. I've always been able to read her body language. It's a byproduct of watching her constantly over the years, more than the others.

Unbuttoning my pants and pulling them down my legs is interrupted when she reaches for my boots, and I grab her arms and pull her up, "I'll take care of the rest."

Taking off my boots, I let everything drop before stepping out of them.

I bend slightly, hoisting Tessa up and over my shoulder before walking the five steps to the bed and tossing her onto it.

"I don't have pretty words, and I won't blow smoke up your ass. I'll fuck you until my balls burst, and I really don't give a damn if you do. This shit is about me. You understand?" My words are harsh but no less true.

Desire lights up her eyes as I knew it would. That little feat in the pool and again in the forest shows that Tessa Clarke enjoys being degraded, and I have no problem giving her that. It serves my own needs well.

I pinch the inside of her thighs, forcing her to open them so I can slide between them.