Sin For Me

Chapter 19 ☑️

Megan

I abruptly awoke for the second time in a state of disarray, with Mason's arms wound tightly around my waist. I was pinned beneath his firm grasp. A light snore echoed from behind me as I felt his warm breathe against the skin of my neck.  Shivers slid down my spine with each breath as I laid still and embraced this moment. For once in my life, I felt needed. The sense of comfort that this man provided me filled the empty void that had been present for so long in my heart. I could stay in this moment forever—with him. But, there is were secrets to be revealed and explanations that required attention. Soon enough, my bubble of happiness would be interrupted, and back to reality it would be. I sighed in frustration. Why did my life have to be so complicated? Why did this man come with so much baggage? But then again, didn't I as well?

I diverted my attention to Mason. He continued his array of light snoring. I hated to wake him—he truly was adorable, even in his unconscious state. How could I possibly be in love with this man that I had only just met, despite his demons? I clearly knew what to expect if I chose a relationship with him? But why was I drawn to him in this way? It was more than a simple physical attraction. There was some familiarity to him that I still couldn't place. He felt like home. What a true home should feel like. He felt safe, and warm, and caring. Despite what his differing opinions of himself were, I believed in him.

But, we truly needed to discuss more about last night, and clear the air per se, in order for me to move forward. I needed to tell him how I felt. I was falling for him—hard—and he deserved to know the truth. I couldn't be some hookup he fucked with no strings attached. This felt like much more. The spark amongst us that ignited each time we touched was undeniable. He had me under his spell from the time I laid eyes on him. And I sensed this much was true for him as well. The way he stared into my eyes like I was the center of his universe was validation enough. I just needed to hear him say it. It was crazy to fall for a man I had just met, but love had its way. And it was him. It had to be. Whatever secrets my past held could be dealt with, right?

But danger lurked in the atmosphere—I could sense it. We would have to be careful. Really careful. Mason seemed pretty adamant on my safety, and I trusted he would keep me safe. But what did I need saving from? What wasn't he telling me?

I had spent countless years living in the shadows of an abusive husband, and endured so much pain—pain that I cared not to remember. I remembered enough of it already, and relived nightmare after nightmare occasionally. However, the nightmares had gotten better since I met Mason. Didn't I deserve a second chance for happiness?

No relationship was perfect, I realized, and this one wouldn't far short either. I had a whole new set of challenges laid out before me, and I was prepared to tackle each one as they came. As long as Mason was by my side, we could overcome anything, right?

Mason made it clear that being with him was dangerous. But was I willing to take that risk? Of course! I realized. A life without love wasn't one I was interested in at all. A life without him.

I withered from beneath Mason's wrath, and sat upon the edge of the bed, pushing my hair from my eyes. I must look a mess, I fathomed. My hair was matted and my mascara smeared, I guessed. But I had slept well, with him by my side. A silent yawn escaped my lips, as I glanced behind me to the man who stole my heart. Mason stared at me intently, as if he could read my thoughts.

His gaze took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting him to be awake so soon. My gut wrenched in as anxiety flooded over me. I was unsure if I was ready to continue last night's conversation so soon. And confess my love to him so soon.

But he was so sexy and rather distracting lying there—hair mused in that sexy way, no shirt, and a toothy grin plastered over his handsome face—just staring directly into my eyes. His gaze burned deep within me, and ignited that all familiar flame that only he could.