Chapter 23
A couple hours later, there was a knock at Mason’s door. He didn’t bother answering it. It was probably one of his family members coming to check on him. God knows word had probably already spread through the town like a raging wildfire. Everyone would be inquiring for more information and sticking their noses where they didn’t belong.
The knocks stopped, and he let out a breath, resting his head back on the couch, when the door flew open.
He knew he locked the damn thing when he got home. He didn’t want to be bothered; he thought that would be enough to keep people away. He should have known better. His family didn’t understand the concept of privacy.
Matt stood in the door, and Mason let his head fall back to the couch. Matt was the worst offender. He was regretting ever giving him a key. “Get out.”
Always a good listener, Matt shut the door and sat down beside him on the couch.
“What part of I don’t want you here do you not understand?”
“What’s going on?”
Mason clasped his hands together, noticing the dried blood, the faint ugly swirls of black and blue that had started to form. He was disgusted with himself and for what he did.
“I did the one thing I swore I would never do. I scared her. I’m such an idiot. How is she? Please tell me she’s okay.”
“She’s going to be okay.”
“She shouldn’t be alone. I should’ve stayed with her, but I couldn’t. Not after what I did.”
“It’s okay. She’s not. Terry heard what happened and stopped by to check on her. She said she’d stay with her.”
“Good.” Mason had never been so happy for Terry nosing into other people’s business than he was right then. He found relief in knowing Cassie wasn’t alone.
“I’m actually more concerned about you right now,” Matt said. “You watched the woman you love fighting for her life and then you beat the shit out of that guy.”
“I’ve replayed it over and over in my mind, thinking of what I should have done differently. And the thing that bothers me most, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
“I know, and I wouldn’t blame you either.”
“Yes, you would. You’re the Sheriff. You abide by the law. You don’t break it.”
“I’m also human and a brother, a husband, a soon to be father. If someone ever laid a hand on any of the women I love, I don’t think my oath would mean a damn. I’d kill the sonofabitch.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t even have to think about it.”
“Seeing that bastard’s hands on her made something inside of me snap. I couldn’t see clearly, only colors. White then black then red. I wanted him dead and I wasn’t going to stop. If you didn’t show up…” Mason shook his head as he became fully aware of how out of control he was. “I’ve never felt anger like that.”
“Welcome to the club, brother,” Matt said, patting him on the back.
“Do I at least get an honorary t-shirt?”
“Nope. Just the inability to sleep until you know she’s home safe, the desire to hurt any guy who looks at her, and an unexplainable need to protect her even though she doesn’t need your protection, just your love.”
Mason ran a hand over his face as he took in Matt’s words. “Sounds awful.”
“Compared to the alternative, living without them, it’s the best deal you can ask for.”
“I guess when you put it that way.”
“Do yourself a favor and don’t mess it up.”
“I think I already have.”
“Not even close. She loves you. Give her tonight then go to her tomorrow. A night of sleep and a fresh day’s perspective will do you both good.”
“I doubt I’ll be sleeping.”
“Try,” Matt said. “You going to be okay?”
“I’ll be fine. Go home to your wife.”
“Call me if you need me. Whatever time.” Matt headed to the door and Mason called out to him. “Yeah?”
Mason didn’t say anything when Matt looked back at him, but he didn’t have to. They were brothers, and Matt knew without any words spoken, exactly what Mason was thinking.
“You’re welcome,” Matt said before walking out and closing the door behind him.