Control

Mason let his fingertips glide down Thea’s neck and nuzzle her shoulder before pressing his lips against her warm skin. She felt a pleasurable ache as he nibbled on her flesh and then sunk his teeth in, a sharp shock followed by an electrifying pleasure. Thea let out a muffled sound of surprise as Mason withdrew and smiled at her, revealing the slight bite mark on her neck. His fingers then moved below Thea’s skirt, the material of her lace panties gradually giving way to reveal her soft, naked thighs.

Her voice was low and strained as she looked towards the door leading to the hall. “Mason,” she said cautiously, her body tense and her grip tight on the edge of the desk, “what if someone walks in?”

He raised an eyebrow and smirked, his eyes glinting with naughtiness. “I locked the door this time.” With a playful flourish, he tossed her panties on top of a stack of papers and lifted her skirt above her thighs with both hands. He leaned closer, his breath hot on her skin.

Beeeeeeeep. Mason’s phone made a sharp sound, followed by Kim’s soft voice, “Call waiting,” his eyes flicked toward the phone, which lit up with a blinking red light.

Thea’s cheeks were bright red, and her chest was heaving as she adjusted her clothing, “You were right,” she said, her voice a bit shaky. “She really does have the worse timing,” she said, her hands feeling clumsy as she buttoned up her blouse.

Mason let out a deep chuckle and kissed Thea gently before leaving the warmth between her thighs, her body still quivering with pleasure. “This better not be who I think it is,” he said as he rounded his desk. Thea reached for her panties that were scattered on his desk, “Thea,” Mason said in a husky voice, indicating that she was forbidden from putting them back on, “Keep them off.” He pressed the speakerphone button, and Genevieve’s voice crooned from the speaker; however, Mason quickly cut her off, saying, “Mother, I don’t want to talk today, especially right now.” His eyes flickered to the beautiful woman standing before him with no panties on as his temperature continued rising with naughty thoughts of what he wanted to do to her next.

“I don’t see why….” Genevieve continued talking without end.

Thea thumbed the phone’s mute button. “This is your chance,” she disregarded Genevieve’s rambling that kept blaring from the small device, “Ignore what she is saying and do something that makes you happy.”

Mason nodded as he leaned forward and tapped the ‘unmute’ button. His voice was low and impatient. “You wanted something? Get to the point.” He didn’t give her a chance to finish her lengthy story before cutting her off.

There was a long silence, as if Genevieve was carefully weighing her words before speaking. Finally, she continued, “Addison is not taking my calls anymore, and I need you to make an appearance at a party.”

Mason’s eyes flickered from the phone to Thea, whose head was shaking ever so slightly. He took a deep breath, then gently replied, “I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”

The room was quiet and still, the only sound being the faint, distant jangling of ice cubes clinking in a glass. She paused for a moment, then asked with a hint of curiosity in her voice, “Why not?”

“Because I’m not going,” Mason said in a firm tone.

The air between them turned thick and heavy until Genevieve broke the silence, her voice laced with bitterness. “Is this because of that woman? Thena?” she spat out the name like it burned her tongue.

“It’s Thea,” Mason said, correcting her.

Genevieve’s voice was tinged with disappointment, but her chin was lifted high. “Whatever,” she said, sharpness lacing each syllable. “You know what? Forget I asked. I thought I could depend on you after your father died, but clearly, I was mistaken.”

Thea saw Mason’s face darken as his mom’s words sunk in. His deep brown eyes flashed with hurt and anger. His jaw clenched as he fought back the tears, and he swallowed hard before he spoke. “I’m sorry, Mom,” his voice shook with emotion. “I really am. But I can’t let you control me like that...not anymore.”

Genevieve chuckled spitefully into the receiver, her laughter cutting through the static of the phone line like a knife. “You think you don’t need me,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension. There was a slurping sound as she took a sip of something. “You’ll always need me, sweet boy. I guarantee it,” with those last deafening words; the line went silent.

Mason’s gaze fell on Thea, his eyes clouded by a stew of emotions. Pain, anger, and sorrow were the most evident. His voice was heavy with resignation as he said, “She knows exactly how to twist the knife.”

Thea slowly rounded the desk and embraced Mason tightly, closing her eyes as he finally relaxed in her arms. “I’m sorry,” she felt his heartbeat as she whispered her apology. “I know that was hard,” she said, holding him close.

Mason wrapped his arms tightly around her, and for a moment, Thea felt safe and secure. But it was all too fleeting. He pulled away and looked into her eyes. “If you want to talk about it, we can,” he said in a gentle voice, “but I think I need some air.” Thea nodded and gave his hand a quick squeeze, feeling a wave of sadness wash over her as he walked out of the door, feeling her heart clench as it slowly closed behind him. She distractedly moved over to the table and tried to focus on the open case file in front of her, but Mason’s presence lingered in the air, and she found it hard to concentrate. She glanced at her watch; it felt like hours had passed before her phone vibrated with a text from him.

My driver is downstairs waiting for you. Meet me at the penthouse.

Thea’s hands shook as her fingers flew, trying desperately to finish her work before she could leave. When she was done, she grabbed her purse and stepped away from the table, nearly sprinting to the elevator. Her heart raced with fear and dread, and a million questions ran through her head as she prayed that he was okay.

* * *

She paced back and forth in the small elevator, her shoes squeaking against the linoleum as it slowly crept past each floor. Her heart rate quickened as the elevator rose, and she could feel herself starting to sweat. Mason stood tall in the penthouse entryway. He seemed to be waiting for her, his face ashen and his body tense. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice laced with unease. “Are you okay?” she asked him, concerned.

His eyes widened, and a look of surprise overcame his face. “Yeah,” he murmured, his voice soft with understanding. “I think I just needed time to grieve that lost relationship with my mother.”

Thea blinked in surprise, her dimples deepening as her lips curled into a delighted smile. “That’s incredible, Mason,” she said. “What great insight.”

“I get it from you,” he gave a quiet chuckle and gently caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. Mason stepped closer, their noses barely touching, and lightly kissed her lips. She melted into him, the warmth of his embrace spreading through her body. After what seemed like an eternity, they slowly pulled away, and Mason grabbed her hand, leading her down the hall. “Let’s go,” he said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Thea nervously followed Mason into the playroom, her heart hammering in her chest. The room was illuminated by iridescent spotlights and filled with various toys and instruments. Mason turned to her with a gentle smile that made affection swell up in her chest. He moved closer and tenderly cupped her face with his hands. His gaze was meltingly soft and filled with love. “I feel free when I’m with you,” he whispered, “I can just be myself.” His words were like a soothing balm to Thea’s spirit, and tears prickled at the corners of her eyes as she absorbed the magnitude of his emotion. “I’m ready to give what I couldn’t in the past.” Mason moved closer, and Thea felt as though a safe haven was enveloping her.

“What?” Thea’s voice quivered, her heart in her throat as she strained to hear his answer.

Mason stepped closer, his chest rising and falling rapidly with shallow breaths. He bent down slightly and murmured into Thea’s ear, “Control.” His breath tickled her neck, sending a chill down her spine. He stepped back, his eyes never leaving her gaze as his fingers reached into his pocket. With a deep smirk, he pulled out a pair of cold handcuffs and held them up between them. He gave her a slow, suggestive smile and said in a husky voice, “I’m ready to do whatever you ask. Command me.”