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Genevieve

Mason’s eyes darted between his mother and Thea, a hint of nervousness in his demeanor. “This is Genevieve, my mother,” he said, gesturing to his mother before turning to Thea and continuing, “And this is Thea. She’s my paralegal for the time being.” He motioned for her to come closer, and she stepped forward, extending her hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Thea smiled, her eyes twinkling as their hands clasped in greeting.

Genevieve froze, and her gaze seemed to pierce through Thea. Even though she still managed a small, polite smile, Thea could sense the strained disapproval in her voice as she said, “It’s lovely to meet you.” Genevieve’s eyes drifted from Thea’s face to her outfit and back up again as if she were trying to assess exactly who Thea was and what her purpose was with Mason. Thea felt the weight of her scrutiny like a heavy blanket, and she wasn’t sure how to respond. She forced a smile, hoping it would mask her unease.

Mason wrapped his arms around Thea’s waist and flashed his mother a devilish smile, “So, we’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Genevieve glanced between Mason and Thea; her lips pursed tightly. “I see,” she enunciated slowly. Her eyes slowly trailed up and down Mason’s form, appraising his tailored suit, “Well, be sure to wear something better than... that.” With that final remark, Genevieve turned sharply on her heel and swept out of Mason’s office, the click of her heels echoing in the room.

Addison exhaled shakily as their mother stormed out of the room, leaving a heavy silence in her wake. She eyed Mason apprehensively before turning to Thea, her face a tangle of distress and disbelief. “Date? You’re going as his date now?” she asked in a strained voice.

Thea shifted her weight and avoided Addison’s stare as she said, “Yes, we are going as...friends.” Her voice was tight, and her tone unconvincing.

Addison’s eyes widened as she stared at her brother incredulously. “Really?” she scoffed. “Because knowing you, your dates usually end up in your bed.”

Mason’s face was rigid as he spoke, his fists clenched tightly at his side. “Well, I’ve changed. That’s what you hired Thea for, right? To change me!” His voice wavered just slightly, betraying the apprehension he felt.

Addison cupped Mason’s hands in hers, her thumbs lightly tracing the length of his fingers. She gazed into his eyes and spoke quietly, her voice full of love. “I never wanted to change you, Mason. I just want you to realize you have the right to control your own life. That’s all,” she gave his hands a comforting squeeze before letting go. Addison smiled and glanced at Thea, who had been silently watching the exchange. “See you both tomorrow night,” with that, she turned and strode away.

* * *

Tomorrow night arrived, and Thea couldn’t believe the sight that greeted her when she entered the store. It was bustling with activity, with employees in black and white uniforms running around, carrying dress boxes and garment bags. Thea was ushered to a corner of the store and offered a seat and a cup of tea. She watched as the employees brought dresses of all shapes and sizes for her to try on. After trying on several dresses, she finally fell in love with a deep green ball gown that nearly took her breath away. A pair of emerald earrings and a matching necklace were gifted to her, along with a pair of glittering silver heels. She felt like a princess as she looked in the mirror.

Mason stepped through the store’s entrance, bringing with him a wave of cologne that sent Thea’s heart racing. He wore a tailored black suit that elegantly hugged his frame, and his emerald tie and cufflinks perfectly complemented the dress she had chosen for the night. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he walked closer, feeling her stomach flutter from his fashionable grandeur.

Mason’s feet slowly advanced forward as he felt his heart beating faster. His palms were sweaty as he imagined running his hands over her curves. Her presence had him in a trance, and he could feel her gaze and pull on him. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure, yet he felt himself losing control. He thought to himself, She can take me to the edge and beyond if she wants.

She held out the emerald necklace, its vibrant hues gleaming in the light. “Can you help?” Mason took it from her and stepped close behind her. His fingers trembled slightly as he carefully fastened the clasp around her neck. He could smell the faint scent of her perfume and feel the warmth of her skin against his fingertips. His touch sent ripples through her skin as if it was suddenly alive with sparks of electricity. Mason’s heart pounded in his chest, tensing his muscles as he fought to remain calm. As he secured the necklace, she looked up at him in the mirror, her eyes dancing with amusement. “You know...” she said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, “I haven’t had to use my safeword once. Are you taking it easy on me?”

Thea’s question startled Mason, who had expected her to be reserved and timid like usual. Mason leaned into her, pressing his hands against her hips, his eyes connecting with hers through the mirror’s reflection. His gaze grew darker as he spoke with a husky voice, “You’re not ready for the things I want to do to you.”

Thea spun around, her brown eyes wide and searching. She stepped closer, her petite frame now dwarfed by his, and softly asked, “What do you want to do?”

Mason’s body leaned into hers, his warm breath fanning across her ears and sending a tingle down her spine. Gentle lips brushed against the soft curve of her lobe and the delicate line of her jaw to the hollow of her throat. His kiss started tender but quickly shifted gears to something more passionate, full of arousal and need. Everywhere Thea’s skin touched his, it felt like it was burning, and she could feel her body trembling with anticipation. Her stomach clenched tightly as Mason held her close, his embrace sending lava-like flames through her veins.

Mason tugged Thea closer, and his warmth surrounded her. Scrunching the material of his shirt in her hands, she shifted to gain leverage and tried in vain to keep her balance. Her body seemed to hum, and pulses of raw energy raced through her veins as Mason drifted his lips to hers. He brushed his lips against hers in a tender gesture, and as she opened willingly, their tongues met in a passionate embrace that sent sparks flying. The kiss deepened, their tongues dancing and exploring as if for the first time. When he finally pulled away, he bit gently at Thea’s bottom lip and whispered teasingly in her ear, “Perhaps I’ll show you tonight what happens when you’re good,” he teased.