Because for the first time, she realized she was smiling.
Not pretending.
Actually smiling.
Mason noticed.
He didn't say anything.
Later, Maya stepped outside onto the terrace.
Rain misted the air.
The city glittered beyond the water.
She heard footsteps.
Mason.
“You okay?”
“Yes.”
“You're lying.”
She laughed softly.
“You really don't let anything go.”
“No.”
She leaned against the railing.
“My family can be exhausting.”
“I noticed.”
“Judith isn't a bad person.”
“I didn't say she was.”
“She just thinks everyone should live the same life.”
Mason stood beside her.
“And you don't?”
“No.”
“What do you want?”
Maya looked at the city.
“I want my own bookstore.”
He looked at her.
“You never mentioned that.”
“I've never told anyone.”
“Why?”
“Because it sounds impractical.”
“Most worthwhile things do.”
She smiled.
“I've saved money for years.”
“How much?”
“Not enough.”
“What if enough isn't the problem?”
“What is?”
“Fear.”
She looked at him.
Mason's eyes were serious.
“You're afraid you'll fail.”
Maya swallowed.
“You don't know me.”
“I know people.”
“You don't know me.”
“No.”
He paused.
“But I'd like to.”
Her heart skipped.
This was not part of the agreement.
The wind moved a strand of her hair across her face.
Mason reached out.
Then stopped.
Maya looked at his hand.
“Why did you stop?”
“You said no kissing.”
“I did.”
“This isn't kissing.”
He gently moved the strand behind her ear.
Maya forgot how to breathe.
“Mason.”
“Yes?”
“What exactly is this?”
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he looked toward the hotel.
“There are people inside who believe they understand you.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means they judge quickly.”
“So do you.”
“No.”
His voice was quiet.
“I study.”
“What's the difference?”
“Judgment decides.”
“Study?”
“Waits.”
Maya stared at him.
For the first time, she saw something beneath his controlled exterior.
Loneliness.
It was there for only a second.
Then his phone rang.
He stepped away.
“Yes?”
His voice changed again.
Maya listened from a distance.
“Who?”
Pause.
“Are you sure?”
Another pause.
“Find out who gave them the information.”
Mason's jaw tightened.
“No one touches Maya.”
Maya's heart stopped.
She hadn't heard the rest.
But she'd heard enough.
He hung up.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.”
“You just said no one touches me.”
His eyes met hers.
“Someone has been asking questions about you.”
“Who?”
“I don't know yet.”
“Why?”
“Because of me.”
Maya's stomach tightened.
“What exactly did I get myself into?”
Mason stepped closer.
“You can leave.”
She stared.
“Tonight?”
“Yes.”
“And you won't be offended?”
“No.”
“Then why did you come?”
“Because you needed someone.”
She looked into his eyes.
“And now?”
“Now I'm concerned.”
Before she could answer, the terrace door opened.
Evan stood there.
“Maya, everyone is looking for you.”
He glanced at Mason.
Then at Maya.
His expression changed.
Something suspicious appeared in his eyes.
Maya knew immediately.
The family gossip had begun.
But none of them knew the truth.
The man beside Maya was not simply a wealthy investor.
He was being watched.
And someone had already decided that Maya was the easiest way to get close to him.
The Man Behind the Billionaire
The wedding began under a pale Seattle sky.
Maya barely slept.
She had spent most of the night thinking about Mason's warning.
Someone has been asking questions about you.
She wanted to believe it was nothing.
She couldn't.
Mason arrived at nine.
This time, he wasn't alone.
Two men in dark suits stood several yards away.
Maya recognized one from the previous day.
“Your security?”
“Yes.”
“You said you wouldn't intimidate anyone.”
“They're not here to intimidate.”
“What are they here for?”
“To make sure you get through the day safely.”
“Mason.”
“Yes?”
“Why would I need protection?”
He looked at her.
“Because someone knows you're important to me.”
Maya's breath caught.
“I'm not.”
His expression softened.
“You are.”
She didn't know how to respond.
At the church, the ceremony began.
Maya sat beside Mason.
Their hands rested close together.
Their shoulders occasionally touched.
Every time they did, Maya felt a strange warmth.
This wasn't supposed to happen.
It was fake.
A performance.
Twenty-four hours.
But Mason never looked at her like she was acting.
He looked at her as though she mattered.
After the ceremony came the reception.
Music.
Champagne.
Laughter.
Photographs.
Maya was dancing with Mason when a man approached.
Late forties.
Gray suit.
Cold eyes.
“Mason Reed.”
Mason stopped dancing.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
“Victor.”
Maya looked between them.
Victor smiled.
“Didn't expect to see you here.”
“I'm here with Maya.”
Victor looked at her.
Then smiled.
“So this is the girl.”
Mason's expression hardened.
“What girl?”
“The one everyone's been asking about.”
Maya's blood ran cold.
Mason stepped slightly in front of her.
Victor raised his hands.
“Relax.”
“Leave.”
Victor smiled.
“You've become sentimental.”
Mason's voice dropped.
“Leave.”
Victor looked at Maya one final time.
Then walked away.
Maya stared after him.
“Who was that?”
“No one you need to know.”
“That is becoming your favorite sentence.”
Mason looked at her.
“I'll explain.”
“When?”
“Tonight.”
She folded her arms.
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
But before he could say more, the lights went out.
The ballroom went dark.
People screamed.
Maya felt Mason's hand close around hers.
“Stay with me.”
A crash came from the far side of the room.