Like a total creeper, I step out onto the balcony, plate in hand, and peek into Mason’s room. It’s a little before nine o’clock, and the entire suite is dark, but with the moonlight beginning to shine in, I can tell he’s not in bed. In fact, there’s no sign of anyone inside anywhere. I stand there for several seconds, staring at the doorknob and trying to convince myself that it’d be the world’s worst idea to go into his room uninvited.
I take a moment to breathe, fixating on what the hell could have happened. It must have been something bad. Decision made, I turn the knob, pull open the door, and step inside. I flip a switch next to the door and a dim light comes on near the bed. It’s wild in here, so much different than my room, obviously custom decorated for the dark prince, himself. The room is total doom and gloom, all blacks, dark grays, and deep, deep reds. It’s rather stark, though, no real personal effects to be had. From somewhere above my head, there’s a thump. And a crash. My eyes widen.
I have a feeling I know why there’s nothing personal about this space.Thisisn’t where Mason spends the majority of his time.Nope.I knew there had to be somewhere else he would go to be alone. And from the sound of it, that place is the attic, which is mostly above my room. I whirl around, exiting fast via the shared balcony.
Yep.Back in my room, the sounds coming from above are infinitely louder. More chaotic sounding. If I’d been trying to go to sleep right now, the constant cacophony over my head would make it very, very difficult.
I abandon the plate of food on my dresser and ponder for several seconds whether I should go find Bear or Duke. Maybe they have experience in talking to Mason when he’s upset. Or maybe they know what’s up and would simply tell me he’s letting off steam.
I pull my lower lip into my mouth, biting down as I tap out an urgent text message.
Hey, I’m really trying not to be nosy.
But Mason seems upset.
There was a phone call.
I don’t know what he’s doing in the attic.
I’m hoping you’re around.
Bear:
Oh, shit.
I’m stuck in a meeting on campus.
Duke:
I’ll be back soon.
Had an errand to run.
An unsettled feeling swirls in my stomach. I don’t think this can wait. I swallow down my nerves. I’m undeniably, inexplicably drawn to Mason. I see so clearly that he needs someone to understand him, and we have plenty in common. I’m probably an idiot to think I can fix what’s wrong, but I have to try. Iwantto try, show him that he’s not alone.
Mason is a raging enigma of toxicity. I recognize the damaged parts of him because they fit so perfectly with the broken pieces of me. That’s a horrifying thought, but it doesn’t seem to stop me from being drawn into everything that he is. I could search my heart and my mind for hours upon hours and not come up with a logical explanation for how I feel, but I don’t have time for that.
Okay. I’m going up.
Duke:
Stella. Trust me.
Don’t.
Bear:
Please, Little Gazelle.
Stay in your room.
We’ll be back ASAP.
Crash!My heart misses a beat as my eyes flick upwards again.
Well, that may be, but...
I’m not waiting around.
