Captured by him

Chapter 38

The room was silent. I looked at Mils who was enclosed in Ace's big arms. Her hair fell around her shoulders. It was longer than the last time I had seen her. Had it really been that long? Her hazel eyes shone with something between relief and fear. I let my gaze drift over to Archie as Mason lifted up my left hand.

Archie's eyes were unreadable. His lips pursed, his arms folded over his chest. He hadn't moved in the time he had been watching the scene play out in front of him.

The cold metal brushed over my finger as Mason pushed the ring to rest at the base. Ace began clapping. It echoed throughout the room and soon enough, the other men joined in. I brought my hand up, inspecting the small band that was now secured around my finger. The light caught it at just the right angle, making it sparkle. It was beautiful. Had this been a completely and utterly different situation, had I been older, with someone I loved let alone remotely liked, I would have been thrilled.

I was far from thrilled.

Talk erupted from the room that no longer had their attention on us. Mason intertwined his fingers with mine and led me over to Mila and Ace. I think I was still in shock. Had Mason not gently used his finger to close my mouth, my jaw would be hanging wide open. He let go of my hand as Ace shook his and congratulated him. I turned to Mila, my eyes wide.

Ace leaned down to her ear, whispering something that was inaudible to anyone but her. Hesitantly she put a smile on her face and hugged me. While Mason went and talked to all of his men, who now all had beers in their hands, we sat on the couch. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Archie walking over to us.

"Why did you do that?" he said accusingly

"What?"

"Why did you say yes?"

"Ummm? Archie," I said standing up "He had a gun pointed at you."

"It was a fake. It was a test. It was a fucking blank."

"What do you mean it was a test? A fake?"

"The fucking bullet was a blank."

"Okay big man," I defended, "even if it was a 'fucking blank'" I mocked "I would never risk a life for mine, and even if you work for that sadistic prick who is now my ...."

Somehow Mason had appeared behind me and his hand was now resting on my hip. Archie had his head bowed ever so slightly.

"If you have a problem with this sadistic prick, you will come and tell him personally."

Oh, I fucked up. With a quick pull towards the stairs, Mason had thrown me over his shoulder and was now practically running. I gritted my teeth and my fists pounded his rock, hard back.

"Let me go." I shouted.

Silence.

"Fuck you, Mason. I fucking hate you. I have no clue what goes on in your head, but whatever it is it isn't righ-"

A stinging sensation shot through my bottom where Mason's open hand had made contact with. The door to his bedroom opened and shut again. He hastily brought me off his shoulder and tossed me onto the bed.

"My, my. Quite a temper you have. Darling, I really think it is in your best interest to pause and think about the consequences that will arise if you continue to treat me with a lack of respect."

I had managed to move from the bed and was now standing opposite him, with about two arms lengths separating us. I inhaled and held my breath. Then I exhaled. Inhaled. Exhaled. After five or so minutes of silence filling the room, I had managed to slow my heart rate back down and I could think clearly again.