The Rightful Luna

Chapter 7 Night Of Passion

Mason POV

I cannot help it, Carina intrigues me, and I am acutely aware of her next to me as we enter the hotel’s lobby.

I am not sure what changed, but I know it happened the second she grabbed my hand. Initially, I thought she did it to show in front of Mother, but I could feel the tension in her grasp. If I did not know any better, I would have thought she was afraid. But that is just preposterous. I know Mom is not the easiest person to get along with, but there is no reason to fear her.

I wanted to ask her about it, but she turned her back on me in the car, shutting herself off from her surroundings. I readied myself for her usual silence but was amused when I realised it was her first time flying. It was trivial things that gave it away. Her trembling and fumbling fingers. The way she looked bright-eyed at everything.

Since we landed in Los Angeles, she has been smiling and admiring everything. She was no longer the reserved assistant. She was an eager tourist. She clung to the window, soaking in the scenery - asking me questions and pointing out landmarks. I must admit, it brightened my day.

“Look,” she whispers urgently, grabbing my arm. “That girl looks like Zendaya.”

“Probably because it is Zendaya,” I reply softly.

“What?” She gasps, nearly twisting her neck off to have another look. “Are you serious?”

“I’m not known for my humour, am I?” I smile.

“Wow,” she sighs in awe.

“Wait here,” I smile. “I’m getting our room cards.”

I might as well not have said a word, Carina is scouring the guests for more celebrities. I report at the desk, sign in and return to her.

“Have you recognised anybody else?” I ask amused.

“No,” she pouts. “But the night’s still young.”

I chuckle, take her elbow, and lead her towards the elevators.

“Do you want to go out for dinner?” I ask as we step into the elevator.

Perplexed, she looks at me and her shoulders stiffen. For unknown reasons, it irks me. For a couple of hours, we had fun – sort of. But there was no tension and I enjoyed it.

“Or would you prefer room service?” I quickly added. “I suggest we have an early night. Tomorrow is going to be crazy busy.”

“I don’t mind,” she shrugs.

“Okay,” I smile, looking at the closing elevator doors when I see her. Erica. Instantly, it feels like I am in a pressure room. The earth stands still, I cannot breathe and my heart stops beating. I cannot look away. She sees me, smiles softly and then she is gone.

“Mason,” Carina touches my arm, bringing me back to reality. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I clear my throat. “I … uhm, thought I saw someone I knew.”

“Okay,” she nods. “About dinner …”

“You’ll have to excuse me tonight,” I cut her off. “I forgot that I have a prior engagement.”

“It’s okay,” she smiles, looking down and fumbling with her fingers.

“Carina, you can go out if you want,” I say. “You’re off duty.”

“Thank you,” she nods. “I will.”

The elevator door opens, and I escort her to our adjoined rooms.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I smile stiffly once I am sure Carina is comfortable.

Without waiting for a reply, I turn around and leave. I must find Erica.

Carina POV

A loud thud abruptly wakes me, and I sit up. I glance at my watch; it is two in the morning. Glass shatters and I jump out of bed. It sounds like it is coming from Mason’s room.

I put on my robe, and quickly walk to the door separating us. I knock but there is no reply. Intently, I listen for any noises, but it is quiet.

I am about to return to bed when the door opens, and Mason looks at me.

“I cut my hand,” he blurts out, and I get a whiff of whiskey.

“Come on,” I sigh, and lead him to his bed.

“It’s not deep,” I inspect the wound. “It will be gone in the morning.”

So much for an early night, I sigh inwardly. Mason had too much to drink and I do not envy the hangover he will experience in the morning.

“I brushed my teeth,” he explains as he sits on his bed. “I rinsed the glass, and it slid out of my hand.”

“Accidents happen,” I reply dryly, kneel, and take off his shoes and socks. Actually, I find this amusing. This is the first time I see Mason as anything other than perfect.

“Don’t tell Mother,” he whispers loudly. “She’ll be mad.”

“It’s our secret,” I laugh, stand up and remove his tie.

“You’re pretty,” he grins while I take off his shirt. “And kind.”

“That’s nice,” I chuckle, standing back. “Good night.”

“Don’t go,” he grabs my hand and pulls me down beside him.

“It’s time for bed,” I say patiently, pressing my palm on his chest.

Instantly, my heart starts beating faster and my mouth turns dry when I touch his smooth skin. I have dreamt of touching him often and the reality is so much better.

“Yes,” he looks me in the eyes, and my breath gets stuck in my throat when he lays his palm against my cheek.

My breathing becomes heavier when he tediously slowly glides his fingers down my neck. I do not move when he opens my robe. He leans forward and kisses me softly on my collarbone.

Get up, Carina! I reprimand myself. He is drunk, he does not love you. This means nothing. He will not even remember it in the morning.

But I do not move. Instead, I close my eyes and sigh when his lips move to my neck.

So what if he does not love me? I love him, and I am legally his wife. I am not doing anything wrong.

I do not protest when he removes my robe. Or when he pushes me back onto the soft mattress. His lips capture mine and I return his kiss eagerly.

Sparks ignite over my skin when he glides his hand from my ankle, slips underneath my nightgown and up to my thigh. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His hand covers my breast and I moan in pleasure when he toys with my n****e.

I am numb with desire when he stands up. We maintain eye contact as he takes off his pants, and my heart skips a beat when I feast my eyes on his naked glory. He is gorgeous.

Mason takes my hand and pulls me up. I am shivering in anticipation when he takes off my silk pyjamas and drops them on the floor.

I thought I would be embarrassed standing naked in front of him, instead, it is exhilarating when his eyes glide over my body in admiration.

“Perfect,” he mumbles, capturing my lips and picking me up.

I wrap my legs around his waist, his erection hard against my skin as he lays me on the pillows. I am panting for air when his lips trail down towards my breasts. I gasp in delight when his mouth’s warmth covers my breast.

My fingers cramp into his hair, pulling him closer as desire pulses through me. I want more, so much more. I moan loudly when he gently bites my n****e. It is much too soon for my liking when he stops caressing my breasts and kissing me again.

He settles himself between my legs and positions his erection. I close my eyes and steel myself for what is coming.

“Dear goddess,” I gasp, digging my nails into his skin when he penetrates, and pain jolts through me.

Mason slowly moves in and out and I hold onto him until the pain subsides. I start moving my hips, mimicking his rhythm until we move in unison. He leans over and kisses me, increasing his speed.

My hands roam his back, and I am surprised when I feel scars underneath my fingers. I only think about it for a second before I am swept away with desire. The deep warmth between my legs starts pooling wider, making it hard to breathe.

“Oh, Mason,” I cry out as my orgasm hits me.

I am still trembling, riding the last wave of my orgasm when he climaxes. He pulls me tightly against his chest, kissing me tenderly before he pulls out and rolls over.

Indecisively, I stare at the ceiling. Seizing the moment was one thing, but what am I supposed to do now? Stay the night or sneak out?

“You were spectacular,” he mumbles, throwing his arm around my waist. “Erica, it is …”

Stunned, I look at him, but he is asleep. I bite my bottom lip to stop myself from bursting into tears when my world crumbles into a million pieces.