Chapter 35 The First Time
Mason Reed held his breath and pulled her into his embrace.
Her slender waist was so small he could encircle it with one hand, while the other gently lifted her chin.
He looked into her eyes, clear as a spring, her pale pink lips slightly parted, silently tempting him.
Mason felt a fire burning inside him, spreading to places he couldn't mention.
Clara Bennett avoided his intense gaze, her face turning red, her breathing quickening. She felt the heat of his chest, the strong beat of his heart, and his overwhelming masculinity... She felt her body go weak. Before his kiss could land, she gently pushed him away.
"Don't," she said with an embarrassed smile. "I still need to cook dinner."
Mason stopped, a dark light flashing in his deep eyes.
"Tonight..." Clara said in a soft, weak voice, barely managing to get the three words out before her face flushed with shame.
"Tonight, don't sleep on the couch. It's uncomfortable. Come sleep in the bedroom."
Mason was taken aback.
This was probably the boldest thing she could say...
He suppressed a smile, his thumb brushing her flushed earlobe, and responded in a hoarse voice, "Okay."
After dinner, Mason went into the bathroom.
Normally, he only needed ten minutes to shower, but this time he was in there for nearly an hour. Clara cut some fruit and watched TV for a while, but he still didn't come out. Only the occasional sound of running water reached her ears.
Clara felt her cheeks heat up. She went into the bedroom, changed into her nightgown, and sat nervously on the edge of the bed.
Her small hands didn't know where to rest.
How would he treat her? He was tall and muscular, stronger than the average man...
Clara bit her lip and smiled, then felt embarrassed by her thoughts, her head almost drooping to her chest.
Just then, the sound of the water stopped abruptly. Clara tensed, gripping the hem of her nightgown.
Mason's footsteps approached.
Her heart raced, her small feet crossed nervously, a mix of tension and anticipation.
She had only read about wedding nights in novels before. As a young girl, she had dreamed of those beautiful scenes, imagining marrying the man she loved and having an unforgettable night.
Though it wasn't their wedding night, it was their first time together...
Clara couldn't help but smile sweetly.
She hoped... everything would be as described in the books, something she could remember forever.
But just then, the doorbell rang urgently.
Clara was startled. When she opened the door, she was shocked to see Ethan Young standing there, his face covered in injuries, looking disheveled. He burst into tears the moment he saw her.
"What happened?" Clara quickly pulled him inside. "Did you get into a fight?"
"Sis..." Ethan looked at her with red eyes, choking on his words, unable to form a complete sentence.
Clara was frantic, forgetting about Mason. It wasn't until Mason cleared his throat that she snapped back to reality. Turning slowly, she saw his puzzled, furrowed brow, and her heart skipped a beat.
She was supposed to be Evelyn Bennett, and Evelyn didn't have a brother...
"This is my cousin," she said with a forced smile, subtly signaling Ethan.
Ethan paused, looked at Mason, and immediately understood his sister's intention. This must be the man she had married in her place... So, he didn't know his true identity. He couldn't mess things up for her.
"Ethan," Clara whispered, "say hello to your brother-in-law!"
Ethan obediently called out, "Hello, brother-in-law," and hid behind Clara.
He looked at Mason timidly, sensing an intimidating aura about him. Did his sister feel no pressure living with such a man every day?
Mason nodded slightly, silently fetching the first-aid kit and having Ethan sit on the couch to treat his wounds.
Ethan was badly hurt, with a swollen forehead and a large scrape on his leg, the wound sticking to his pants. Even with Mason's gentle touch, Ethan winced in pain, his face turning pale and sweating profusely.
"Who did this to you? Who beat you up?" Clara asked, tears falling. "Did you offend someone?"
Ethan pressed his lips together tightly, saying nothing.
Clara grew anxious, pressing him for answers, but no matter how she asked, Ethan remained silent.
Mason patted her shoulder, giving her a reassuring look, then led Ethan to the balcony. Clara saw them close the sliding door, and soon, Ethan seemed to be talking to Mason, wiping away tears as he spoke.
When Mason came back, Clara hurried over. "How is he?"
"He's being bullied at school," Mason said coldly, a hint of anger between his brows.
Clara felt a pang in her heart, the urge to cry rising again.
"Some older students have been targeting him because they think he's an easy target.
They corner him on his way to and from school, demanding money.
If he doesn't have any, they beat him up.
" Mason bit his lip. "Just now, they didn't get any money, so they grabbed his hair and slammed his head against the wall. That's why his head injury is serious."
Clara gasped, wanting to check on him on the balcony, but Mason gently stopped her.
"Don't go yet," he whispered in her ear. "Boys his age have strong pride. He doesn't want you to see him like this. Give him some time to calm down."
"Okay," Clara nodded, then felt puzzled. Why would her own brother tell this man he'd just met about being bullied instead of her?
Mason seemed to read her mind and smiled slightly. "Some things can only be said between men."
Clara shook her head. "He's only sixteen; he's not a man!"
"Don't underestimate him," Mason chuckled. "When I was sixteen, I was already..."
He cut himself off mid-sentence.
Clara looked at him, puzzled. "Already what?"