Landon punched Mason in the side, and he finally released an unconscious not-so-hulky-anymore Hulk man.
“Don’t do something you’ll regret later. He’s done,” Landon said, standing in between Mason and Hulk.
Nora and I both gaped at the scene in front of us. I wondered if Hulk man was okay. I could still see his chest moving, but my feet weren’t really working at the moment for me to go over there and check on him.
My almost kidnapper started groaning and Landon looked down. “At least he’s still alive.”
Mason turned and looked at me, his gaze assessing, taking in my disheveled hair and shaking hands. His mouth tightened. “You’re back at my place.”
Before I had a chance to reply, he closed the distance between us and I found myself crushed to his chest. My hands wound themselves around his body and I sank into him. He buried his nose in my hair and held me close. I guess I could stay with him for one more night. The idea of being alone in the apartment after what just happened didn’t really appeal. And staying with Nora and the kids would just put them in unnecessary danger.
And of course, hugging Mason wasn’t a bad place to be. Maybe there would be more of that if I stayed with him again. Mason released me but stayed close, still breathing heavy.
Landon tapped his shoe to Hulk man’s side. “Hey, wake up.”
He only got a groan in return.
“Wakey wakey,” Landon tried again.
Another groan.
“He didn’t beat you that bad. You’ll be fine in no time.”
This time he got an angry groan in response.
“Hey, asshole, I’ll tell you what we’ll do. I’ll help you stand up, and then you get your sorry fucked-up self out of here,” Landon said.
He crouched down and grabbed hold of wannabe Hulk man’s hand. This time his eyes opened, at least the one that still opened, and he swatted Landon away.
“Fuck off, I don’t need your help.”
Landon stood back up and held his hands up. “Fine. Just trying to get rid of the trash in the hallway.”
We watched Hulk man struggle to his feet. He was swaying back and forth, once he was finally up and standing, and had to hold on to the railing.
He spat blood on the floor and started moving down the stairs. “Easy job, my ass,” he said under his breath as he shuffled down the stairs, not looking back.
Landon flipped him off and turned to us. “You okay?” he asked.
Nora and I both nodded. We shuffled back into my apartment, and Landon and Mason followed closely behind. My bag was still pretty much packed, so all I had to do was zip it up and I was ready to go.
“He hurt you,” Nora said with wet eyes and a shaky voice.
“I’m okay,” I rasped out, not sure if I was. But I didn’t want to worry her more than necessary.
Mason’s eyes followed my every movement and I self-consciously brushed a hand over my hair.
“It’s okay. Really. I hit my head when I was diving for my phone, but I don’t think it was very hard.” I tried to smile at Nora, but by the stricken look on her face I failed to reassure her. “It’s going to be fine. A good night’s sleep and I’ll be like new,” I said.
“I don’t believe you,” she sniffled.
“You need to buy yourself a baseball bat,” I said, walking back out into the hallway, locking the door behind me once everyone was outside. “Because a pillow? Really?”
She smiled at me sheepishly. “I heard you scream and panicked. It was the closest thing I could grab on short notice. It’s not like you gave me any warning that someone might attack you tonight.”
“My bad. I’ll be sure to let you know a few days in advance next time.”
“Thanks, I’d appreciate that,” she said and hugged me gently.
I put my arms around her and hugged her tight. Because after all, hugs made the world go round. “I’ll message you tomorrow.”
She stepped back and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “You better.”
I followed Landon and Mason, who was carrying my bag, outside. Mason helped me into his truck, and we were on our way. I guess I was going back to Lavender Farm.
I groaned and rolled over, not ready to get up.
It was light outside, and I checked my phone for the time. I almost dropped it when I saw that it was past ten. After a lot of huffing and more groaning, I managed to shuffle out of bed and stand up.
Mason insisted I stay home today, and I wasn’t in any state to argue with him last night. When we got back to his place, he inspected every inch of my body.
He even made me lift up my shirt. I had a small bruise on my side but was otherwise fine. My arm wasn’t hurting anymore either, after I took a few painkillers. And other than hitting the table and being dragged around, I was fine. Things could have gone a lot worse for me if Mason and Landon hadn’t shown up.
When he was done playing doctor, he sat down next to me and shook his head, his jaw a granite slab, his hands balled into fists.
“Shit, Stella, you scared the crap out of me. When Nora called—”
I put my hand on his leg. “Thanks to you and Landon, I’m fine. I owe you guys.”
He inhaled deeply and before I knew what was happening, I found myself cradled on his lap.
“What are you doing?” I asked and tried to sit up.
“I just need to hold you for a while.”
The sincerity in his voice made me still, and I studied his pinched expression. I was almost certain he cared. A warm feeling engulfed my chest, and despite my terrible night I felt like smiling.
And what was a girl to do other than put her head on his shoulder and settle in when faced with an opportunity such as this?
“This is
