My life is less valuable to him than a strand of Harper Reese's hair.
I shut my eyes,hoping to catch a break from him when I open them,but I found myself at Harper's temporary apartment.Mason kneels before her,embracing her warmly.
"Don't fear;I'm here,it's okay."
Harper Reese nestles into his arms,tearfully.
I look away.
Though I've lost expectations,watching them intimately is cruel.
Mason Reed gently pats Harper Reese's back.
Harper Reese gazes up at him adoringly.
"Mason,hold me tight?"
Mason Reed hesitates before embracing her.
Just as their lips meet,Mason Reed's face contorts;he shudders violently.
"Aren't you...?"Harper Reese asks,alarmed.
Mason Reed pushes her away,clutching his chest.
His face pale,sweating,breathing rapidly.
"What's wrong?"Harper Reese asks,concerned.
Mason Reed doesn't respond,his eyes shut,struggling to breathe.
Has he finally realized his cruelty's consequences?
(Peyton's POV)
"Mason,what's wrong?Don't scare me!"Harper Reese panics,trying to support Mason Reed,but he pushes her away.
"Don't touch me!"Mason Reed growls,his voice hoarse and laced with pain and fear.
I'm stunned.