The Girl Who Always Wins (Soulless 13)

“Felt about you. Mason. That was almost two years ago.”

“And I haven’t forgotten you these last two years, and that says a lot.”

“Not showing up when you said you would be there, that says a lot more.”

His eyes hung heavy, the insult hitting him hard. “Daisy—”

“Whether I have a man or not, the answer is no. My dad would never accept you—so that ship has sailed.”

“It doesn’t matter what he thinks—”

“Yes, it does. His opinion means the world to me. And if you’d actually cared about that, none of this would have happened. You would have shown up and broken up with me later if that’s what you still wanted. But you disregarded the opinion of the people who matter most to me. You fucked up, Mason. Permanently. It’s over.”

My office door opened behind Mason.

I glanced at the door, expecting to see my assistant or Anthony.

Nope. It was Atlas.

And he looked pissed.

He must have walked by and recognized Mason through the glass doors.

Mason didn’t turn around, as if he didn’t hear the door.

“You should go,” I said, bringing my voice to an inside volume. “And you should go now.”

Mason stayed, rubbing the back of his neck, trying to find something to say. “I can win your dad over—”

“I really don’t think so.” I shook my head dramatically because that was just impossible. “Honestly, he’d probably beat your ass again.”

“Won’t need to.” Atlas stopped right behind him. “Because I’ll do it myself.”

Mason stilled when he heard the baritone behind him, and slowly, he turned around to face his potential assailant.

They stared at each other for a while.

I thought Atlas might actually throw a punch, his look was so intense. “Bother my woman again, and I’ll make you my bitch.”

Another standoff ensued.

My hand moved to Mason’s arm and shifted him away. “Time for you to go.” I guided him to the door to my office and opened it for him. “Bye-bye.” I gave him a gentle shove before I shut the door behind him, locking it from the inside.

Mason looked over his shoulder to give me a final look.

It was probably the last time I’d ever see him.

And then he finally walked off.

Atlas was still in fight mode, his clenched arms rigid by his sides, his eyes still full of violence. His eyes followed Mason until he was gone from our sight. It took a full minute for Atlas to look at me.

“He just showed up. I haven’t talked to him—”

“I know.”

I released a sigh of relief, happy to be in a relationship where I didn’t have to explain myself.

He just knew. “That should be the last time. And if it’s not…I’ll handle it.”

“He won’t come back. Not after that.”

“For his sake, I hope you’re right.” He stepped close to me, leaned down, and gave me a kiss. Without a word, he walked out, heading back to work like nothing happened.

I met my brothers after work for a drink—and Atlas tagged along.

His arm was over the back of my chair with a beer in his hand, fitting in with us like he was the missing piece.

“That’s great,” Derek said. “Where are you guys shacking up?”

I pointed at Atlas. “His place…because of the elevator.”

“Sweet,” Dex said. “You’ll have to invite us over sometime for a game.”

“Anytime,” Atlas said. “Well…if my roommate is okay with it.” He looked down at me, grinning.

“Psh, I’m not your roommate.” I smacked him. “I’m—”

“We don’t want to know.” Dex shoved his hand in my face so I wouldn’t say whatever I was about to say. “Mom and Dad were probably excited.”

“Mom was,” I said.

Atlas looked at me again, this time with trepidation. “Your dad wasn’t? Was I supposed to ask him first?”

“No, he was happy,” I said quickly. “Just a little sad.”

“Why?” Derek asked.

“I think it’s hard to let me go,” I said with a shrug. “To know I have a new man to look after me now.”

“Makes sense,” Dex said. “Because you’re the favorite.” He waggled his eyebrows as he took a drink.

“But should I have asked him?” Atlas said. “The thought didn’t even cross my mind—”

“God, no.” I threw my hand down on the table. “And don’t you dare ask his permission to marry me. Because my ass will say no.”

“Well…I would probably mention it to him,” Atlas said.

“Mentioning is fine,” I said. “But no permission-seeking.”

Dex looked at Atlas. “No, you should ask.”

I waved my hand in front of my brother’s face. “I literally just said no—”

“Yes,” Derek said. “Ask him.”

“Ask us too,” Dex said.

“What?” I asked incredulously.

“Yeah,” Dex said. “It’ll be fun.”

“Deal.” Atlas took a drink.

“Do I have no say in this?” I asked. “The woman potentially getting married?”

Derek shrugged. “Guess not.”

“My brothers are idiots.” I dropped my bag and set it on the couch. “Don’t listen to them.”

“Sorry, baby.” He did the same, setting his bag on the coffee table. “I’m with them on this one.”