Mason (Trinity Academy 2)

“There’s nothing sweet about you,” I grumble.

“Mason!” West yells. “Don’t fucking walk away from me!”

As we enter our dorm, Kingsley looks up at me with pride shining from her eyes. “Are you okay?”

I nod and press the button for the elevator. “I still want to kill him, but I meant everything I said. The accident wasn’t anyone’s fault, and West needs to move on. It’s time to leave the past where it belongs instead of dragging it along with me. He has to deal with his own guilt.”

“It must’ve been hard hearing him say all those things.” Kingsley brings our joint hands to her mouth and presses a kiss to the back of mine. “But I’m really proud of how you handled it.”

We step into the elevator, and I lean down, pressing a kiss to Kingsley’s mouth. “I’m sorry you got hurt because of me last time we had a fight.”

“Hey, I got you to give me first aid. Not every girl can say that,” she teases.

“Hunt, you’re the only girl who can say that.”When we get to Van Nuys Airport, I park behind Lake. Turning off the engine, I look to where Dad is standing with Mr. Reyes, Mr. Cutler, and Julian.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?” Kingsley asks, and she begins to chew at her bottom lip.

I reach over and free her lip from between her teeth. “I’m sure. Come, let me formally introduce you to my father.”

I get out and walk around the back of the car, and opening the door for Kingsley, I reach my hand out to her.

She takes hold of me and climbing out, her eyes instantly dart in my father’s direction.

I link our fingers and shut the door, then begin to head toward the group.

“He already likes you, so you have nothing to worry about,” I murmur as we get close.

“Excuse me, Warren,” Dad says when he sees us. A smile forms on his face, and he takes a couple of steps in our direction. “This must be Kingsley.” Dad offers his hand to her, his eyes quickly sweeping over her.

Kingsley shakes his hand. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, sir.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Dad keeps smiling at her, then he says, “Dynamite comes in small packages. Looking at you, the saying must be true.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kingsley’s neck flushes red, and it has me grinning.

Looking at Dad, I ask, “Are you ready?”

“Yes, Park Je-ha is no easy man to deal with, but I believe we’re ready.”

“We’ll wait over by the cars until they land,” Falcon says after he and Layla greeted Julian and Mr. Reyes.

“We’ll join you.” Patting Dad’s shoulder, I say, “Good luck.”

“Thanks, son.” He turns back to the others but then stops. “You should bring Kingsley for dinner.”

“Next Sunday?” I ask.

“Perfect.”

When we get back to the cars, I lean against my Bugatti. Turning Kingsley around, so she’s facing the landing strip, I pull her back so she can lean against me. I wrap my arms around her and rest my chin on top of her head.

After a couple of minutes, she asks, “Are you nervous about meeting her?”

“Not as nervous as Lake,” I murmur and glancing to where Lake is standing next to his father, I can’t keep the worry for my friend from growing in my heart.

“Does CRC really need this deal?” Kingsley asks.

Earlier I explained to her that Mr. Park will be investing a substantial amount which will help CRC reach a whole new level on the global front.

“If we want to expand, then yes we do.”

“I hope she’s good to Lake,” she whispers.

“She better be,” I grumble.

The private jet begins its descent, and when it touches down, Lake walks to where we are all waiting.

“I look okay, right?” he asks.

“Lake, she’s so lucky to have you,” Layla says. “You look as handsome as ever.”

“You’ve got this, buddy. We’re right behind you,” Falcon encourages him.

“One look at you, and she’ll be swept off her feet,” Kingsley adds.

When Lake looks at me, I point to my car. “It’s not too late to leave.”

“Thanks, Mace,” he grumbles, then he grins at me probably thinking I was joking. “Did you hear that noise on the way here?” he asks.

Lake came in my car, so I could drive his Koenigsegg Regera. The past two days he’s been complaining about hearing a whistling sound every time he speeds up.

“I didn’t hear shit, but I’ll drive her back to the Academy to make sure.”

“I’ll leave it be if you don’t hear the sound by the time we get back.” He walks over to Julian, who is waiting with our fathers.

Letting go of Kingsley, I stand up straight and adjust my suit jacket.

“It’s showtime,” I whisper.

“Good luck.” Kingsley presses a kiss to my cheek and waits with Layla, while Falcon and I go to join the rest of the group where they’re waiting.