Infinity by Sedona Venez

unworthy. Prime example, Kir-J, I can’t believe that you actually considered having sex with him.” Something flashed across his eyes then disappeared before I could evaluate it. “You could do better. Way better.”
    I felt a twinge of uneasiness, “I’m good Mason, really I am.”
    “When are you going to realize that there’s a guy out there for you that will ensure that there is no collateral damage? You’re worthy, you know that right?” He reached out, trailing a finger gently across my cheek. “More than worthy, you’re special. Look for a guy that treasures that, and works hard to win and keep all that you offer.”
    I blinked, my breath hitched. It was times like this that made me realize just how sweet Mason could be when he wanted to. It also made me long for the days when I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he really had my back no matter how hard he rode me about some of my less than brilliant decisions. “Just be patient with the process.” I trailed my finger across his cheek which he grabbed quickly pressing my palm tightly against it.
    I sighed, letting go all of the tension and in a blink of an eye, his face hardened, releasing my hand.
    “How many times?”
    I swallowed, not liking the uneasy feeling that returned. “What?”
    “How many times have I heard that from you? You’re not letting me down, or Kara but yourself. You got a whole world of destiny to fulfill and you’re failing before the real challenge begins.” He paused, “I know you, Infinity, really know you. You’re hard on the outside because you’re dealing with a lot of crap, some you choose the share, and some you hide.”
    I tried to interrupt, but he cut me off.
    “But I want you to know, and there’s nothing, I mean nothing that I’ll judge you for.” He paused, “Except for stupid ass crotch shots, partying way too hard and popping those toxic pills. Those things I’m judging, and real hard. In other words, get your shit together or I’ll sort it out for you, and I won’t be warm and cuddly about it.” He wrapped a finger around my hair and tugged real hard. “You feel where I’m coming from?”
    He was looking at me with that frown I hated. It was that frown that said the days of him being that carefree, fun, happy boy were long over. The frown that made his light eyes turn a deeper shade, his beautiful chiseled face harder, his pale ivory skin rosy and his lips transform into that firm ‘I’m taking no prisoners’ line.
    When he got like that, there was no reasoning with him; it was his way or no way. It was like he was some old soul hidden in a twenty-six year old body laying down the parental rules.
    My shoulders tensed as I moved away from him. “What in the hell is going on with you, Mason? One minute you’re sweet and cuddly, the next you’re all prickly and angry. Will you fucking pick a personality and stick with it, because the Jekyll and Hyde shit is running pretty thin right about now.”
    We just stared at each other in some weird battle of wills that made me grit my teeth with frustration. I couldn’t do this with him anymore. It was either the business relationship or the family relationship, because it was becoming more than obvious that the two couldn’t coexist anymore. It was time for the talk.
    I hardened my heart, steeling myself for a battle. “Mason...look...”
    My phone rang, giving me a reprieve from starting that awkward ‘you’re fired’ conversation.
    “Well? You know who it is.” He of course crossed his legs, looking at me like everything was cool between us and it certainly was not.
    “No help. You’re freaking no help.” I mumbled, letting it ring as Anya walked in looking like she just stepped out of the boardroom opposed to the kitchen handing me a steaming cup of her special brewed of coffee as she leaned to kiss my on the cheek.
    “Thank you, Anya.”
    “No problem, baby. Now answer the damn phone before she gets more even more pissed.”
    I sigh