Cyan
"Thank you, Mason," I said softly. And for once, the smile I gave him was genuine, small, and tired. "You're very sweet. But really… don't worry about it. I don't give a damn about what Nick thinks or says."
I took a short breath, stepping back toward the grand staircase. "I think… we should probably raincheck whatever we were doing earlier, though. I'm feeling a bit tired. Go shower, eat some breakfast, and let Reginald take care of you, okay?"
Mason looked like he wanted to say a hundred more things, but he could see the boundary I was drawing. He nodded slowly, biting his lip. "Okay. Thank you, Cyan. And… I'm sorry again."
"Stop apologizing," I laughed softly, turning on my heel. "How adorable."
I walked away, heading up the grand staircase. Step by step. The wood beneath my feet felt strange, slightly tilted, like the house was leaning to one side. I kept my head up until I reached my bedroom door, pushed it open, stepped inside, and shut it behind me.
