FORTY EIGHT – GUT WRENCHING PAIN.

MIRA

The silence in the room is almost deafening. Mason hasn't moved an inch from his position since the strange encounter with Devon. His back is still to me. His body visibly vibrates with anger, or tension…or both.

Never one to keep silent for too long, I heave a breath. Here goes.

"First, I find out you have a nephew. Then I find out you have a brother. Are there any other family members out there?"

His fingers clench into fists, and my heart begins a dull thud against my chest.

"Shut the fuck up, Mira." He growls.

I clamp my mouth shut immediately. Best not to aggravate him. I'm already in a shitload of trouble.

After what feels like an eternity and Mason still remains in place, I begin to get restless…and antsy.

"I know I've fucked up, big time." I begin slowly. " What's my punishment going to be?"

In a flash, Mason appears in front of me. He grabs both my arms so tight, I wince, then proceeds to shake me until my teeth rattle.

"What exactly do you not understand by shut up, wom