Chapter 6: Unworthy Hearts

Bang—

The bathroom door slammed open. I jumped, stumbling back.

Then I heard a familiar male voice:

"How do you know? Wanna tell me?"

Mason’s voice was harsh, pissed.

His tone ricocheted around the bathroom, shutting the girls up in an instant. The energy shifted, sharp and tense.

Next came Mariah’s voice, dripping with sarcasm:

"All you do is call people names. Why don’t you go Google what ‘grandfather’ means before you run your mouth? With an attitude like that, all you’re gonna do is talk trash."

She took a few steps forward, calling out softly:

"Laur, where are you?"

Her voice was gentle, steady. Relief crashed over me.

Still trembling, I opened the stall and rushed into Mariah’s arms.

She hugged me tight, her warmth melting the chill. I buried my face in her shoulder, letting the tears fall.

Mason’s face was thunderous, but when he saw me, he peeled off his coat and draped it over my shoulders.

The coat swallowed me whole.

It smelled like cedar and something only Mason—comforting, familiar. I hugged it tighter, grateful for the shield.

Mason pulled me from Mariah’s arms and wrapped me up. As we left, he tossed a warning over his shoulder:

"Since you know so much, you should also know how many years you get for slander."

His voice was cold, but his grip was gentle. I felt safe—maybe for the first time in a while.

Mason held me until the noise faded. Only then did I finally stop shaking.

We stood in the hallway, leaning against the cold wall, Mason’s arm draped around me. I could finally breathe.

I peeked out from the coat and saw Sebastian and Mariah trailing behind.

Sebastian checked that I was okay, gave a curt nod, and headed back to the bar.

He paused just long enough to shoot Mason a look—a mix of approval and warning.

Before he left, he told Mason:

"Take care of her. I’ll handle it."