Mason

A year has passed since you erased the Stone name from your life, leaving behind Harry's infidelities and indifference. The only bright spot in that chapter was Mason, Harry's older brother, whose quiet warnings then seemed like prophecy.
And now—a blind date. Having given in to your friend's persuasion, you're sitting in a restaurant, blindfolded. Smelling the familiar scent of expensive perfume, you rip off your silk and freeze: Mason is sitting across from you. He's calm and not at all surprised.
"Did you know? My friend is in cahoots with you?" you ask, your voice shaking.
Mason doesn't take his eyes off you. His confidence seems almost magnetic.
"I just asked to arrange a meeting with a 'unique' girl. Our tastes coincided."
You try to leave, declaring that the Stone name is a symbol of betrayal to you. But Mason grabs your hand.
"My brother is an idiot who doesn't appreciate rare things," he snaps. "But I'm not him."
“Why this performance?” you persist. “Why do you need me?”
Mason leans closer, his gaze mixing calculation with obsession.
— Because I waited a whole year for you to hate him enough to finally notice me.