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he knew about her job as a reporter and her ridiculous fascination with Purgatory and its owners. And a few months ago he would have kept a vast distance between them. Now things were changing faster than he could predict and he was tired. Tired of maintaining a ridiculous façade. He was ready to move on to a different phase of life and Rebecca would be the woman who helped him with the transition.  
    Financially, he was prepared for the loss of Lewis Global in more ways than one. For ten plus years he tolerated a board of community and religious leaders, some of which had proven to be the hypocrites he expected. Everyone had something to hide and he used that information to his advantage. Now, with the inevitable revelation of his dark and dirty family tree, steps were being taken to insulate his family. He simply didn’t care what he had to do to get there. In his eyes, the ends more than justified the means. The only surprise was his lack of joy in watching them squirm.  
    Mason walked into the kitchen and checked on the meal his cook prepared before she left. All the hot items were in the warming tray below the oven and cold items were in the refrigerator for quick access. He grabbed two wine glasses and carried them to the table set for tonight’s meal in front of the glass wall that overlooked not only uptown Charlotte, but Purgatory as well. He chose this apartment for the view alone. The floor to ceiling windows in every room made the entire apartment seem especially spacious. He liked looking down at the city all the time.
    Under other circumstances, he might have let the part-time staff handle the dinner service, but not tonight. His first night with Ms. Adams would be the two of them in complete privacy. The buzz of the driver alerting him to their arrival made Mason smile. Almost show time.
    He placed the glasses and opened the wine before taking up a position in the foyer of his apartment. Another alerting ding and the elevator doors swooshed open, revealing a breathtaking Rebecca, whose eyes went a little wider when she saw him. Her normally curly blonde hair flowed in soft waves around her face with one side clipped back by a deep purple flower. His gaze held hers for a few seconds more, drinking her in. His body had already gone tight and it took more than a little control to stay in position and not rush her.
    She had an incredible girl-next-door-gone-rogue look about her, thanks to a more than generous full mouth, which he couldn't wait to feel on his body. Even more perfect was the berry red color of her lips, without lipstick.
    Another slim black skirt covered the full hips he already knew fit his hands perfectly. The garment stopped just above her knee, and barely there flesh-toned stockings covered the bottom half of her legs. While her attire bordered on boardroom boring, her shoes never disappointed.  
    They were delicate and dangerous at the same time. Black patent leather heels with a little bow above her toes and then a single, small strap encasing her ankle. They reminded him of a miniature version of his leather restraints. To top off the look, the heels were at least four inches, which still only barely brought the top of her head to his chin. She was a tiny thing with wicked curves and he wanted to feel her again.  
    "I was beginning to wonder if you backed out and I'd have to take matters in my own hands to enforce our contract."
    She glanced up at him, her face a rosy blush from rushing up the stairs. It was obvious she was trying to hurry. "Sorry. I got sidetracked while packing and it took a little extra time to get here."
    He lifted his left eyebrow. It wasn't that he didn't believe her, but he was damned curious about the delay. Was she having second thoughts? He shoved the question aside. It didn't matter. She'd signed on the dotted line and given her full consent. That was good enough for him.
    "I could punish you for tardiness."
    Her eyes widened and the flush of her cheeks