Chapter 4

Mason wiped his mouth clean and sat up straight.

“Go ahead.”

I spread my palm and held it out in front of him.

“Can you hold my hand throughout afternoon classes?”

Mason’s knee slammed into the desk.

His chest rose and fell as waves of heat rolled off him.

After struggling for a long time to find the right words, he finally said,

“You’re a girl. You should be more reserved.”

I made an agreeable sound and took his hand.

“You didn’t say no, so that means yes.”

“Good. Go to sleep. I’ll work on some problems.”

Mason spent the entire afternoon fidgeting.

Both our palms grew sweaty.

Whenever he showed the slightest sign of pulling away, I tightened my grip.

I was quite satisfied.

I didn’t suddenly lose control of my body. I didn’t have to keep track of when to take my medicine. I could simply lose myself in my studies.

Only after everyone had left the classroom did Mason finally ask,

“Can you let go now?”

I pulled out two tissues and casually wiped our hands.

“Come with me. I’m taking you to dinner.”

“I need you to help me with something.”

I dragged the suitcase out from the corner and looked at Mason with interest.

“Mason Reed, let me touch you, and all this money is yours.”

“I already had a lawyer draw up the contract. You’ll be my twenty-four-hour assistant, available whenever I call.”

“I’ll handle your food, clothing, housing, and transportation. You’ll attend the same college as me. I’ll also pay you an extra ten thousand dollars every month.”

“All you have to do is stay by my side. Simple.”

Mason looked at the suitcase, then at me. Confusion filled his eyes.

He rubbed his ear, his eyes widening.

“What are you talking about?”

“I don’t need this!”

He crossed his arms and shouted angrily,

“Get out!”

I shrugged and raised both hands in surrender.

“I don’t mean anything else by it. I won’t do anything to you.”

“I’m just addicted to your body heat.”

“You know everyone has their quirks.”

“I think we’re a good match.”

“You give me the warmth I need, and I’ll take care of all your living expenses.”

“I really need you.”

“Of course, you have the right to refuse.”

Mason stared at me for a long time before asking in confusion,

“You need me?”

I nodded firmly.

“Our contract will remain in effect until the day you choose to leave.”

I hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly. I had thought I’d have to fight a long battle.

At that moment, Mason sat stiffly on my couch.

In my home.

He had been nervous ever since stepping inside.

I scrolled through my tablet, choosing the things he used most often.

Now that he belonged to me, I wanted him dressed according to my preferences.

I asked casually,

“Any preferences when it comes to clothes?”

Mason’s voice was dry.

“No. Anything is fine.”

I placed the order.

Then I naturally sat beside him and pressed down his unruly cowlick.

“Hold me. As tightly as possible.”

Mason looked like an old robot that had just received a command.

He raised his arms and moved them awkwardly around me, but they never quite landed.

His lower lip had been bitten pale, and his eyes shimmered like spring water.

I said calmly,

“Pull me onto your lap. Put one hand against the back of my neck and the other around my waist.”

Mason followed the instructions.

His chest rose and fell unevenly, and he was breathing hard.

I wasn’t satisfied with the loose way he held me.

I frowned.

“Tighter. I want us pressed together.”