The Loyal Puppet: A Love Built on Lies novel Chapter 2

Mason had his ways with women—carefree, reckless.

Over the years, Chloe had gotten used to it.

But this was the first time he'd taken her like this.

In the car.

On the side of the road.

She worried someone would snap a picture.

That they'd be all over social media tomorrow morning.

She tried to muffle her moans, but that only made Mason more eager, more relentless.

He liked when she held back but still gave in.

The warm spring night left both of them covered in sweat.

Chloe tilted her head back, watching as the moonlight traced the sweat dripping down Mason's jawline, down his neck, onto her skin.

She had to admit—strip away his status as Chicago's golden boy, and Mason was still the kind of man women threw themselves at.

Mason caught her staring, smirking.

"What, not enough? Want another round?"

Before Chloe could answer, he was already moving again.

"No—stop, the seat's already soaked," she muttered, pushing against his chest.

Mason paused. Scoffed.

Lazily pulled his shirt over his head.

As he fastened the last button, he handed her a small gift box.

"Your birthday present."

Chloe glanced at her phone.

Midnight had passed.

Whatever. At least he remembered—just a little late.

"Thanks." She leaned in, arms around his neck, her gaze soft.

Mason stared at her, something flickering in his eyes.

Then, a sudden glare of headlights beamed through the rear windshield.

A sharp knock on the glass followed.

Mason rolled the window down.

Outside, under the glow of the streetlamp, stood Ava—tears clinging to her lashes, looking small and fragile.

"Mason…" Her voice quivered, heavy with emotion.

"What's wrong? Tell me."

Chloe slid back into the driver's seat, turning on the interior light.

The marks Mason had left on her skin were still fresh.

She snapped a picture. Sent it.

Caption: "Mason was sweating a lot earlier. Just reminding him to stay warm. Thanks."

Moments later, Ava's response came through.

"Shameless."

The anger practically dripped from the screen.

Chloe smirked, completely unfazed.

Her phone kept buzzing with notification sounds—beep after beep.

She didn't even have to check. It had to be Ava, cursing her out in anger.

Same old insults—homewrecker, fake innocent act.

Who cares?

She slammed her foot on the gas.

The night breeze rushed past her face, cooling the sweat on her skin—damp, sticky.

Good thing nights like this were almost over.