Placing a chaste kiss on her forehead, Mason looked at her with a sense of love in his eyes that he thought he had lost over the years. He listened to her reply about why she never removed it… and maybe that’s exactly why he kept his too. He didn’t want to forget her - she was a part of him, even if she wouldn’t be his. Sienna had asked about it - but the man had brushed her question off. That was something that was only for the two people in the room currently. As she answered the question, Mason turned around so she could see his. “Some things shouldn’t be forgotten, love.” he whispered before turning back to face her and gently placing a strand of her hair behind her ear.
Within a few seconds, he did ruin the little bubble they were in by telling her this had to stay in the room they were in. However, despite whatever he was expecting… she didn’t push him. He didn’t know what he expected… but from what he remembered, this was part of why he loved the girl in front of him. As she stroked his cheek, he leaned into her touch listening to her response wishing they didn’t have to leave, but knowing they had to. “You have it wrong, darling… I’m not trying to protect Sienna. I’m protecting you. When we leave this room, I can’t… know you. I can’t pretend to be your friend because If I do they will hurt you… they will target you and I’m not letting that happen. I"m not letting you get hurt because of what I’m doing.” he whispered as she kissed his forehead. His heart beat stronger with her next words and he wrapped his arms around her tightly before pulling her in for another breathtaking kiss. “I love you,” he whispered after pulling away - something in his eyes telling her that he meant it. That he still… to this day, meant every word.