" What is this and that?" Mason's gruff tone jolted both of us, and my breath caught in my throat again as my gaze drifted towards the godly man that sauntered into the kitchen with his hair wet.
The devil-may-care attitude that I had seen the night before was gone. The stone-cold, stoic man was back behind the wheel.
Mason pulled a chair while Enid busied herself putting everything that she'd prepared on the table.
" Thank you, Enid" There was a shadow of a smile on his lips when he spoke to Enid but it quickly vanished just as fast as it appeared.
" Thank you, Enid" I mumbled, looking at the bacon and the eggs on my plate. I didn't quite dare to look up. I felt guilty as a thief.
" Good morning, Miss Abernathy " He finally acknowledged my presence, picking up his cup of coffee.
" Good morning, Mr Kinnaird " I meekly replied and didn't wait to be told to eat. I knew as soon he would utter those words my appetite would vanish.
" I would suggest turning the lights off to avoid getting caught," Mason nonchalantly said making me look up from my plate, only to find two piercing blue eyes staring at me.
He didn't need to add anything to that, I was well aware of what he meant, but I had no clue how to respond. Better yet, if to respond at all to the remark.
I forcefully swallowed the mouthful and nodded, returning to staring down at my plate as I worked my way through the food. I was sweating, and not because it was hot in the kitchen. It was because Mason hadn't taken his eyes off me. I could feel his gaze boring into me. He wasn't pleased that I intruded into his personal life.
" Mr Doniton, your science tutor will be here at 8:30. I hope you're prepared to reprise your studies. " Thankfully Mason shifted the topic because I was minutes away from fainting.
I wanted to say that I know " Yes, Carter told me and Mr Robinson will be here after lunch," I replied as politely as I could, abstaining from making smart-ass remarks. I knew it wouldn't fly with Mason.
" In the upcoming weeks you will have to play catch up, but please find the time to visit Morston. It is a beautiful town and it wouldn't hurt for you to get acquainted with your surroundings. Carter can accompany you the first few times. You will get the opportunity to see the Science Academy and the two universities in town. Two years will pass quickly and you need to think of your future," Mason preached, stiff as a wooden plank. Expressionless and if I didn't know any better I could have sworn that he was emotionless as well.
" I will try to make time," I sort of agreed with his proposition. I had no intention of going anywhere, any time soon. The library was laden with books, a sanctuary for me. If I needed to know something, I would just open a book.
" Enid, why don't you join us? You've cooked enough food to feed an army." Mason politely asked but his tone was softer whenever he spoke to Enid.
" Of course," Enid nodded over her shoulder and turned off the tap and took a seat at the table.
" How are you feeling, Enid?" Mason asked as he finished his last bite. He'd stacked his plate well, but I guess like Enid said, he'd worked an appetite through the night.
Enid raised her head " The same Mr Kinnaird. As long as I take my medication, I have no trouble going about my normal day. Thank you for asking," Enid hid a smile behind her hand. And it seemed that Mason wasn't the only one behaving differently. The tinge of pink in her cheeks told me that much.
" Do I need to get in touch with Dr Button for more?" Mason asked, sipping on his coffee, even his gaze was softer on Enid. It was clear that Mason cared about Enid.
" No, Mr Kinnaird. I have plenty. No need to worry about me. I will manage." Enid fully blushed this time around. It looked like someone had the hots for Mason. At least I wasn't the only one.
Mason nodded " Please do let me know if you need anything. " Mason mellowed and smiled at Enid making her fluster, and fidget in her seat.
" Thank you, Mr Kinnaird." Enid shyly smiled and reprised her eating.
I was stumped, I couldn't believe my eyes. There he was, the caring man that I saw the other day that hid behind his steel armour. That it would most likely never show itself to me again.
I shook my head and pushed the chair with a screech that grated my ears and judging by the look that Mason gave me, his nerves.
" I apologise," I sheepishly said and picked up my plate to go and wash it in the sink. I walking on ice. I had no clue what I was doing wrong, to warrant the coldness. I guess that my presence was enough. Once again, I felt out of place.
" We have a dishwasher," Mason said the moment I placed the plate on the drainer. I froze, I knew that; I'd seen Enid use it. I closed my eyes trying to keep myself from falling apart. Again, I didn't know what to say to him or how to say it without brushing him the wrong way.
" I didn't know," I lied when I turned around and locked eyes with icy blue eyes that bored holes into me.
" I thought, I told you to make yourself at home. That includes getting familiar with appliances around the property, Miss Abernathy. You are old enough now to be able to gather as much. Or should I be looking into a babysitter as well, apart from the two tutors? " Mason didn't relent at jabbing at me. He didn't miss one single opportunity to point out what I was doing wrong.
I wanted to roll my eyes at him and tell him that I have been busy unpacking but I knew that I would probably get scolded again.
" I will," I've had my fill of Mason dish for the day. I need a breather. With that thought in mind, I pushed myself off the counter to walk out of the room.
" Have a good day, Miss Abernathy, " Mason said before I walked out of the kitchen. And there it was. I knew it was rude to leave without saying anything but I couldn't bare it anymore.
"Enid, Mr Kinnaird. Have a wonderful day," I smirked over my shoulder because I knew he wouldn't turn around to look at me.
Mason was a lot. He was handsome but a lot to take in and that made him even more attractive. I didn't know much about him, and I didn't dare to ask. Not yet anyway. I was worried, though. Everything that I did, I seemed to be doing it wrong in his eyes.