There was a noise coming from distant place but I had no idea why. I tried to ignore it but it would just start again and again. I sounded so far away and if I tried really hard I could pretend that I didn't hear it. When I attempted to move toward it I couldn't get my head or my arms to cooperate with my brain. It felt like I was moving through mud or in slow motion. All the sudden the buzzing turned into pounding. Not in my head but far away again. Somewhere in my foggy brain I registered some muffled arguing but I just didn't have the strength to be concerned.

The door to suite was thrown open and I very clearly heard a man's voice yell, "Paris!"

Normally this would have elicited some kind of reaction out of me but I couldn't make myself sit up. I rolled over on the bed to discover I was laying on top of my very comfy bed still dressed in my grey dress. My hair was fanned around my head in a perfect circle on my pillow. I had kicked off my shoes and luckily my dress wasn't ridding up in any embarrassing places.

"Mason we have got to stop meeting this way," I tried to crack a smile. Blinking rapidly I was trying to bring Mason into focus. Behind him I noticed a very annoyed maid with her arms crossed.

"I apologize Miss the gentleman was insistent," the older woman with a tidy bun turned and exited.

"Jesus Paris what the hell," Mason took a step back and crossed his arms. I could see his rapid breathing was causing his arms to rise and fall. "I'm sorry. I was so worried. Are you all right?"

I gave him my best sleepy smile and finally my body cooperated and allowed me to sit up. I tried to stand but feeling dizzy I wobbled slightly and dropped back down on the bed. My reaction stirred Mason out of his snit and he crossed the room so quickly I almost missed it. Suddenly his hands placed gently on my forehead and cheek. Mason's hands were huge and wonderfully cool on my forehead. I found myself leaning into his touch. Taking a deep breath I let it out slowly and closed my eyes for a moment to savor the feeling.

Mason didn't say anything but when I opened my eyes I could see the concern creasing his brows. He was really worried about me.

"Mason you are being incredibly sweet but what possessed you to have housekeeping break into my room," I said truly confused.

"Paris it's almost 4:30. You haven't been answering your room phone and I don't have your cell number," he dropped his hands from my face and started ringing them in his lap.

"O no Mason 4:30," I picked up my cell and the alarm icon was still flashing. I had never over slept in my life.

As if something occurred to him he leaned forward to inspect my eyes, "Are you hung over?"

I recoiled like he slapped me. "Why do you always expect the worst from me Mason?"

"No, Paris it's not you. I always think the worst in everyone," Mason sighed, "I guess if I don't expect much out of people I'm not disappointed," Mason looked regretful. "Most of the other kids I go to school with would have found it perfectly acceptable to get trashed last night. I didn't realize my comment would offend you."

For a such a composed guy I was surprised how much of self Mason had just shown me. "All of this broken sleep has literally exhausted me. I have never felt so drained. I could hear the phone ringing but I just couldn't make myself answer it. My brain stopped communicated with my body."

"I was so confused." Mason stared at the ground like he was burning a whole in the rug. "I saw your Dad in the coffee shop and told him we were planning to hit the trails. He told me you were still upstairs so when you didn't come down I tried to call you. By the time I got to your door I couldn't hear anything inside and I freaked out. When the maid came walking by I convinced her you were sick and I needed to get inside. I think she thought I was crazy, but I wasn't letting her leave until I knew you where okay."

I felt like comforting him. "I swear I don't usually cause this much drama. I don't think that I've ever over slept before." I rubbed my eyes trying to make them fully focus. I didn't want to tell Mason I thought that he was over reacting. Some part of me was thrilled that he cared.

"Paris I'm not trying to make you feel bad. In my life I need control. When I'm in control of a situation I'm calm and composed. I'll admit when I'm around you I lose all rational thought. I can't seem get in control of anything, mostly myself."

I wanted desperately for him to look at me. I wanted to hold his hand or lean over and kiss him but the internal struggle on his face kept me planted in place. Mason was opening up to me in a way that awed me. I didn't know what to give him because I didn't know what he needed. "Thank you Mason. Thank you for worrying about me. " I didn't want to lessen the moment with a joke but I desperately needed some coffee. "Mason you want to get some food?"

"You sure. You still seem sleepy," Mason said brushing the hair away from my face.

"I'll be great after a big coffee and maybe a bagel," I said sweetly. Mason might be out of control around me but I was surprisingly serene around him. I felt taken care of.

We agreed to met back downstairs for breakfast. I pulled almost everything out of my drawers trying to locate some clean clothes. I finally found a new pair of skinny jeans and a comfy pale blue hoodie. I was in the mood to be comfy so I pulled on a pair of fuzzy brown Uggs and headed downstairs.

Walking into the coffee shop I could see Mason at a small table in the corner by a small tinted window. He didn't seem to see me right away so I stopped to appreciate how handsome he was. As if he could feel my eyes on him, he looked up and met my eyes. I really needed to dial back the dreamy look on my face. As I approached the table I saw that Mason had already ordered food.

"Can I sit?" I asked him.

Mason nodded at me with indulgent smile. Mason was eating some sort of large breakfast sandwich and orange juice. In front of me there was a bagel and a huge paper coffee cup with a white plastic lid.

"I didn't know what you liked on your bagel so I got cream cheese and butter. The coffee is how you requested. Big."

"The best kind. This cup is impressively large. I don't think that even Wawa has coffee cups this large." I was excited to finally have some caffeine in me.

"What's a Wawa? Mason said drawing out the syllables.

"O' sorry it's an awesome gas station we have back home. They have a whole isle of different coffees and creamers. It's good coffee too. They also have really great hoagies." Mason gave me another confused face so I continued," You know big sandwiches. I think they started somewhere in Philly but you can find them all over the East coast now. You end up out that way you should check it out."

"Yes, good coffee is essential for most people. I am more of an OJ person," he said raising his plastic cup.

"You don't drink coffee." I tried unsuccessfully to wipe the horrified look off my face.

Mason laughed loud enough to startle me. "Not really but I am a big sandwich fan." It felt like an accomplishment to make him laugh.

"So after all I put you through earlier I owe you a story about our parents. Tell me what you want you want to hear," I said cautiously.

"I have no idea. Start at the beginning I guess."

This was going to be tricky. I was never one to dance around an issue but it was pretty obvious that I was going to have to leave out some glaringly important details. I needed to find a happy medium between deceiving him and giving some of the information that he seemed to want. I didn't know what to say.

After a minute Mason added, "Our Mom's met in Russia right."

"Yeah I can't remember exactly what city they met in but I know they traveled quite a bit together. My Mom was working there and Abe contacted her to help your Mom. "

"Your mother is American?"

"Yes, but she isn't a typical American. You could say she is well traveled." That was an understatement.

"How did she help my mom? Does she speak Russian?"

This made me laugh but Mason looked confused. "I'm sorry my mother is a bit of a linguist. I'm not sure how many languages she speaks but it's a lot." He looked at me expectantly. "I think that she helped your mother travel to Dimitri's village. "At this point I was picking at my finger nails trying hard to avoid eye contact. When I looked up Mason looked

"That's my village too, that's were Alex and I were born."

I had no words.

"When my mother died." Mason paused taking his time. "When my birth mother died Abe helped us. He kept us safe until Rose and Dimitri came for us. I remember it so clearly though it's like a movie in my head." I didn't say anything but nodded along to his words. "It's really a beautiful village, after living there it was hard to get comfortable living at court."

We had both finished our meal at this point but continued nursing our drinks.

"How old were you?" I asked not knowing if I wanted an answer to my question.

"I was five and Alex was two. I don't think that he remembers very much but I like telling him stories. I don't want him to forget."

I didn't want to ask him how his mother died, this wasn't the place for that. One thing did sort of bother me, "Mason isn't really a Russian name is it?"

He smiled at me, "No my first name isn't Mason." He paused as if he was considering if I was worthy to share this information. With a new resolve he looked in my eyes, "My birth mother named me after my grandfather. His name was Nikolai. She told me he was a wonderful man that always took care of his family and that I should always be like him. When I came to the States I didn't want to remember that story. I just wanted to forget who I was and start again so I asked my new mother to give me a new name."

I couldn't hold it anymore I was going to cry. This was the most incredible story and he was sharing it with me. I said the first thing I thought, "You don't look like a Mason. Nikolai suits you." A single tear made it's way down my left check.

"Hey don't do that," Mason said softly. He reached his long arm across the table and was barley able to wipe away the tear before it fell.

I sat there for a few minutes just absorbing what Mason had told me. The light in the small window was starting to dim even farther.

"Paris," Mason startled me, "you ready?" He stood up and began to collect the trash on the table.

I followed Mason out toward the exit.

"Do you have other plans? We can try to find time another time."

Mason cut me off, "I'm all yours. I don't have any other plans today." His smile cut through my guilt. When I was about to protest he cut me off again making me agree to change and met him where we originally planned.

We made plans to meet back after grabbing our gear. I was hoping we would have fun and no drama. It was important to me that Mason didn't see me as a flighty drama queen. I wanted him to respect me.

This was a wonderful resort. The trails were clean and well maintained. Mason showed me where to get out equipment and walked to the lift.

"Who do you think was the first person to strap skis on there feel and say I think I'm going to slide down this hill," Mason wondered.

"I think it was the Norwegians or the Swedish. They used skis to get travel around on the snow not for entertainment. "

Mason looked impressed, "Really I didn't know that. What about snow boards where did they originate?"

I smirked at him. "That was the Americans. I think part of it started with the tradition of sliding down a hill on a cafeteria tray."

Mason's eyes twinkled with laughter, "I can't say that I have ever done that before."

"Well, you don't know what you're missing," I teased. "If you are ever brave enough to try it I hope it will make you think of me."

Despite having a bit of an explosive start our day had morphed into a comfortable companionship. Mason showed me the best runs and helped me navigate the ski lift (which could sometimes be tricky with a snowboard). It was refreshing to not have to dumb down my skill for someone else. He was a beautiful skier, incredibly graceful for his size. Not surprising with his level of athleticism.

After the sun went down the lights came on the snow and it began to get more crowded. We decided to call it a day and returned our equipment. As we walked back inside I realized what a wonderful day it had turned out to be.

Stopping just inside the door to pull of my goggles and unzip my coat. "I need to go upstairs and check my phone. I haven't checked in with my dad at all today." Mason agreed and followed me. Even though I was moving slowly Mason stayed instep with me. I got a better work out then I had expected. This had been so much fun and I came to a realization,"I wish this day wouldn't end so quickly

Mason seemed taken aback by my comment. "Why is that?"

I looked up at him with sad eyes. "My grandmother arrives soon. Everything's going to change."

We walked toward the elevators but kept our voices low. "It's going to be okay Paris, Abe won't let her pull any crap. He is poised and ready to strike."

I could tell Mason was trying to be reassuring but I wasn't won over so easily. We entered an empty elevator and I looked up into his brown eyes, "I've never met her before. I'm scared Mason." After all of his earlier admissions this seemed natural. "My father won't admit it but he's worried too. What if she doesn't like me?" Sighing loudly I continued, "I have no idea what I'm even supposed to call her. I have always just said my grandmother, but what if she expects something more formal." I was chewing my lip but and Mason reached over to pull my lip out of my teeth and held my chin to look at him.

"Your going to be great Paris. How could anyone not like you?" Mason shrugged.

My bark of laughter ricocheted around the elevator. "Really Mason I didn't think I always made the best first impression."

"You've had some practice now." Mason teased.

Rolling my eyes I excited the elevator and set off toward my room. Mason fell instep with me, "You should talk to your dad about it. Tell him you're worried and have him find out what your grandmother wants to be called. Your Dad brought you here let him handle it. "

We stopped at my door. Mason was right and that was a good plan. Leaning on the door I looked up at him. I was forever looking up to meet his eyes. "Why did you share so much with me earlier? That's not the kind of story that's easy to tell." I finished confidently.

Mason started slowly, "No it's not." He looked regretful, "I'm not sure I ever have. You seemed like you needed someone to trust here. When I look at you it's not that you're scared exactly but you aren't comfortable here either. I thought sharing something about me would make you less afraid. "

I unlocked the door and opened it motioning for him to enter. I followed him and turned to shut the door. With my back to him I continued," Mason I'm not afraid of you." I turned quickly, " You make me feel safe."

There was a heart beat that we just stood looking at each other and then I felt my back hit the door. Mason moved toward me so fast that all I could do was reach up to circle his neck. Mason's lips where on mine hard and demanding. This was not a sweet first kiss, it was a claiming. Maybe I should have been frightened but I wasn't. Mason wasn't holding anything back and I loved it. He was showing me a real part of himself and it was hot.

I could feel his hands on my hips slowly making their way down my backside and pull me closer to him. Just when I wanted to protest I felt his tongue in my mouth and completely lost all sense. I gripped him tighter to me and ran my fingers through his soft wavy hair. Mason didn't push me too far which I was grateful for but he didn't let up either. It felt so good to let go of this tension that had been building between us.

When Mason pulled away he pushed his forehead against mine and let out a loud breath. "The way you make me feel Paris." He shook his head at me.

He gave me one more quick sweet kiss and paused, "You better check your phone."

I watched transfixed by his fingers as the ran down my arm to my hand and tugged me farther into the suite. I nodded words completely being lost on me. I noticed I had a few messages from my father and pushed the button to call him back. He answered on the first ring.

"Hey dad where are you?" I said trying to keep my voice even.

"I spent most of the day in the spa. I feel sufficiently pruney now. Did you have a good time outside? I hope you at least managed to prove Mason wrong."

I could hear the smile in his voice and I relaxed. "I definitely shut him up." Mason grinned at me from across the room.

"I'm not sure I'm up to a formal dinner tonight. Why don't you two order some room service and relax? It's all on your grandmothers tab and she couldn't care less what we order. I did get a message from her earlier saying she was in route."

This news wiped the smile off of my face and suddenly I wasn't up for dinner either. Seeing the change in me Mason moved closer and looked at me expectantly.

"That's a great idea. Relaxing sounds heavenly right now. If you need me I'll be in my room."

"Okay sweetheart. See you soon."

When I hung up I looked up to see Mason still staring at me, "What's wrong?"

I forced a smile, "Nothing. My dad just told me he got a message from my grandmother that she was on her way here."

Mason's face softened. "It's going to be fine Paris, she is just one woman. You want to stay up here I can go?"

No way I was letting him go anywhere. "No, we were told to order anything we wanted from room service and relax."

His eye brows went up but he didn't argue. I pulled the menu out of the drawer of the huge desk in the office area of the suite. Picking up the phone I ordered one of everything on the menu that looked appetizing. I was sick of the tiny portions here and was determined to make a pig out of myself.

Oddly Mason didn't protest he just sat on the corner of my bed quietly. I could see him retreating into his head.

"Don't do that Mason. You don't need to feel guilty," I said pulling back his attention.

"Your Dad trusts me and I shouldn't have taken advantage of that. He's an interesting guy but he can read me like a book."

I laughed sitting down beside him. "You think my dad doesn't know that I kiss boys. Do you think that he is under some kind of delusion that I'm a saint?"

Mason let out the breath he was holding and his shoulders softened. "You kiss boys huh," he teased leaning forward to place a soft chase kiss on my lips.

"I have been know to, yes," I returned running my fingers along the sides of his face. It was surprisingly rough and stubbly. "How old are you Mason?"

The change in direction didn't throw him. He leaned into my touch and responded, "Seventeen. I'll be eighteen March seventeenth."

"Saint Patrick's Day, you were born lucky," I responded enthusiastically.

"Well, I'm not at all Irish but I do feel lucky right now," he finished pulling me close to him and all verbal communication was no longer possible.

Kissing Mason was like a free fall. You could do it forever and it was amazingly freeing but, it ended with a jolt. When I heard the knock at the door this time and pulled away to open the door. The amount of food that was brought in was impressive. It was a good thing my room had a whole room dedicated to eating.

Mason looked at me surprised, "We are going to eat all this food just the two of us? This must have cost a fortune."

I shrugged, "It's my grandmother's fortune. You can invite Alex or some other people if you aren't up to the challenge."

"Alex, your right I should at least call and see what he's up to. I could go get changed and check in. After we stuff ourselves we could rent a movie."

We had spent the whole day together so I was relieved that Mason wanted to come back. "That's a good idea, I'm not sure what kind of things I going to be expected to attend once my grandmother arrives. "

After picking at a few of the fries I walked him over to the door. Mason's arms went up my back and into my hair. He tried to pull me in again for one of his all consuming kisses but I stopped him short. "If we start that again all that food will go to waste."

Mason beamed, "We wouldn't want that would we." He pulled back slightly then gave me quick peck. "See you soon."

After Mason left it felt oddly quiet in my room. I changed my clothes and I tried to walk around my room to occupy myself. I was itching with the need tell someone about what had happened with Mason. I decided it might be fun to call Paisley, I told her that I would. I didn't have to tell her everything but talking would help my restlessness. She picked up on the second ring and seemed to be happy to hear from me. After telling her I had ordered a bunch of food she enthusiastically agreed to come keep me company.

When I heard the knock I was a bit surprised, "Hey that was fast," I told her. We walked toward the food and began snacking a platter of chips and dip. Paisley looked beautiful in an emerald green sweater and set off her red hair perfectly. Her friendly smile made me feel comfortable.

"I was already up and dressed. My room is just one floor above yours." Paisley began to eye me suspiciously. "Why does it smell like a boy in here?"

"What does that mean? How does a boy smell?"

"You reek of minty shampoo and spicy cologne. " she stopped and looked around. "Who is he?"

"I don't know if you know him," I tried half heartily to avoid her question.

"Try me."

"He's name is Mason Belikov. We went skiing earlier. Our parents are friends," I said trying for some reason to defend my attraction.

"Wow good choice. That boy is gorgeous in a quiet brooding way. He doesn't smile much but, but the boy sure is built. Mason doesn't hook up much that I know about."

"Mason smiles all the time," I frowned. Mason smiled all the time around me. "You probably see him going doing guardian stuff. He seems to take all of that very seriously."

"Mason can guard me anytime just don't tell Andrew," we were both laughing when I heard another knock on the door. My room was hopping.

Alex walked in my room with a huge grin and enveloped me in a hug. When he pulled back he gave me the strangest look and turned to look at his brother.

"Nice to see you too Alex. Hungry?" I told him.

As we walked back toward Paisley the smell of the food hit me. I turned on some Maroon 5 and immediately got a plate and helped myself to a large assortment of yummy things. I turned to sit down and saw Alex had taken a seat but, Mason standing uncomfortably on the edge of the room.

"Mason do you know Paisley?"

"Of course he does. Get some food and come sit down Mason," Paisley ordered with a smirk.

Her order got him moving and he joined us at the table. Mason seemed annoyed at something and I starting to see why Paisley thought he never smiled.

"How do you know Paisley?" Alex asked innocently between mouthfuls of gourmet mac and cheese.

"We played cards last night," Paisley smiled wickedly, "but we bonded by telling Nicole to piss off. Nicole may be royal but she is royal pain in the butt!"

"That girl is annoying," I repeated "I think the best way to handle her is to just stay away."

"After you left, she came sniffing around Mathew again," Paisley looked disgusted. "The worst part was he left with her. God knows why. He pushes her away but she always manages to worm her way back."

This irritated me for some reason. Possibly because I thought that Mathew had better taste.

Mason stood up at the table and pushed his food away. He looked pointedly at me, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" I followed him back past the bed room when he grabbed my hand and pulled me into the bathroom and shut the door.

"Mason what are you doing?"

"What in the world could ever posses you to hang out with Mathew Zeklos?" he whispered with wild eyes. "Paisley Abernathy is also an interesting choice."

"Really because she only had nice things to say about you!" I countered.

"What why would you be talking about me?"

I tilted my head as if it was obvious.

"What did Paisley say? Did she tell you to stay away from me?"

"Are you crazy no, I can't tell you what she said because it would make you blush." I countered. "Do you see how insane it is to be discussing this in my bathroom?" I was starting to get angry.

Mason's resolve broke. "It's a very nice bathroom," he said trying to deflate my anger. I couldn't help return his smile.

I wanted to roll my eyes at his mood swings. I tried to respond when he leaned over and gently kissed my neck. I couldn't believe how easily we had fallen into this routine. "Do us both a favor and stay away from Nicole okay?" Brooding Mason had sweet side.

I agreed and quickly exited the bathroom.

"You two all set," Paisley teased. "Andrew just called I invited him over. I told him we were going to watch a movie. I hope you don't mind?"

I didn't mind. I figured with a few more people this new relationship Mason and I were foraging might be less awkward. I went back to eating and asked Paisley to let them in.

"Bonjour Paris," Mathew smirked walking in the room.

I avoided hugging him after the strange look I got from Alex but grinned up at him as he sat at the table. "Is that the extent of your French Matty?"

"I seem to recall the words to a Lady Marmalade song."

"Well, Matty at least you are well rounded," I shot back.

The room lit up in laughter, with the exception of Mason. He seemed more annoyed than anything with our banter. Mason placed himself strategically between us.

Mathew and Andrew somehow managed to finish off the pile of food that was left and we moved into the bedroom to choose a movie.

About an hour later the adjoining door to my dad's room opened. He smiled broadly at the sight of all of us essentially camped out on and around my huge bed. Paisley and Andrew were cuddled on the floor with a mountain of pillows. Alex had taken up residence on a large arm chair. Mathew had spread himself along the end of the bed. The movie they had chosen consisted of car chases and large explosions but I was more focused on the shoulder I was comfortably leaning on.

Mason stiffened at the sight of my father but didn't move me. "I'm going to lay down Paris. You guys should order some popcorn or ice cream," he said indulgently shutting the door behind him. He looked relieved.

Thank you so much for reading. I hope that you enjoyed this new chapter! A few people have mentioned to me that they have been checking for updates. If you select follow the story at the end of the page you will get email updates. If you are enjoying Paris' story check out Mason's POV in my other stories. Mason's chapter three has the answers to a lot of questions people have been sending me so please check it out!

Happy Reading and Thanks Again!