Mason frowned, "Either you don't understand what I'm saying, or—"

"I understand perfectly," Aurora cut him off. "You're using Irene to protect me. But I don't need that."

"Sure, Irene messed up and should face consequences for her mistakes. But being your human shield? That's not her job. And I don't need anyone taking bullets for me," she said.

"If I were with you, I'd be ready to face whatever comes our way. But Mason, we're done now." Aurora tried to get off his ...