Something shifted behind me near the door, barely audible, seemingly undetectable to everyone but me since I knew Mase's location. I hoped that wasn't Mase getting any funny ideas about defending my honor or other such nonsense.

"I bet your mother appreciates those misogynistic viewpoints of yours," I blurted to redirect Parker in case he'd heard. "How proud she must be."

His cracked gaze searched my face, his black hole pupils shifting behind the broken white flecks ...