Free Judgment (The Alternate Earth Series, Book 3) by S.J. West Page B

just light a match?” I ask Michael.
    Michael nods his head, pleased with my deduction.
    I turn to look at Mason and notice a pink hue dotting his cheeks in a blush, which I didn’t think was possible.
    “What does a match have to do with anything?” I ask Mason.
    Mason looks over at me with a somewhat shy smile before saying, “Matches. It’s our code word for sex.”
    “Ohhh,” I say, realizing why Mason is blushing now. Michael did, indeed, find a way to pass his message along to Mason without causing me even more embarrassment.
    “Michael,” Mason says, facing where he knows Michael is but, of course, not being able to see him. “Why do you believe my making love to Jess will help her regain her memories?”
    Michael considers Mason thoughtfully while nodding his head.
    “He seems to think you asked a very good question,” I tell Mason.
    “Well, I hope so,” Mason replies, obviously thinking his question was an appropriate one to ask, given the situation.
    “Ok, he’s pointing to you,” I tell Mason, “and to me again. And now he’s… kissing his hand.”
    “The kiss did something?” Mason asks.
    “He’s nodding his head,” I report.
    “How do you know it did something to help Jess, Michael?”
    Michael points to me, and then to himself. He then bumps his two fists together and splays his fingers out.
    “He says it opened up something between him and me,” I tell Mason. “That must be why he tried to make me fly. He thought I would be able to access that part of myself after I kissed you.”
    Michael nods his head, letting me know that I am correct.
    “Well, you were able to allow him to take control of your body,” Mason says, considering this new information as proof of improvement of my condition.
    “Yeah,” I agree, as an uneasy tension begins to build between Mason and me.
    I see Michael waving his arms in the air to gain my attention. I look over at him as he points to me, crosses his chest with his arms, and then points to Mason.
    “I know I love him,” I say. “But it’s still a little awkward, Michael.”
    “Only for you,” Mason tells me, taking my hand. “I would love nothing more than to take you right here and now, but I know you’re not ready for it yet.”
    “I’m almost there,” I tell him. “The feelings are there. I just wish the memories were, too. I know you, but, then again, I don’t. I realize that doesn’t make a lick of sense, but it’s the way I feel.”
    “No, Jess, I understand. I get it. We’ll find a way to make this right for you.”
    “How?”
    “I’ll figure something out,” Mason promises. “Trust me.”
    “I do trust you,” I tell him, stepping into his arms for a hug.
    I just can’t remember you , I think to myself.
    After my near-death experience, the magic of Eden is broken for me. We dress quickly, and I ask Mason to take us back to the castle.
    He phases us directly back into Josh’s computer room, where all hell seems to be breaking loose.
    Well, maybe not hell, but certainly mayhem.
    There are over thirty people packed into the small room. Some of them I recognize and some of them I don’t. There is a beautiful Asian woman standing with Brand, off to the side. They’re talking in hushed tones, and I see her lean in and touch his arm intimately.
    “Is that Brand’s wife?” I ask Mason, nodding toward the pair.
    “No,” Mason replies, “she’s the Empress of China. I think all the commotion means her video is about to air.”
    “What video?”
    “She’s trying to start a worldwide uprising against Ravan. Josh has been working on a video of her speech. We were just waiting for you to bring back some footage of the real Ravan, so everyone can see who she truly is.”
    “You mean a complete bitch.”
    “See?” Mason says, winking at me. “Blunt.”
    “I’m just saying what she is. So this video, do you think anyone will be watching it, considering what’s going on in the world right now? Are there even still