he could be so sweet and romantic at times and then so tough and male at others . mason jumped back like he was caught doing something he should n't , and none other than lily was standing there . she had fought it so long , to the point of death . soldiers slammed the rear doors shut . in a week from now that place might be paradise for the lucky student . `` that poisonous thing in my belly . '' the sparkle returned to his eyes as he swung around and came back toward her . 