He takes a step toward me. “What did you say to Mercedez? She’s pissed off.”
I glance over to see her in the lounge, glaring daggers at me. Cringing, I shrug it off. “I wouldn’t know... probably just breathed.”
He laughs. “Nah, I haven’t seen her look like that before... like she wants to take your head off.”
I freeze. Does she know? She couldn’t. Milly and I didn’t tell anyone, and we left separately. “God knows.”
“Keep one eye open tonight,” he whispers, and laughs.
“Oh, real funny!” I say, taking another peek at Mercedez. She’s still glaring. I don’t remember being an asshole to her, so I’m still at a loss as to why she’s so angry. She gets up from the couch and strides over. I groan under my breath. Cash laughs again, thoroughly enjoying this. Oh, well... I’d better get this over and done with.
She puts her hands on her hips. “We need to talk.”
I give her a sharp nod. “Yes, we do.”
She glances at Cash, who turns away, pretending he’s not listening.
“Maybe somewhere quieter?” she suggests.
“Okay, let’s go to my room.” I walk up the stairs and through to my room, where I close the door behind us. As I turn, a sudden sharp pain stings my face. The sound of a slap echoes. I touch my stinging cheek.
“You fucking asshole!” she yells.
I take a step away from her, blinking. “You hit me!” It’s all I can say, because I’m still in shock. I lower my voice because others might hear us. “What the hell?”
She straightens her back and death stares me, eyes full of hatred. “You cheated on me... you slept withher, didn’t you?”
“Are you fucking kidding me? Me and you aren’t together, and that is none of your business,” I hiss. I should have denied it, but it slipped out.
She steps toward me and pushes me in the chest. I grab both her hands, holding her at a distance. She’s fighting me and yelling. My heart races as I try to hold her securely without hurting her. I don’t want to be hit again.
“You need to calm down!” My voice is harsh but firm.
She freezes, and her hands fall to her sides, so I cautiously let go, unsure of what’s going to happen next.
“I was always there for you, and you chose her!” she cries, her voice breaking.
I calm my breathing. “I didn’t choose anyone.” Yes, I did, but she doesn’t need to know that right now.
Mercedez pulls her phone from her pocket, activates the screen, and then pushes it in my face. It’s a picture of Milly and me outside the hotel, kissing. My stomach drops. I move the phone out of my face and narrow my eyes at her. “You followed me?”
“Yes, so what? I put a tracker on your motorcycle. You were with her! What does she have that I don’t?” Her voice sounds more hurt than angry now, and it makes me feel like shit.
My body stiffens. I pause, unable to find my words. She saw us kissing, and she has proof. I can’t lie this time, and what if she goes to Reaper with the message? It could blow everything up. Caution is needed here. I gulp. “I don’t know what you want me to say.” I rub the back of my neck. “Me and Milly aren’t together—we just spent the night together.”
“Milly said she wanted to live here for good. She said it last night. Why would she stay if she thought nothing was going on between you two?”
Now I remember Mercedez asking Milly last night what she got up to. I should have caught on then. “But I don’t know what’s going on between me and Milly. We just slept together.” Do I want something more... I don’t think it’s in our future.
Mercedez takes a deep breath and pulls out a pocketknife.
My heart is pounding and my breath is frantic. “Give me the knife, Mercedez,” I say in a gentle tone.
She shakes her head; tears roll down her cheeks. The sharp blade flies out of the handle.
I’m sweating, but anxious and on guard. I’m unsure whether she’s going to stab me or hurt herself. Fuck it. I can’t live with myself if she hurts herself. “Mercedez,” I say and take a step toward her.
More tears fall. The hand holding the knife trembles. “If you choose her over me, I’m going to kill myself.” Her voice is filled with conviction, and I believe she’d do it. She’s unstable. “The club is my only family. You’re the only man I’ve ever loved. I can’t lose it all.”
