Reaper clears his throat, breaking the silence. “Mercedez, it’s good to have you back. If you need anything, let us know.”
She nods, her eyes darting to me. “I just need Twitch.”
I force a smile, but inside I feel like I’m drowning.
ELEVEN
MERCEDEZ’S ULTIMATUM
Twitch
I hearAxle’s laugh before I see him. When I turn, he walks into the computer room with a cheeky smirk. “I see you’re still hiding out in here.”
I frown, unable to hide how I’m feeling. Usually I’d laugh at Axle’s digs, but not today. Not after Mercedez has been home for two days. I’ve been struggling hardcore.
Axle’s smile slips. “What’s up?” His tone switches to concern.
I shrug, torn. My stomach stirs again—it’s been upset for days. “I don’t know what to do or how to act with Mercedez being home. I’m walking on eggshells around her, scared that any wrong move could make her want to kill herself again. She refuses to go to counseling. I checked her meds—she’s not taking them either.”
Axle’s eyes widen.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to unload on you.” He’s not the deep and meaningful type, but I need...someoneto talk to.
He steps toward me and leans on the computer desk. “Don’t apologize. I didn’t realize it was that bad and she’s not trying to get better. She seems like her normal self.”
“Yeah...” I let out a deep sigh. Because I haven’t tried to push her away or set boundaries yet. I’m scared she’ll do something drastic... like go to Reaper.
“I heard the gossip, but why did she lose her shit anyway?” he asks curiously.
I avert my gaze, considering my words carefully, but I’m desperate to talk to him about it. “I met someone else.”
Axle inches back. “Wow, man, that’s awesome.”
My lips curve slightly as I think of Milly. “She’s incredible. Like no one I’ve ever met, but Mercedez found out and said if I chose another woman, she’d kill herself.”
Axle scoffs. “That’s bullshit, man. I’ve lost a lot of respect for the sweet butts over the years with all the drama, and I feel bad for Mercedez, I do, but don’t let her ruin your life. If you don’t want to be with her, don’t be with her. She’ll get over it, and if not, she can go back to the hospital. You’renotresponsible for her. She’s a big girl and can take care of herself.”
I blink, surprised by Axle’s words.
He tilts his head, looking puzzled. “What?”
“I guess I didn’t expect that to come from your mouth.”
He chuckles and reaches over to rough up my hair. “I joke around all the time, but I’m still your club brother, and I give a shit. I’ve dealt with the sweet butt crap, and they aren’t worth it—no matter what they’re threatening. What about this mystery woman? What’s going on with her now?”
My throat tightens. “I had to put it on hold.”
“Don’t be an idiot,” he warns. “You’ll regret losing the one that matters. I can’t even imagine my life without Elena.” He has a point.
“I don’t want to lose her. I just want to get Mercedez better in the meantime.” My hand goes to my chest. “There’s this overwhelming weight of guilt and worry. I still care about what happens to Mercedez. For years, I’ve been close with her. I don’t know if I’d recover if she killed herself because of me.”
Axle puts a hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “She’s not your responsibility, and I think you should tell the rest of the club what you’re going through. At least Reaper and Bomber should know about Mercedez. If she’s not going to counseling or taking her meds, it’s only a matter of time before she loses it again. And if she hurts herself, the cops might come asking questions.”
The thought of even talking to Reaper about this makes me cringe. “I guess you’re right. Reaper and Bomber should be informed.” My shoulders are tense, and I frown. “I’m frustrated that I can’t manage this myself. But I can’t force Mercedez to do anything. The only control I have is overmyactions.”
“You two might be friends, but you owe her nothing. You’re a good guy, but Mercedez knows this, and she’s using it against you. Don’t fall into the trap. If you are falling for this other chick, don’t let her go because of this. You think you’ll regret hurting Mercedez—you’ll regret losing this other chick even more. Trust me.”
Deep down, I know he’s right, but I’m unsure of how to navigate my way through everything. “Thanks for the chat.”
