“No, I didn’t. I hadn’t thought about it, but …”
“C’mon.” I clutch her hand under the table and haul her out of the booth.
After stopping by the server station to give instructions for our food that is likely about to come out, I lead Mercy toward the patio, which is lit with string lights and mostly empty.
We slip behind an ornate trellis, and once I press in the loose brick at the bottom, the wall unlocks for me to push it back so we can sneak inside and shut out the world. As she requested earlier.
“Thanks,” she breathes. “It’s just … I’m not sure I’m ready for … people, questions, all of it.”
“Makes sense.” I flip the switch to light the electric sconce, illuminating the weathered brick and industrial ceiling—an extension of the decor from the restaurant.
“So, how do we get back to the penthouse from here?”
“We don’t,” I tell her. I have no intention of leaving this room without giving her what she came for.
“What?” It isn’t fear lacing her airy whisper. She’s aroused.
Stepping closer, I eat up the space between us without touching her. “We bide our time. Wait for them to leave. Then we’ll finish our meal. Tell me about the phone call.”
The amber lighting. The burgundy blouse. Her blonde locks framing her big brown eyes. She’s ethereal. And hungry. Jax’s idea of handing her control was brilliant. And after seeing how fierce she was over me with Martina, I realize how much I need her to fight for us, even if it’s just to scratch an itch. I’ll take whatever scraps she’ll give me.
She glances around the small space, her voice a feathery wisp. “What is this place?”
“A safe room. So, let’s use it as such. Tell me your secrets, and I’ll give you what you need.”
“No way out?” she probes for further confirmation.
“Only the way we came. You face them or me.” I drag my thumb over her pouty lip, and her breath hitches. “You claimed you wanted a taste. Don’t fuck with me, Viper. I’ve been as restrained and gentle as I can manage. Get on your knees. It’s time I brand your pretty throat.”
RYKER
Her pupils blow wide. She might have ventured into this with the intent of screwing with me and securing answers, but I’ve waited what feels like a whole fucking lifetime to see that thirst in her eyes.
She starts to lower herself to her knees, but I stop her, whip off my jacket, and toss it at my feet before gesturing for her to kneel. Something about that stills her.
She releases a ragged breath and makes herself comfortable as the notes of “Friends in Low Places” penetrate the walls with the crowd’s enthusiastic chorus.
Apropos.
Paying no attention to that, she unbuckles my belt, wrenches down my zipper, and rubs my cock through my boxers. “Tell me about KORT.”
I expected that, but I don’t let on. “If this is a diversion ploy, you are playing a dangerous game, Merce. You won’t walk away from me after this.”
We both know that no matter what happens now, she’ll never be out of my sight again, but we also know I can’t demand that she give me her heart.
“Can’t it be both?” She peers up at me. “Can’t I want this night with you and also want answers?”
She’s so fucking breathtaking that it drowns outthis nightand the admission to it being a tactic. It’s clear I’ve already lost—any battle for the upper hand, that is. With Mercy on her knees for me, I’ve won nearly every wish I’ve had for a decade.
“Yeah. I’ll take it.” I flatten my shirttails, so they curtain my painful, rock-hard dick when I guide her hand to roll the elastic from my boxers down, letting my length bob before her.
In the dim light, her eyes glow as she gasps. “Wow. You really are … perfect.” She swallows, still ogling my cock. “And you’re pierced? After all this time, how do you keep surprising me?”
That reaction is far more than I could have hoped for. But then she lets go, hiding her face with her hands.
“Oh God, please tell me Tessa didn’t do that.”
I smooth her hair back while I pump my shaft a few times to ease the discomfort. “No woman has been near my dick in years. Jax did it. He needed practice.”
