He exhales slowly, dragging a hand down his face. “You’re gonna be the death of me.”
I grin. “Get in line.”
He exhales like he’s trying to gather what’s left of his composure. “You’re quite an extraordinary woman, Effa.”
I grin. “Ordinary’s boring. Now get on the sofa.”
He chuckles, turning to lie down on his side, facing outward. I slide in front him, my back to his chest, and his arm instinctively wraps around my waist, holding me close so I don’t roll off.
I smile, loving how natural this feels. “Do you get morning wood?” I ask suddenly.
Mercs bursts out laughing, shifting slightly behind me. “What kind of question is that?”
I glance over my shoulder, his face is mere inches from mine. “Just want to know what I’m waking up to. Mentally preparing myself.”
“Sometimes.” He pulls me closer and groans. “I’ve got no control over it.”
I giggle, threading my fingers through his. A warm tingle spreads through me. “It’s fine. Human nature. Besides, I’m kind of grinding my ass into your cock right now… so it would only make sense.”
He laughs again, the sound vibrating through my back, and I melt a little more. This? This comfort, this ease, it feels rare. Real.
My life’s never really been normal. I don’t even know what that is.
But maybe with Mercs, maybe this is a start.
“The right kind of normal,” I whisper to myself.
“Goodnight, Effa,” he murmurs into my ear.
“Night, Mercs.”
I close my eyes, tucked into his warmth, his arm around me.
And for the first time in a long time…
I don’t feel like Effervescent the rock star.
I feel like me.
And I never want to leave this moment.
Chapter Six
MERCS
My eyes are still closed, drifting between half-awake and half-asleep.
It’s daylight, I can sense it, but I have no clue what time it is.
Effa’s back rises and falls in a steady rhythm against my chest. Her fruity-scented hair tickles my nose, like it has all night.
Lying with her is… easy. Natural. Like it’s always been this way.
We only met yesterday, but I already feel something—a connection.
There’s a light in her—a spark.
I get why she calls herself Effervescent because it fits.
