I rest my head against his chest, breathing him in, letting the quiet moment wash over me.
Everything feels right.
But somewhere deep in my gut, there’s a whisper I can’t quite silence.
I just hope this calm lasts.
Chapter Twenty-One
MERCS
After a great dinner and a quiet evening, I’m lying in bed with Effa curled into my side, staring at the ceiling, trying to silence the chaos in my head.
Every move I make to get ahead fails.
Every so-called opportunity to secure financial gain blows up in my face.
Trixabell.Fucking horse didn’t even finish the race, it collapsed in the final leg. Of course, I’d pick the‘sure thing’and still get burned.
It’s like I’m cursed.
And yeah, I was a goddamn idiot for thinking gambling was the answer. Desperate moves from a desperate man. That’s not whoIwant to be. That’s not who Effa thinks I am.
No matter what I do, I can’t get ahead. And now, money is tighter than ever. Kiera’s health is getting worse, and while my salary covers what Gran and Kiera need day-to-day, it’s nowhere near enough to pay for her treatment.
Plus the debt I owe Vex—I’m in deep.
Realfuckingdeep.
And I’m out of options.
I should talk to Effa. She always says honesty matters, that we need to be open.
But this shit? This is fucking humiliating.
I should have known better than to gamble on a long shot. And if I tell Effa, she’s going to offer to help, I know she will.
And that’s the last thing I want.
I don’t want to bethat guy.
The one Jett already thinks I am.
The one who uses a woman for her money.
And especially not Effa.
She could be broke, and I’d still be here, holding her, wanting nothing more than this—her in my arms, sleeping peacefully, her heart beating against mine.
That’s what matters.
That’s what I care about.
Not her money.
Not her status.
Just...her.
