“Well, that’s what we’re here for… rest and recuperation. You take as long as you need, Effa. The longer you and my boy stay, the happier I am,” Gran beams, moving toward the kettle.
I glance at Mercs, who sets my flowers on the bench with a knowing smile.
“So, who was that hot French guy?” Kiera asks suddenly.
Mercs’ eyes widen, and he starts shaking his head while I laugh.
“That’s Raoul. He’s my security guard. He’s super-hot, isn’t he?” I tease.
“Wait. What?” Mercs blurts, his brow furrowing as Kiera and I burst out laughing. I wink at him while he keeps shaking his head. “Kiera, no. Just no.”
She scoffs and waves him off as she heads toward the stairs. “Pfft. You’re my older brother, not my boss.” She pauses halfway up. “Is Raoul single, Effa?”
I giggle as she disappears up the staircase.
“Do.Not. Answer. That,” Mercs warns.
“Yes,” I call back.
He groans and drags his hands over his face while Gran chuckles and fills the kettle.
“Let her be, Kaden. She’s only young once. It’s nice to see her crushing on someone,” Gran says.
Mercs lowers his voice. “She’s also very sick and doesn’t need the distraction.”
I step closer and rest my hand on his arm. “Sometimes a distraction from something negative can turn into something positive. Let her have her crush, Mercs. It won’t hurt anything.”
He exhales sharply. “Until he breaks her heart and sends her spiraling into a pit of despair. Absolutelynot.”
Gran hums under her breath. “Your faith in mankind is remarkable, sweetheart.”
I grin. “There’s no man alive good enough for Kiera. Right, Kaden?”
He pretends to think it over before nodding with a smirk. “You’re right. She can never date. I’ll make that official when she comes back down.”
“Who needs an overbearing father when you have Kaden Mercury,” I tease.
The doorbell rings again, cutting through the laughter.
“That’ll be the luggage. I’ll get it and take it upstairs. You stay right there and relax,” Mercs says, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my temple.
Turning back to Gran, I watch her pour the boiling water over the tea bags. The familiar scent wraps around me, grounding and warm. It feels so good to be back here. I wish it were under different circumstances, but I’m grateful to be surrounded by this kind of love.
“I’m sorry, I scared everyone. I know you must think less of me for what happened.”
Gran lifts her hand gently, stopping me. “Why would I ever think less of you, sweetheart? What Jett did was reprehensible. You did not ask for it. Kaden told me a little about what was happening, and from what I understand, Jett was determined to manipulate you one way or another. You played no part in what happened to you.”
I swallow. “What if I led him on somehow? Made him believe I wanted him?”
Gran reaches across the counter and takes my hand. “Effa, I know you. You love openly. You see the good in people. Jett twisted that into something dark, and that is on him, not you. No one else has tried to exploit your generous heart the way he did. He is the villain here, not you. If you keep blaming yourself, it will eat you alive.” She gives me such a warm smile beforecontinuing, “The way you open your heart is a gift. Do not let one insignificant man change who you are.”
Emotion swells in my chest, and I squeeze her hand. “Thanks, Gran. You always know exactly what to say.”
“Of course I do. Now stop fretting and drink your tea.”
She hands me a colorful mug covered in daisies with a warm smile just as Mercs climbs the stairs with our luggage. I watch him go, my chest tightening for a different reason. I haven’t told him about the doubts that still creep in at night, because I know exactly what he would say. He would tell me it wasallJett’s fault. He would tell me I had no responsibility for what happened. He would defend me without hesitation.
Talking to Gran felt safer somehow, like she would give me the truth instead of protection. And now that she has, I feel lighter. Knowing I didn’t do anything to invite what happened eases something deep inside me.
