Mercs weakly smiles as Kiera looks over at him but says nothing. He glances down at me and gives a subtle shake of his head. “She was probably emotional about something. Seeing us all here might have stirred up some old crap, but that’s not for us to worry about. She’s of no concern to us. All I care about is getting you back home and into bed… resting.” He smirks, and I can tell there’s more behind that look than he’s letting on.
He definitely knows more than he’s saying, but whatever it is, he’s not about to unpack it in front of Kiera… or maybe not at all. Either way, I decide to let it go for now. “Okay, let’s go home. Kiera’s had a big night. Her eyes must be hurting.”
Kiera snorts and glances at me, scrunching up her face. “Huh?”
“I think Raoul must have holes burned straight through him with all the staring you were doing tonight, girl!” I tease, and she bursts into giggles.
“Shut up! He’s totally into me—”
“Fucking hell,” Mercs mutters under his breath as we head down the street toward the house, Kiera and I laughing like schoolgirls.
“Anyway, can’t a girl have a little fun? He’s only in town for a short while, and then he’ll be gone. Think of it as a fling, Kaden, not a boyfriend you’ll have to watch over and beat up when he wrongs me,” Kiera jests, flashing him a wicked grin.
“If he touches you, I will Taser his balls. I amnotkidding.”
Kiera explodes into laughter, and I slide my hand up Mercs’ chest, cuddling into him as we walk. “I like this protective side ofyou, Mercs. It’s turning me on,” I murmur, leaning up to kiss his cheek.
Kiera groans dramatically and detaches herself from her brother, pulling a face. “Ewww, too much…waytoo much.” She strides ahead of us.
The house sits on the same street as the pub, so the walk is short. Gran trails a little behind, strolling casually as though she hasn’t a care in the world. I tuck myself closer into Mercs’ side, threading my arm through his.
The night is beautiful, the moonlight casting silver streaks through the towering sassafras trees lining the street. Cicadas chirp in a steady rhythm, and a soft breeze brushes across my skin. The mild fall chill sharpens my senses, and I press closer to Mercs, not just for warmth but for comfort.
Being with him makes me feel safe, cared for, wanted in a way I didn’t even realize I’d been craving. He makes me feel loved, and I adore the quiet certainty of that more than anything.
He looks down at me, brushing his lips against my temple. “You doing okay? The walk isn’t too much?”
“I’m fine, honestly. But you need to stop teasing Kiera.”
“Who’s teasing? I’mfucking serious. She shouldn’t be lusting over a guy in her condition.”
“Kaden, she’s sick. She should be spending her time doing whatever she wants, living life to the fullest, not being cautious and reserved. She needs to live every day to the max. Don’t you think? No regrets.”
A shudder runs through him, subtle but unmistakable, and he swallows hard. I know that look. He’s spiraling toward worst-case scenarios. I didn’t mean to take it there, so I quickly pivot. “Hey… when we get back, can you take me to bed? I’m tired and want to lie in your arms for a while. Can we do that?”
“Yeah,” he replies softly. “Sounds like the best idea I’ve heard all night.”
By the time we reach the steps, Kiera has already beaten us inside and claimed the baby blue sofa, wrapped in the white throw, withThe Big Bang Theoryplaying softly on the television. I chuckle, remembering that was what she was watching the first time I met her.
Gran closes the door behind her while Mercs and I head for the stairs. “What a lovely evening,” she calls out warmly.
“It really was. Thank you so much for letting me stay here with you all, Gran. It means more than you know.”
She waves off my gratitude, stepping closer with a smile. “Nonsense. I wouldn’t have you anywhere else. When Kaden rang and asked if it was a good idea to bring you and your crew down here, I thought it was the best idea in the world. We love having you here, sweetheart. Now you need to rest and recover. That’s the priority.”
“Yes, exactly,” Mercs agrees, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Big day. Let’s get you upstairs. Thanks for everything, Gran. See you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, my loves.”
“Night, sis,” Mercs calls, but Kiera doesn’t stir.
I lace my fingers with his as we climb the stairs. He’s quiet, thoughtful, the weight of the day settling on him. When we reach his room, he opens the door for me, and I step inside, heading straight for the bed. The mattress is blissfully soft, and I drop onto it with a small, contented groan.
He chuckles and moves to the luggage, rummaging for pajamas.
“So… Lilah,” I say carefully.
He pauses for a fraction of a second before continuing as though the interruption barely registered. He pulls out my lace nightgown and walks over, sitting beside me. “I don’t want to fucking talk about her…ever.”
