He huffs a quiet laugh, his hands settling on my hips. “I’ve got you. I don’t need grudges.”
“Well then…” I whisper, leaning closer so only he can hear me, “… Mr. Enlightened… kiss me, right here, right now.”
And he does.
Hard.
In public.
Unapologetic.
Our tongues clash as the town of Ligonier watches and whispers, but I don’t care because I want them to see.
He’smine.
I’m his.
Not Lilah.
Not Shane.
Not Jett.
We are stronger together.
And right now, I want to show him exactly how much I need him,body, mind, heart, and soul.
Chapter Thirteen
MERCS
My arms tighten around Effa as I press my body to hers, needing all of her. This woman, this spark, is exactly what I didn’t know I was missing. She steadies me, lifts me when everything feels like it’s crashing down—Kiera, Effa’s recovery, seeing Shane again, no matter what hits me next, Effa’s my anchor.
“God! You two… get a damn room, you’re scaring the locals.” Andi laughs as she walks past.
I grin against Effa’s mouth.
She slows the kiss, pulling back a fraction, but I fist my hand in her hair and keep her close. “Not done yet.” She laughs softly against my lips, indulging me, then I ease back, resting my forehead to hers.
“Gotta say…” she murmurs, her eyes shining, “… the way you handled that, Mercs… I’m proud of you.”
“It wasn’t easy.” I huff out a breath. “When I saw him hitting on you, I fucking saw red. But losing my shit wouldn’t have helped. It would’ve embarrassed you, made a damn scene…” I shrug. “I miss him… our friendship. Maybe… we can fix it.”
“You never know if you don’t try. Life’s too short for grudges.” She tilts her head, smiling. “I’ve had enough excitement for one day. Wanna get out of here? I can think of something we could do.”
My brow lifts.
The rest of the crew is still milling around the market, so we can slip away without anyone noticing.
“We’ll head off,” I say quietly, holding her gaze. “But I’m not making promises. You had another hot flash. I’m not sure we should be doing anything too physical.”
“What about your condition?” she fires back. “You had a needle in your hip six days ago.”
I scoff. “I’m fine. You’re the one we’re keeping an eye on.”
“When I ring Dr. Wakefield, I’ll ask if sex is allowed. Happy?”
“Yes.”
