Page 359 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

“I really had no idea.

“I wasn’t briefed properly for tonight.”

I can’t move.

Or look him directly in the eyes.

Or speak.

His grin falls slant when I don’t answer,

his one lazy-lidded eye falling heavier.

“See, and now I’m embarrassed.”

He points around the circle.

“And no one thought to warn me?”

He blows out a breath,

then leans sideways into me,

his mouth dipping closer.

“You got a little mercy for me?”

I shrug into my shoulder.

“Mercy starts on your knees⁠—”

Wait.

I felt those words leave my mouth.

I just said that shit out loud.

To Teddy Vale.

My eyes widen.

Teddy laughs under his breath.

“Well, now,” he lifts his shoulder.

Just leaves it at that.

Open ended. Like, perhaps...

God, the image pops into my head despite me, and I swallow the groan climbing my throat.

Fucking whoremoans, I swear.

My eyes drift back to the bar.

Andrew’s looking at me⁠—

a dull, jaded stare.