Page 110 of Mercy & Malice

No, it’s not enough. “You’re doing us a favor. Dad may never recover, but you were going to be his wife. It would’ve been your home had things been different.”

She swipes at her face with the back of her hand, wiping her tear away. “That marriage was the reason I told you and Brooke that you two couldn’t be together. And now it’s the reason you’re signing over your inheritance to me.”

“The house isn’t our inheritance. It never was. And it’s just bricks and mortar.” I get up and head towards the door.

Tara softly speaks from behind me. “I still don’t understand why you’re being so nice to me.”

I stop just short of the doorway before I turn to face her and get the stupid urge to be honest. “It’s for her. Everything is.”

She nods. “Thanks, Micah. I really hope your dad does come home one day.”

Lucky for Tara and her daughter, he won’t.

When I step out the main office, I spot Brooke waiting for me. She falls into step beside me. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. He’s just doing his job. He’s being a jerk in the process, but nonetheless …”

“He is a big jerk,” she mutters.

“Luca told me. You shouldn’t have any more issues with him.” I keep walking as she stops and says my name.

When I turn around, she moves in front of me. “Ivy said you turned down the invitation to join us this weekend. Are you sure you don’t want to attend the ball? You don’t have to avoid hanging out with your brother because of me.”

“I’m sure. I hope you have a good time.”

It is taking every bit of the willpower I possess to give her space. And I’m scared if I cave and take a little back, I’ll cross the line. She has to be ready to let me in freely if we’re ever going to have a chance to move on. And I’ll keep respecting her wishes until she makes her choice. And even if she doesn’t choose me, I’ll keep ensuring her happiness as best I can.

My existence is for her. All of it’s for her.

63

MICAH

Walking up to this house is difficult. Knocking is even more challenging. When Cain’s dad answers the door, he doesn’t question why I’m here and just says, “He’s up in his room getting dressed.”

Seeing Cain dressed and polished for his date with Brooke isn’t the best idea I’ve had lately, but I head inside regardless. “Thanks, Mr. Louviere.”

Cain freezes when he notices me approaching his doorway. “Great. You’ve changed your mind and now you’re here to smash my face in.”

I can’t hold the laugh in because the old me would’ve been more likely to do that than what I’m about to. “No, I brought you these.”

“What’s this?”

“A peace offering.”

Cain opens the box and stares at gold fleur-de-lis cuff links. “These yours?”

“They were. I wore them to the winter masquerade.”

“The same masquerade that you wanted to beat my ass at because I danced with Brooke?” He stares at me for a few seconds before he says, “Bro, you paid for my tux, the limo, and now you’re giving me these. Why would you do all of this when I’m taking her as my date tonight? Are you really good with all of this?”

Not even close. But I will be for her. “Because her happiness is the only important thing to me.”

“Thank you.” He adds the cuff links to his sleeves as he says, “These cost more than the suit I would’ve worn.”

“It’s no problem.”

He says, “It’ll take me a while, but I still want to pay you back.”