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My life wasn’t built to indulge in more. Even though my heart wanted it, situations like this were proof I couldn’t have it. Not only was I fully devoted to my family, but my career came after that. It wouldn’t be fair of me to ask a woman to settle for so little of my time and effort… and I didn’t think there was a woman alive who could earn my priority. I had too much loyalty to the things I was passionate about for that. That was why, up until now, I was cool with friends with benefits. It was unfortunate that was no longer enough.
“Well, thank you for your kindness and generosity. Is that better?” she asked, returning her eyes to mine.
“You’re welcome.”
I turned to leave, but I stopped when she asked me, “Um… do you… have plans for the day?”
“I do, actually. I have a lead on where Gatlin, the third shooter, is hiding while he recuperates. I’m gonna go check it out.”
“Oh. Okay.”
The sadness that covered her face tugged at my heart. “Do you wanna go somewhere or something? Maybe to see Innvy? I can take you later.”
That caused her to perk up. “Really?”
“Yeah. I’ll text you when I’m wrapping things up so you can get ready.”
“Okay, perfect. Thank you.”
With a nod, I headed out. The sooner I got this taken care of, the better. I knew she’d still be in my life because of Bully and Innvy, but damn. Being tied to her was starting to drive me crazy. The more I was around her, the more I wanted to be around her, and I had no time for consistency.
Chapter
Eight
Neo
The weekend had been eventful, surprisingly. Yesterday, Merc took me to spend some time with Innvy, which was much needed. The next morning, I spent a bit more time with Rey. He was teaching me how to play Chess while we listened to music. Under different circumstances, I would have loved to get to know the older gentleman who was becoming like a second father to me. Even with these circumstances, I was glad Rey wanted to keep me safe and that I felt so comfortable in his space.
He gave me a bit more insight into Merc, which I appreciated. He told me that, because of Merc’s line of work, he was very guarded and reserved. I already felt like that was the case, but he told me the day at my store was the first day Merc had ever not been fully alert with a client. I asked what made him lose himself in that moment, and Rey told me it was a family issue that he couldn’t speak on. I wondered if that family was a wife and children I didn’t know about. Even with the night we’d spent together at the bar, I’d never asked Merc if he was single. Hell, it didn’t matter, because I was in a relationship.
Now, I wondered if he had a family at home and if that was why he didn’t spend the night with us.
Since it was Sunday, I wanted to go see my parents. Usually, I would have gone to church and brunch with them. It felt so weird not following my daily routine, but I was dedicated to staying here if it meant I would be safe.
Rey had been moving around slowly, against his doctor’s orders. So when I heard him say, “You stopping by again today? Neo must be the reason,” in the hallway, it made me smile.
I knew exactly who he was talking to.
“She’s a part of it,” Merc replied with that husky tone I loved to hear. “Aries and Marz went out of town. They won’t be back until tonight, so I’m tryna keep myself busy too.”
Aries… was that his wife?
I shouldn’t have felt jealous or possessive, but I felt both.
It was silly of me to get attached to Merc.
Regardless of how much time we spent together, this was a job for him.
I was just a woman he kept safe if I left this mansion. Nothing more.
There was a light knock on the door before it slowly creaked open. Not bothering to turn and face who it was, I continued to look out of the window. Suddenly, I was less happy about Merc being here.
“You wanna get out for a while?” he asked, making his way over to me.
“You can just drop me off at my parents’ house. You don’t have to stay.”
“I do, actually. It’s my job.”
