Page 68 of Mercy & Malice

Shit. It’s not like we were hiding it. But I can’t have her asking me about it. I don’t want to keep lying to her. “Like I said, don’t worry about me.”

“Yeah, sure,” she mutters, pushing the door open as she heads into the house.

We’re barely inside when her mom rushes up, wrapping her in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re finally home.”

“Me too, Mom,” Brooke says quietly.

Tara glances to me. “I’m happy to have you home too, Micah. Your dad really missed having you around.”

The fact that she’s buying my father’s bullshit tells me all I need to know about her. “Have you spoken to him?”

Her shoulders stiffen as she explains, “Yes, but it was just a quick visit. I’m certain he’ll be home soon enough. He said the work trip is almost wrapped up.”

That throws me of a little bit. “You saw him?”

Tara keeps a tense stance as she tells me, “Yes, I met him last night for dinner.” She turns to Brooke, “I’m so sorry I wasn’t home. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have gone. It was a last-minute plan.”

“It’s okay,” Brooke replies.

All I can think is she met with my father. Why would he risk anyone knowing where he’s hiding. “Where’s he staying?”

Tara gives me a confused look. “Baton Rouge. I thought he told you about the merger. He’ll be there until they sort out the kinks.”

“No, he skipped that part.” Along with a lot of other details.

“Well, he said he plans to be home sooner than later.” She pulls Brooke into another tight hug. “I missed you so much. I know it’s late, but do you want a cup of tea or snack? We can chat and hang out for a little while.”

Brooke pulls away. “No, thanks. I’m super sleepy and just want to go to bed.”

Tara doesn’t hide her disappointment, her shoulders dropping and a frown on her face. “Okay. Well, I’ll see you at breakfast.”

Brooke tells her good night as she heads upstairs, and I follow behind.

“I’ll be up for a while if you change your mind.” Tara remains at the bottom of the stairs as I glance back, noting her questioning watch on me.

Something tells me that was meant more for my awareness than anything else.

“Good night,” I say, watching Brooke as she pauses. She gives me a half smile then goes into her bedroom, shutting the door. I remain staring at the closed door and don’t realize Tara came upstairs until she speaks.

“Is everything okay, Micah?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. I’m worried about her.” Tara takes another step towards me and pats me on the arm. “But I’ll be here if she needs anything.”

Yep. Message clear: stay away from her daughter, I’ll take care of her. “Got it,” I reply then go into my bedroom.

After showering and pulling on a pair of boxer briefs, I prop on the bed, my back against the headboard and try to remind myself why I need to stay in my bed. I shouldn’t be in her room. But being in this room without her doesn’t feel right either. It’s about an hour later when there’s a light knock on the door before it opens slowly.

Brooke peeks in before stepping inside and carefully closing it behind her then she moves beside the bed. “Are you sleeping in here? I thought you might come back to my room like you did last night. Or is the slumber party over?”

“I’m thinking it’s over since your mom clearly wants it that way.”

Brooke gets on the bed, climbing to straddle me. I grip her hips, keeping her still. She’s only wearing a T-shirt, her warmth pressing on me as she settles on me. “And what about what I want?”

I give in, kissing her sweet mouth. She practically melts into me, her hips pushing against my rock-hard cock. I tighten my arms around her middle as I lift to press against her.

She leans back long enough to pull her T-shirt off, remaining only in her underwear, her chest bare as her lips return to mine.