Page 113 of Cold Mercy

“If you’re looking for her,” he says casually, “she’s outside with Eli. They’re sunbathing near the lake.”

The world narrows to that one sentence. I head out before I’ve even processed the decision.

The sun glints off the water as I walk down toward the loungers. Sophia is stretched out on one, sunglasses on, hair pulled up, one leg bent comfortably as she speaks to Elizabeth.

And God, I’m pathetic, because I stop for a second just to take her in.

“Hey, ladies,” I call out when I’m close enough. “Trying to get tanned before the wedding or just scaring off the fish?”

“Thomas, good you’re here.” Elizabeth grins.

Then she gasps suddenly, slapping her forehead.

“Oh my God, I completely forgot. I still haven’t written my vows. If I don’t do it today, I’ll panic tomorrow. Sophia, keep him company. I’ll be inside pretending I’m poetic.”

She winks at me blatantly and walks off before either of us can protest.

And just like that, we’re alone.

Elizabeth’s lounge chair is still warm when I sit on the edge of it, turned fully toward Sophia instead of lying down. She wears only the black bikini bottoms and a fitted long-sleeve crop top that clings to every curve of her chest. Her stomach dips inward with that delicate, effortless line I could trace blindfolded.

“Is there a reason you scared off Elizabeth?” she mutters without shifting her gaze from the sky.

I take the gift she’s giving me, the chance to just sit here and look at her, and let the corner of my mouth lift.

“Yes, I wanted to tell you that everything I said yesterday… I meant it. Every damn word. I’m going to show you I can be the best version of myself, for you. Just give me a little time.”

She finally reaches up, slides her sunglasses off, and rests her cheek against the side of the lounger as she turns her head toward me. The smile she gives isn’t soft. It isn’t hopeful. It's a pity.

“Sure, Reed. Sure. I’ve already seen what you can do to a woman who cares about you, so I’ll pass. Besides, I’m leaving in just over a month, and that’s final.”

She lies back down. When I’m about to answer, a voice cuts straight through my skull.

Charles drags another lounger next to hers and sits so close their arms almost touch. I don’t even know the guy, but every time he grazes her skin, I want to tear him limb from limb.

He drops his sunglasses down his nose.

“Sophia, sweetheart, is this man bothering you?” he asks.

One more word and I’ll fucking drown him.

“Grown-ups are having a conversation,” I snap. “I'm only going to say this once. Back the fuck off.”

Sophia sits up immediately, whips her head between us, and huffs, “You two just ruined my afternoon. Fight if you want, but I’m leaving.”

She turns her back to me to lean toward him, and I can’t stop myself from looking. The black bikini bottoms curve over her hips, the hem of her top riding just enough to expose the soft indent of her lower back. Sunlight hits the side of her body, and her skin glows like warm gold.

God, I wish that was me. Not his hands, but mine. I’m still trying to breathe through that when she presses a quick kiss to his cheek.

She glances at me over her shoulder. “See you tonight.” Then she walks away.

I refuse to look at him. I refuse to give him that satisfaction. I stand, forcing myself to leave before I act on the very clear urge to break his fucking jaw.

But the little bitch can’t keep his mouth shut.

“I’ve heard plenty about you. Stay away from her,” he mutters under his breath loud enough.

I stop dead. If he could see my face, he’d run.