Page 31 of Mercy

Fern's eyes well up with tears, and I feel my own throat tighten in response. "This is why we're best friends," she manages to say, reaching out to grasp Charm's hand. "You're so selfless, so giving. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for this gift."

As I watch them, I'm struck by the strength of their bond, the depth of love between these women.

It's beautiful and overwhelming all at once, and I find myself both in awe of their connection and aching for something similar in my own life.

The conversation continues around me, but I'm lost in thought, wondering about the nature of friendship, of family, and where I fit into it all.

The clubhouse buzzes with warmth and laughter, and for a moment, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, everything could be fine here after all.

Rayna's voice cuts through my thoughts, her tone teasing but curious. "So, back to the juicy stuff, Meghan," she says, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. "What’s keeping you and Tor from being official?"

I feel heat rise to my cheeks, caught off guard by the sudden shift in attention.

The other women turn to look at me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and encouragement.

I take a sip of wine, buying myself a moment to gather my thoughts.

"It’s just complicated," I finally say, my voice soft but steady. "But we're... something. And I'm not mad about it."

I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips, thinking of Tor's strong arms around me, the safety I feel when I'm with him.

"But?" Starla prompts, one eyebrow raised as she picks up on the hesitation in my voice.

I sigh, running a hand through my ashy blonde hair. "But I don't know how long it will last," I admit, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

Starla cocks her eyebrow higher, her gaze piercing. "What do you mean by that?"

I look down at my glass, swirling the wine gently as I try to find the right words. "Being back at the clubhouse is just... a lot," I say slowly, careful not to reveal too much. "Ever since I was attacked, it's been hard to feel safe here."

The room grows quiet, and I can feel the weight of their gazes on me.

I want to tell them everything—about my father, about his minions who are undoubtedly in Tallahassee, about my fear that Lily might inadvertently reveal my location.

But the words stick in my throat, held back by years of secrecy and self-preservation.

Keeping quiet kept me safe for the last couple of years, and I need it to keep me safe a little longer.

Instead, I say, "I don't know if I can stay here."

The admission hangs in the air, and the ladies all look at me with sadness.

Internally, my mind races.

Images of my father's cruel smile flash before my eyes, followed by the faces of his associates—men I've spent years trying to forget.

The thought of them being so close, being here, makes my skin crawl.

And Lily... sweet, fierce Lily, who would never intentionally betray me, but whose loose lips could spell disaster.

I left Orlando for a reason, determined to build a new life far from my father's reach.

Now, it feels like the walls are closing in, my carefully constructed sanctuary crumbling around me.

But I can't tell them any of this.

These women, with their bonds of sisterhood and trust, have no idea who my father is or the danger he represents.

So I force a smile, hoping it doesn't look as brittle as it feels.

---