Page 37 of Mercy

"What's your poison?" I ask, sliding onto the seat next to her.

"Whiskey, neat," she replies, and I can't help but grin.

This woman never ceases to surprise me.

I signal the bartender and order our drinks.

When they arrive, I raise my glass. "To... new beginnings?"

Meghan clinks her glass against mine, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "To new beginnings."

As we sip our drinks, I find myself getting lost in conversation with her.

It's easy, natural, like we've known each other for our entire lives instead of a few years.

We talk about everything and nothing—her favorite books, my childhood adventures, the best place to get Italian in town.

"You know," I say, leaning in closer, "I can't remember the last time I felt this... content."

Meghan's eyes soften, and she reaches across the bar top to take my hand. "Me neither. It's... it's nice, isn't it?"

I nod, feeling a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the whiskey. "More than nice. It's..."

"Scary?" she finishes for me, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

"Yeah," I admit. "But in a good way, you know?"

She takes a deep breath, her fingers tracing patterns on the back of my hand. "I'm falling for you, Tor," she says softly. "And fast. It terrifies me, but... I can't seem to stop it."

My heart races at her words, both fear and excitement coursing through me.

I've never been good at expressing my feelings, but with Meghan, I want to try.

"I'm falling for you too," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I don't want to stop it either."

The smile that lights up her face is brighter than any sun, and I know atthat moment that I'd do anything to keep it there.

As we sit in Bubba's, surrounded by the low hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses, I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

A couple of hours pass, us making conversation, shooting the shit, and just having a damn good time.

I stand up, offering my hand to Meghan. "Want to get out of here?" I ask, my voice low and husky.

She takes my hand, her light sage green eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I thought you'd never ask," she replies with a smirk.

We make our way through Bubba's, nodding to a few of the patrons as we pass.

The heavy industrial door leading to the clubhouse opens with a soft beep as I swipe the key card in my cut.

Once inside, I lead Meghan down the hallway toward my room, my heart pounding with each step.

As soon as we're through the door, Meghan's lips are on mine.

Her kiss is hungry, passionate, and I respond with just as much need.

My hands find her waist, pulling her close as she presses me against the wall.

"God, Tor," she breathes against my neck, her fingers pulling off my cut and throwing it on my desk. "I want you so bad."

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