Page 33 of Shades of Mercy
“And do what?”
“Are you needy?” he said.
“I’m used to keeping busy, too, you know.” She looked at him through her lashes.
He seemed to think it over. “Fine. I’ll be back to get you after I speak to Puma.” He searched through another cabinet.
She knew what he needed and picked a cup from the wrought iron tree, setting it in front of him. “Then what will we do?”
“I don’t have the answer to that yet, but do you think you can behave yourself for a few hours?” He filled the mug to the rim.
“I’m not three. I think I can handle myself,” she said with a huff.
The second the door closed behind him, she spun in a circle, looking around the tiny space. When life handed a woman lemons, she made lemonade—or rather, she made her space her own. She had no plans of sittingthere twiddlingher thumbs.
Chapter Nine
“Everything okay? You seemed vague when you messaged me last night.” Puma settled himself behind the cluttered desk in the Shades of Steel Security office.
“I have a situation I need to discuss with you.”
“Does this have something to do with you leaving last night?” Puma asked.
“Yeah, it does,” Jag explained the Mercy situation. “She’s here with me.”
“I see. That’s a complicated situation.”
“If you believe it’s too risky for her to stay here, or that I’m putting anyone in danger, we’ll leave.”
Puma didn’t answer right away. He was an analytical man and always took the time to weigh his words. “Mateo is like family. I never met his sister, but I know he was always protective. Anything I can do to help Mercy and you, I’ll do. Not only is she safe here, she’s welcome. She’s part of the team now.”
“Thanks, Puma. I’ll admit, I don’t think she’s a Betty Crocker in the kitchen. In her defense, she’s been tossed into this arrangement. It’s the only cover I could think of that seemed fitting.”
“Have any of the crew met her?”
“No. Mateo had always been a private man. He keeps his circle small.”
“Right now, it seems like the best decision. I’ll make a phone call to Bryar. She’ll be happy to come and show Mercy some pointers.”
“Isn’t Bryar busy with moving?”
“I hired movers. They came in this morning, packed and loaded everything, and all Bryar had to do was point a finger. Within a couple of hours, we were moved into the Manor. I think before the moving van’s tire dust cleared, the crew had their bags packed and were arguing over who would take what room at the farmhouse. Anyway, trust me, Bryar will be ecstatic that there’s another woman on the ranch.” Puma snorted. “My wife complains all the time that there’s too much testosterone around here.”
“I appreciate the help,” Jag said.
“In the meantime, give Mercy a tour, introduce her to the crew, and make her feel at home. I’m sure this isn’t easy for her.”
“No, it’s not.” And Jag knew it wouldn’t be easy for him either.
Puma pressed his hands into the edge of the desk, concern etching lines around his eyes. “I wanted to speak to you about something, too. You and I, we’ve been friends for a long time. I know I can trust you.”
“Of course.”
“I won’t be around much for the next few months. I hit on thatdetailat dinner yesterday.”
“Is Bryar and the baby okay?” Jag could see the edginess in Puma.
“You know about Blake, right?”
