Page 17 of Seduced By the Mermen
“I’ll be here,” Zion says.
Taking a few steps down the hall, I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if I’d had a few more minutes alone with the two devilishly handsome males.
Chapter 8
Blair
I’m awake. Because why would I want to sleep at night? Marlee’s room has different soft lights outside than mine.
“Mom, go to sleep,” she mumbles into her pillow and rolls to her side, facing me.
“Oh, I’m sorry, did I wake you?”
“It’s fine, Mom.” She takes my hand and squeezes it. Over the years, there have been plenty of times when we had to share a room and a bed.
I let out a sigh. My head is spinning.
“Do you want to talk?”
“No, it’s fine. You’re sleeping.”
“I’m not now.” Marlee pushes herself up on her elbow. “What is it? Did one of the Stele men do something?”
“No.” I can’t even imagine them doing anything. Zion and Grayson were complete gentlemen. It was fun chatting with them.
“Do you want them to?”
“Marlee!” I clasp my hand over my mouth.
“Mom?”
“No, that’s not what’s keeping me awake.”
“And . . . what is?”
“The lights.”
“You’ve been sleeping just fine. What is it really?”
“What are my hobbies?”
“Hobbies?” Marlee laughs slowly and quietly until she can’t contain herself. She’s clutching her stomach. “Hobbies? Mom, how would you have had time for hobbies?”
“I know, but I don’t even know what I like anymore.”
“Well, I bet you can figure it out. You’ve always liked reading what I write. What did you like to do before...you know, before my sperm donor?”
“I was so young. I honestly don’t remember.” A shiver runs through me, and I pull the blanket up to my neck.
“You’re smart, Mom. You’ll figure it out.” Marlee lets go of my hand.
I roll away from her onto my back and stare at the ceiling. My room has a little blue spot on the ceiling above the bed. Marlee’s doesn’t, and I find myself missing it. Hobbies... I can figure it out. Knitting, reading, painting, history—there must be something I would want to do.
Do... Now I’m picturing what it would be like to be with both Grayson and Zion. My chest expands and sinks. “I’m going to go get a cup of tea. Want anything?”
“No, Mom. I’m good.” Marlee’s eyes drift closed. But she’s smiling.
At least I did something right. Protecting Marlee. I could have left earlier, but I got us out. And now look where we are.
