Page 15 of Receiving His Mercy
She had on that same bright red lipstick and feather earrings that had been dyed orange. The whole thing should have looked ghastly. Instead, there was a kind of charm about it.
The guy finally realized that there was someone standing behind him and turned to frown up at Travis.
What an idiot.
No survival instincts.
“Who are you? Do you know him?” the other guy demanded, turning back to Caren.
“No, she just guessed my name,” Travis drawled. What a fucking idiot! What was she doing with this guy?
No doubt she’d be grateful that he’d rescued her from this situation.
Although he was still going to scold her for coming here without an exit plan. With a stranger.
You still don’t know that . . .
“Yes, I do know him,” she said. “River, this is Travis. Travis, this is River.”
Huh, he didn’t look like a River.
River stood and Travis took a step to the side, not wanting to actually come in contact with him. River looked confused for a moment. Then a look of superiority entered his face as he took Travis in.
Probably sizing him up and deciding that he could take him if necessary.
Think again, asshole.
“Well, Travis, we were just leaving. Good to meet you.” There was a sneer to River’s voice that told him that he didn’t mean that at all.
That was fine with Travis. He wasn’t here to make friends with this dipshit.
Travis moved closer to Caren. “What do you think you are doing?”
“Sorry?” she asked.
“Yes, you will be soon. Get your stuff, you’re coming with me.”
Her mouth opened and closed as she continued to gape up at him. “Sorry?”
She didn’t seem to be getting this. He bit back a sigh.
“Caren, gather up your things. You’re coming with me. Don’t know who this guy is, but you shouldn’t be going out with people you don’t know.”
“How do you know she doesn’t know me?” River asked.
“You’ve met her before tonight?” Travis asked, wondering if he’d made a mistake and they were friends or something.
River shifted from foot to foot. “Well, no, but we’ve talked and?”
“Doesn’t count. Caren, come.” He held out his hand to her.
“Caren come?” she repeated. “Is this happening? Are you . . . are you all right, Travis? Are you having some sort of . . . moment.”
“Ahh, shit.” River grimaced. “Sorry. Didn’t realize. You okay, man?”
“What? Of course I’m okay.” What the fuck was going on now?
“Are you sure?” Caren asked. “Because you’re acting very strange.”
