Page 87 of Damascus & The Wildfire
“This is Merrick,” I said, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat.
Alec’s mother blinked twice, then extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Merrick.”
Merrick shook her hand gently. “It’s an honor to be here, ma’am. Alec sounds like an incredible man.”
Her eyes softened. “He was. And Kenna, I’m so glad you came. I wasn’t sure you would.”
I tried to smile. “I wasn’t sure either. But I’m glad I did.”
“Kenna!” My mother’s sharp voice cut through the crowd. I braced myself against Merrick as she appeared in a tailored navy pantsuit and pearls.
Her mouth pinched as her eyes flicked to Merrick. “I’ve been trying to reach out all day. You should have called me when you landed.”
I sighed. “Just coming was a lot,” I said, my tone flat. “I didn’t feel like talking.”
She huffed. “Sweetheart, people will talk. Couldn’t you come to an event like this alone? For Alec’s family? Who is this man?”
My fingernails carved crescents into my palm. “If you’d give me five seconds without criticizing me, I’d introduce you.”
Merrick’s jaw ticked. “Merrick Morris.” He stretched his palm toward her.
She shifted at the snarl in his tone. She glanced down at his hand, taking in the dark tattoos. She took it gingerly. “Sutton Walsh,” she squeaked. “And what exactly do you do, Mr. Morris?”
Merrick’s tone stayed polite, but his steely gaze didn’t waver. “I work in private security,” he said evenly.
Her eyebrows shot up. “And you met Kenna … how?”
I couldn’t hold back a laugh, the interrogation lighting up my rebellious streak. “Merrick is in a motorcycle club. The club is a client. He’s oneof the officers.”
Her eyes widened, lips parting in silent horror. Before she could collect herself enough to respond, my oldest brother’s smooth baritone interrupted.
“Mom, Senator Greenfield’s looking for you. Says he needs to talk to you about next week’s fundraiser.” Everest gestured to the corner, where the suited man was engaged in a heated conversation with a constituent, clearly not looking for my mother.
My mother nodded sharply. “Of course,” she said, smoothing her hands down the front of her pants. She threw me an icy glare. “We’re not done with this conversation,” she said before stepping away.
Everest let out a low whistle. “I overheard most of that, sis. For a second there, I thought Mom was going to have a full cardiac event. Thanks for the entertainment.”
He turned to Merrick, giving him an appraising scan, then offered his hand. “Everest Walsh. Eldest brother and the one always saving Kenna’s ass from Mom’s wrath. But it looks like you might be able to handle it.”
Merrick shook his hand. “Happy to handle anything for Kenna.”
I hugged my brother tight. “Thank you. Are Logan and Kendall here, too?”
Everest shook his head. “Logan has some big case she’s working on right now and practically sleeps at the law firm. And Kendall is … well, doing what Kendall wants.” He shrugged. “She’s trying to steal your crown as ‘Most Difficult Daughter.’ She changed her major to social work, of all things.”
“The horror. How will she ever find a husband?” I scoffed sarcastically. “I’ll see her major change and raise her one tattooed biker.”
Everest chuckled. “You always did like to win. Why don’t you go say hi to Alec’s sisters, and I’ll introduce Merrick to the best bourbon in Boston?” He clapped Merrick on the shoulder.
As the guys peeled off toward the bar, I found myself exhaling. The tension drained from my shoulders as I wove through the crowd to Alec’s sisters, letting the conversations and laughter settle the nerves my mother had frayed.
Throughout the rest of the reception, Merrick mingled like a gentleman. He listened, smiled, shook hands, and made small talk beside Everest before returning to my side. He stood close enough to remind me he was there but never crowded me. He let me have moments with Alec’s family and friends, and the memories that still lingered.
After, we slipped away, ducking dinner invitations and well-meaning questions. With nerves worn raw, all I wanted was a bed and a glass of wine. The city lights glittered as the town car took us back to the hotel. When we checked in, I frowned at the key card in my hand. “They upgraded our room,” I muttered. “Of course they did. Always meddling.”
Merrick smirked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “They just want you to be comfortable, Wildfire.”
I sighed, but I couldn’t help but smile. “I know. It’s just … a lot.”
