Page 10 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
“Did you grovel last night? Or… No, I have it! You signed over all your money. It’s not like you have anything else to offer,” Byron sneers.
I smile. “At least I’m not the one losing an inheritance war.”
“Only because you’ve been disowned.”
So that’s how it’s going to go.“True. On the other hand, I’m smart enough to make my own fortune, unlike someone who has to squabble with his brother for crumbs.”
Dull red creeps up Byron’s neck. “I suppose that’s a comfort when one’s girlfriend has been kissing another guy.”
I flinch before I can catch myself. What the hell is he talking about? Everyone knows I don’t give a damn about any of my exes…
Wait. Ivy? “I don’t care what she did before meeting me.”
“Before…?” He laughs. “No, I’m talking about yesterday. Her lips are really quite soft and responsive. Tasty, as well. Like cherry and caramel.”
A red curtain seems to come across my vision. Breaking this guy’s nose is too good for him. I should make him eat his own teeth.
Turning Julie’s brother into hamburger meat will sure impress the hell out of Ivy. Why wouldn’t she want a forever with you after that?a small voice mocks me.
I inhale deeply, knowing that the annoying voice is correct. Ivy would never understand why I had to beat the shit out of Byron.
I bare my teeth. “You must be a shitty kisser for her to come back to me so quickly. I’ve been thinking about kicking your ass, but I guess I should thank you.”
The smugness drains from his face. I’d laugh if my head weren’t playing images of Byron and Ivy lip-locked and embracing. Cherry and caramel. Nobody, especially not Byron, should ever know what she tastes like.
Acidic jealousy pools in my gut. Why did she have to kiss him? Who initiated it? Why? Did the kiss have anything to do with her decision to come back to me? Did Byron try to pressure her? Should I beat him up anyway? Surely, Ivy would understand…
But the door opens, and Ivy and Julie walk out with the same lone suitcase she left with. “All packed,” Julie says with a smile.
No sign of malice. Maybe she didn’t say anything negative to Ivy.
Ivy frowns at me and Byron. “Are you guys okay?”
He smiles first. “Of course.”
I start to nod, then catch myself. I promised I’d be honest. “The usual.”
She looks skeptical. “Okay. Let’s go, Tony.”
I take her bag and let her go ahead of me. As I walk past Byron, I bring up the most condescending smirk I can manage. “Sleep tight, Pearce.” And I mouth, Alone.
