Page 98 of Finding Mercy

LIAM

I walkinto Ivy’s bedroom, fed up with this shit. I know she’s upset, but this can’t continue any longer. She hasn’t had a fucking shower in five days. Being kind and giving her what she thinks she needs is not working. I’ve always known what she needs. Why on earth I second-guessed myself, I don’t know.

“Get up.”

“Liam go.”

“Nope, we are done with this shit. You’re taking a shower. Get the fuck up before I pick you up.”

“I just want to be alone,” she tucks herself into the corner.

“Okay. Have it your way, baby girl.” I scoop her up and carry her to the bathroom in my bedroom.

When I set her on her feet, I can start the shower, while she stands with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

“Take your clothes off.”

She rolls her eyes at me but gets undressed.

“Good girl.”

I get the temperature right and get undressed.

She gasps, “I’m not having sex with you.”

“That’s fine. It’s just a shower. Just because we’ve never done that doesn’t mean we are incapable.”

I wave for her to get in and then get in after her.

“Tilt your head back.”

“I can wash my own hair.”

“Would you just let me fucking take care of you?”

“Fine,” she huffs.

I don’t know where the hell my sweet Mercy is but fuck if I don’t want her back.

I get her hair wet and squirt some shampoo into my hand, lathering her hair. She closes her eyes and instantly relaxes in front of me.

She’s not the only one who feels relaxed. I have barely been able to touch my girl for five days. I miss her. Sleeping alone has been torture.

After I rinse her hair, she gives me the slightest smile and says quietly, “Thank you.”

Then I wash her body. I’ve been craving having her next to me. It’s not about sex, even though I am used to having sex every day, multiple times. It’s her. I just need my girl with me. It’s been a lonely existence.

We get out of the shower, and I dry her off.

“Lay on the bed on your stomach.”

She raises her eyebrow, “Liam.”

“Tonight, I’m taking care of you. You’re so tense. I’m going to give you a massage.”

I put boxer shorts on, walked over to the bed, and straddled her hips without putting any weight on her.

She moans as I massage her shoulders, “That feels so good.”

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