Page 11 of Judge's Mercy

“Hold up,” Satyr says. “We’ve been at this for a while and I have some actual work to do. Think you could take Myla to lunch? I just need an hour to update a few things. I installed so much technology into this place, it’s practically smarter than Dutch.”

“No, that’s okay,” I say at the same time Judge says, “Sure.”

Satyr looks between us, trying to read the tension but not caring enough to back down. “The restaurant here is excellent. Go relax for a little, and by the time you get back, I’ll be ready to show you what else you need to know before you start for real tomorrow.”

Not seeing a way out, I push back from the desk. “Okay.”

“Wish I could tag along, but Navy doesn’t get in for another hour, and I’ve been gone from the front long enough.” Mary holds out a hand to Judge, who takes it respectfully. “Nice meeting you.”

“You too.”

Mary takes her leave as I make my way out the door. “I guess I’ll be back in an hour then.”

Satyr and Dutch wave me off, and then I’m walking alongside Judge, my arms folded across my chest. It appears the universe is continuing to work against me but soon, I’ll get things back on track. It feels like each step of my plan is taking ages. I’m not a patient woman, but this can’t be rushed. I have to do it the right way.

“Have Dutch and Satyr been on their best behavior?” Judge asks.

I’m so lost in my own head that it takes me a second to register his words. “Um, yeah. They’re good guys.”

“Good. And you’re enjoying what you’ve learned so far?”

“I am.”

We have to walk through the lobby to get to the restaurant from the inside, but I see that there’s a lineup going on, so I grab Judge’s arm to stop him from interrupting. At some point, he rolled his sleeves up to his elbows so my hand makes contact with his bare forearm. Static electricity flows through me, like a sudden awareness I didn’t have before.

Am I attracted to Judge? I mean, yes, he’s attractive—extremely so. He has a tortured artist vibe that screams passion. My secret talent is predicting the type of lover someone will be, and Judge is a man who can go for hours and probably has some kinks, but not something strange, like sounding. My clit pulses just thinking about it. I quickly release my hold on him, but I can tell by the look he gives me that he felt something too.

No, no, no. Not happening. He isn’t part of my plan, and out of all the Sons, he’s the one who could derail it the most. Judge isn’t a one-night stand man; he’s a forever man.

“We shouldn’t interrupt the lineup,” I whisper.

He tucks his hands in his pockets. “Okay.”

It doesn’t take long for some of the women who weren’t chosen to walk past us toward their rooms. Judge shifts his gaze to the ground, backing up against the wall as if to make himself disappear. A few former co-workers recognize me, like Dieanna and Lacy, and they stop to give me a hug and tell me how much they miss me. Still, I don’t recognize a lot of them, and it makes me sad. I’ve been replaced, and life has gone on without me.

“Ready?” Judge asks me once the line of women ends.

I motion for him to continue and we walk through the lobby and bar. Judge picks up his pace and keeps his gaze averted, ignoring the mostly naked women and their clients. It grates on my nerves. Does he think he’s too good to be here? Or does he think the naked human form is too sinful?

“It’s just sex,” I say as we walk into the rustic restaurant.

“What?” he chokes out.

“Just the two of you today?” the hostess interrupts, and Judge nods. “Right this way.”

“All you religious people like to make sex something dirty when it isn’t,” I whisper, following her to a booth next to a window that showcases the beautiful desert surrounding the ranch.

“You’re putting words in my mouth.” He slides into the booth.

“Drinks?” the hostess asks.

“Water for me,” I say as I slide into the other side.

“Same.”

“Someone will be by to take your order soon.” The hostess fills two glasses already on the table with water and takes her leave.

“Those women were my friends, and you all but ran through the bar like what was going on there was offensive to your sensibilities.”

---