Page 16 of Mercenary's Redemption

"This whole thing was so damn unexpected," I admit with a rueful chuckle, shaking my head. "Can't believe I let myself lose control like that. If someone had walked in on us just now, we'd have been easy prey."

Holly sits up abruptly, making no effort to cover her gloriously naked body as she turns to face me with an exasperated huff.

"You're an even bigger idiot than I thought for pointing it out after the fact," she chides, eyes flashing. "At least have the decency to wait until I'm gone before wallowing in regret."

Moving with reflexes honed by years of bar brawls, I reach out and snag her wrist, tugging her back down onto the rumpled sheets beside me. She tries to pull away, but I simply roll to my side and pin her with a ferocious stare.

"Who said anything about regrets?" My voice comes out low, tinged with a slightly mocking edge. "Way I see it, this just...felt right, somehow. Like maybe I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be."

I trail my free hand down the soft, inviting curve of her waist, my palm catching on the slight sheen of sweat still cooling on her flushed skin.

"Didn't you say it yourself?" I murmur, holding her captive with my stare. "You belong to me now. And I don't plan on letting you go that easily."

Holly's throat works as she swallows hard, lips parting to let out a shaky exhale.

"So what? You want to...go on a date with me or something?" she finally manages. "See where things go from here?"

I can't help the bark of laughter that escapes me at her endearingly innocent suggestion. Dating - what a quaint, civilized concept for a ruthless bastard like me.

And yet...the longer I study Holly's beautiful, vulnerable features, the more an undeniable yearning takes root in my chest. I want this woman, in whatever capacity she'll have me. The risks and potential chaos be damned.

Except there's one nagging detail that's been tugging at the back of my mind this entire time...

Shifting my weight, I abruptly roll Holly onto her back, caging her beneath me as I prop myself up on one elbow. She blinks up at me with wide, startled eyes as I slide my other hand around to cup her right hip.

"I have just one thing I have to ask you first,” I rumble, holding her gaze captive. “Have you ever dated a biker before?"

Holly's brows furrow in evident confusion, "Why are you asking me that?"

"You're a nurse, right?" I ask, eyeing her carefully. "I get that, but you seem way too used to violence, even for someone in that line of work. And that thing you said before about people leaving…. You've been in some bad situations before, haven’t you? With another biker, maybe?"

Holly slowly scratches her cheek, looking suddenly sheepish.

"Jayden's father...he was a biker," she admits in a small voice. "Or, well, I don't know if he still is. I haven't spoken to him in years, not since he just...left without a word. I was only nineteen." She swallows hard, holding my stare. "I can't go through that again, Chance. So, if you're thinking of taking off too, you might as well tell me now. We can leave things at that."

I snort at her assumption, shaking my head decisively.

"Ain't going anywhere. I like it here in Pine Valley." I smirk. "Hell, I own this damn bar now. And Trickster and Knowledge moved out here just because of me. Whatever trouble comes my way, I'm facing it head-on."

Relief visibly washes over Holly's features, and she offers me a soft smile.

"Why Pine Valley, though? Of all places?"

"Was looking to put down some roots," I admit with a casual shrug. "Had an old buddy from my military days - a cowboy now - tell me this place wasn't half bad. Figured I'd give it a shot." I shoot her a wry grin. "So far, I'm pretty damn happy with my choice."

Holly's smile brightens.

"Me too," she murmurs, “And, please, tell me… Why Mercenary? I’m dying to know…”

I reach out to tuck an errant strand of hair behind her ear.

"Got that name when I was in the military. I was a robot back then, no feelings or emotions. But listen... I’m still not a good man, but I'll always do right by you and that boy of yours. You have my word on that." I hold her gaze intently. "But you can't ask me to change who I am, either. This life..." I wave a hand, encompassing the battered bar and my scuffed leathers. "It's all I got. Are you good with that?"

Holly doesn't even hesitate before nodding.

"I am. And Chance, I was going to say-"

The sound of low voices drifting from the bar area instantly puts me on high alert. In a flash, I'm up and yanking on my jeans, motioning for Holly to stay silent. Moving with stealth born of hard experience, I pad down the short corridor and peer around the corner, fists clenched and ready for a fight.

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