Page 18 of Blast from the Past

“You’re coming to stay with me,” I say in frustration, still not finding what I am looking for.

“What?” she yells. She jumps off the bed with a glare, her hands planted on her hips. “You can’t be serious!”

Stopping my search, I face her. She is the most beautiful, stubborn woman I have ever met. And seeing her long legs sticking out beneath my t-shirt is just the cherry on the cake.

“Babe,” I say, taking a deep breath. “I need to make sure you are safe. I have no fucking idea what the hell is going on or who could be doing this, but I can’t protect you here.”

She stares at me with her mouth hanging open. “I won’t be chased out of my own home,” she finally says.

“If I could stay with you I would.” I run a hand down my face in frustration. “But your yard isn’t enclosed, and I won’t leave Zeus alone. So, we are going to my place.”

“And you think because you just had your dick inside me you get to make decisions for me?” she asks as she walks right upto me, challenging me.

It has always been like this. Neither of us is ever willing to back down, both of us waiting for the other to bend.

“No. I think I get to make decisions because you aren’t thinking clearly. Because your life is in danger. And because I love you and want to keep you safe.” Shock flits across her features. “Getting to fuck you is just a bonus.”

“You’re an asshole, Shane Blake,” she hisses.

“I have never pretended otherwise.” I chuckle. “Where are the suitcases?”

She glares at me before pointing at a cupboard in the hallway.

“Great.” I smirk as I retrieve a large black and purple one with wheels. “Let’s get you packed. I’m going to organize someone to board up the window and then we can go to lunch at my brother’s house.”

It’s the one tradition we didn’t change after our mother passed. On Saturday afternoon we all meet at Wesley’s place for a family meal. The rest of the week is simply too busy and for the most part, one or all of us are hungover on Sundays. Mercy knows about the tradition because it’s been that way since I can remember.

“Shit!”

I wonder if she forgot. I turn to look at her and find Mercy blushing red. It takes me a moment to realize what the problem is but when I do I burst out laughing.

“It’s not funny!” She throws a bright yellow pillow at my head.

“Babe, people are bound to find out about us. We do live in a small town.”

“I would prefer not to have to face your brother and Karmen after screaming your name like a damn banshee.”

“Do you want to go somewhere else?” I ask, trying to giveher an out.

I’m not the least bit embarrassed but I want her to be comfortable as well. And if that means missing Saturday lunch with my brothers, so be it.

“Are you crazy?” She throws another pillow at my head, and I catch it. “I will not be responsible for you bucking tradition. We are going to lunch.”

Throwing the pillow on the floor I walk to her, tangle my fingers in her dark hair, and kiss the shit out of her. When I finally pull away, she looks slightly dazed.

“Stop throwing shit at me,” I murmur.

“You bring out my crazy.” She smiles.

“I love your crazy. But we need to get you packed up and showered before we head next door.” I step away from her. “And seeing you half naked and fiery is just making me want to bend you over and make you scream again.”

“Don’t. You. Dare.”

Mercy backs away from me slowly, watching me like a hawk. A deep chuckle escapes me.

“There will be time for that later. Now we need to get shit done.”

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