Page 5 of Mercy

Fern's phone chimes, breaking the spell.

She glances at it, then back at me. "Sorry, kiddo. Duty calls. I need to handle something," She gives me a quick hug. "Make yourself at home, Meghan. We'll catch up later."

As she disappears inside, I'm suddenly aware that Tor and I are alone.

The realization sends a flutter through my stomach that has nothing to do with fear.

"So," Tor says, setting my bags down. "How are you really feeling? And don't give me that 'I'm fine' bullshit."

His tone is light, but I can hear the genuine concern underneath.

I laugh, but it comes out shaky. "That obvious, huh?"

I run a hand through my hair, buying time. "Honestly? I'm terrified," I admit, surprising myself with the honesty. "Being back here... it's a lot."

Tor nods, his expression understanding. "I get it. After what happened with LeAnn... anyone would be scared."

He takes a step closer, and I have to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. "But you're one of the strongest people I know, Meg. You've got this."

His faith in me is both comforting and overwhelming.

I want to believe him, want to be that strong person he sees.

But the doubts are still there, whispering in the back of my mind.

"What if I don't?" I whisper, voicing the fear that's been haunting me since I woke up in the hospital. "What if I can't do this anymore?"

I search Tor's face, looking for any sign of judgment, but all I see is warmth and understanding.

It gives me the courage to ask, "How are you feeling, by the way? I mean, you got out before me, so you must be doing pretty good, right?"

Tor grins that cocky smile that always makes my heart skip a beat. "Oh, you know me. Tough as nails. Takes more than a little bullet to keep me down."

I can't help it.

I playfully punch his arm, careful not to hit him too hard.

He might not have gotten shot in the arm, but I don't actually want to hurt him. "Show-off," I tease, but there's a hint ofgenuine annoyance in my voice. "I can't believe you beat me out of there."

He laughs, rubbing his arm in mock pain. "Hey now, don't be jealous. If you wanted to get out sooner, you should've taken my advice and flirted with the nurses a bit more. Works wonders, trust me."

The absurdity of his suggestion, coupled with the mental image of me trying to sweet-talk the stern-faced nurses, hits me all at once.

I burst into laughter, real, genuine laughter that bubbles up from deep inside me.

It feels good, like something's finally loosening in my chest after being wound tight for so long.

I lean against Tor, my hand on his shoulder as I try to catch my breath.

He's solid and warm, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy the closeness. "God, I missed this," I say, not entirely meaning to speak the words out loud.

Tor's expression softens, and he reaches up to squeeze my hand on his shoulder. "We all missed you, Meg. It hasn't been the same without you around."

His words bring me crashing back to reality.

The club.

Everyone inside.

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