Page 16 of Mercy

He crosses the room and scoops me up in his arms before I can protest.

I let out a surprised squeal, wrapping my arms around his neck instinctively.

I laugh as he carries me toward the door. "What are you doing?"

"Taking you back to your room so you can get dressed," he explains. "Then we're going out for breakfast. I know a great diner not far from here."

The thought of going out in public with Tor sends a flutter of nerves through my stomach.

"Like... a date?" I ask hesitantly.

Tor pauses at the threshold of his room, looking down at me with a soft expression. "Yeah," he says. "Like a date. If that's okay with you?"

I bite my lip, considering.

It’s been so long since I've been on arealdate, let alone with someone I actually care about.

The idea is both thrilling and terrifying.

"Okay," I agree finally. "But you're buying."

Tor grins, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. "Deal."

As he carries me down the hallway toward my room, I can't help but feel a spark of hope igniting in my chest.

Maybe, just maybe, this time things will be different.

Maybe with Tor, I can finally start to heal the wounds of my past and build something real.

But as we pass by the main room of the clubhouse, I catch sight of the Raiders of Valhalla logo painted on the far wall.

It's a stark reminder of where we are, of who we are.

The MC world is dangerous and unpredictable, and I've been burned before.

Can I really trust this newfound happiness?

Or am I setting myself up for even greater heartbreak down the line?

I push the doubts aside as Tor sets me down in front of my door.

One step at a time, I tell myself.

For now, I'll focus on getting dressed and enjoying breakfast with the man who's slowly but surely stealing my heart.

Tor suggests. "I'll meet you downstairs in fifteen minutes?"

I nod, suddenly feeling shy. "Sounds good. And Tor?" I add as he starts to turn away. "Thank you. For everything."

He gives me that heart-stopping smile again. "Anytime, beautiful. See you soon."

As I slip into my room to get ready, I can't help but feel like I'm standing on the edge of something big.

Something that could change everything.

I lean against the back of my door, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and dread.

Part of me wants to dance around the room, giddy with the prospect of going on this date with him.

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