Merc 🤎🐻
Already, he was efficient in boxing and two different kinds of martial arts because I got him started at the age of three. My son was going to be nothing to fuck with.
“Mornin’,” I replied.
“I can take Marz to school this morning. I have an appointment, and it’s right by his school.”
My head shook as I headed toward the refrigerator. “Nah. I haven’t seen him all weekend. I’ll take him.” She nodded, and the sad expression on her face softened me toward her. I knew she was doing what she thought was best, but I hated that she was wrong. I didn’t claim to know everything, but I was a great judge of character. Something was off with Omar, and I wouldn’t trust him with my son in a different state until I figured out what the hell it was. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes.”
“Whatchu want?”
That caused her to perk up a little. “Your eggs, toast, and turkey bacon.”
“I got you.” She knew what she was doing. Aries hated eggs. I was the only person who made them in a way that she could eat. Asking me to make her eggs would stroke my ego. “Is this an appointment for…” I paused, unsure if she’d told Marz he was going to be a big brother yet. “Your stomach?”
“Yeah.” Her shoulders slouched and she pouted. “And Omar can’t come. It’ll be the first ultrasound and I have to do it alone because he couldn’t take off work.”
“You want me to go with you?”
With a gasp, she stood and rushed me at the stove. Her arms wrapped around me, and I couldn’t help but return the embrace.
“Please, please, please! I’ll love you forever.”
Chuckling, I gave her a kiss on the temple like I always did when she hugged me. “You gon’ do that regardless.” Her eyes rolled playfully as she released me. “We still need to talk though, Aries.”
“Okay, I promise.”
I was content with the temporary truce we appeared to have, so I’d let it ride for now.
Neo was staring at me like she had something on her mind, but she wasn’t saying shit. It was cute, like a lot of things she did. After dropping my little man off and going to Aries’s appointment with her, I went to work out then showered and scooped Neo up for lunch. She said she loved fruit and seafood, so I took her to this new seafood spot that had recently opened.
We hadn’t talked much, and I was intentionally limiting conversation between us. I could tell she liked me, and I didn’t want her to. Because then, I’d start to like her too. Wiping my mouth, I looked over at her, and she didn’t even try to hide the fact that she was staring at me. I couldn’t help but laugh, which made her smile and look away.
“Some’ on your mind, Neo?”
“Are all bodyguards so… brooding and quiet?”
Am I brooding? With a clipped chuckle, she rubbed between my brows, and they were scrunched. I hadn’t even realized I was frowning until she did that.
“I’m not brooding… and I’m not quiet. I’m alert.”
“You are brooding, and you’re always alert. Even when we’re at the house.”
“My alertness keeps you safe.”
“Maybe, but I don’t know. I guess I just wish we could talk more. I want to know you.”
Her request caught me off guard. It also flattered me. I couldn’t recall the last time a woman wanted to get to know me for me and not my money, past, or reputation. Now, I was the one staring at her. She blushed and looked away.
“Why?”
“Why do I want to get to know you?” I nodded. “You’re interesting. The more time we spend together, the more curious I am about you. And I know this won’t last forever, but we’ll be in each other’s lives because of Bully and Innvy. Can we be friends?”
That was true. Once my time with her and Rey was over, we’d still be connected as long as Bully and Innvy were attached. I guess I couldn’t stay completely detached from her. I didn’t want to be the reason things were weird when we hung out as a crew. As much as I wanted to talk to Neo and get inside her mind and heart, I’d convinced myself it was best if we kept our distance. She reminded me too much of Aries with her romantic situation, and I couldn’t allow her to be another woman I tried to save from a man who didn’t deserve her.
“Yeah, I guess we can be friends.”
“Yay.” She clapped softly and did a little shimmy in her seat that made me blush because she was so happy to be… attached to me? The fuck?
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Merc (COMPLETED)
RomanceFor a man like Merc, his reputation has always preceded him. Known for his allegiance to the criminal underworld as a protector, the gangster only shows love to his family... and his son and the woman who birthed him are at the top of that list. Whe...
