Mercy

Chapter 12

My sleep was peaceful again. Tonight was like last night, there were no nightmares just wonderful dreams of Liam. When I woke up, my cheeks were burning in embarrassment lingering on my face from my dream. How was it even possible for me to have dreams like that? The farthest I had ever been with a boy was kissing and yet that dream was way more. I grabbed my clothes and headed for the shower, hoping a cold shower would cool the flames that seemed to be devouring me.

The rest of my day was pretty average. I didn't try as hard to cover my mess of a lip, the bruising was even worse and I didn't want to think of touching it to try to cover it. Lacy would have to try and work some of her magic before I went to work; there was no way I wanted Liam to see my face like this. He was like a Greek god wrapped in a sinister package; if he saw me like this he might just realize what a mistake he was making.

After class I rushed home so that Lacy could work on my face before I had to go to work. When she was done most of the bruising was hidden and she did her best to hide the slice in my lip. You could still see how swollen it was and the darkness from the bruises but it looked way better than before. Then the hard part of picking out what to wear - what does a girl wear on a casual date? The types of girls that I had seen hanging around Liam were never dressed in what I would call casual attire. They were usually half naked and looked like they were posing in a men's magazine. After rummaging around in my closet I decided on a pair of destroyed black skinny jeans, a white t-shirt and a black sweater jacket. I checked myself once more in the mirror before I headed out to work. My car still wasn't in the best condition so I walked to work. To be honest I didn't mind walking so much. It gave me time to think and to clear my mind.

The night was busy which was good; it kept me from worrying and over thinking everything. The last thing I wanted right now was to be victim to my thoughts. My eyes moved up to the door just as Liam and one of his friends entered. He was early; it was only around 6:30. Maybe that's why he was there with a friend...maybe they were hanging out before our date. I slipped behind the counter to where the lady who hired me was working. "Hey Liz...can you get that table for me?" I whispered, motioning to Liam's table. Her eyes followed my gaze, growing larger when she saw who was at the table. "Why?" She asked eyeing me carefully like she was digging deep for answers. "Are you in trouble with Liam? You don't need to be making trouble with people like him." She said quietly, still searching my face. I was shocked by what she said. What did she mean by that? "Uh...no...not trouble really..." She didn't say anything else; she slipped away and went to the table to take their order. I stood still behind the counter trying to hide. Suddenly, I see Liam get up and walk towards me. Quickly, I do my best to look busy.

"Doll face, why are you sending the old lady to our table?" He asked, leaning against the counter. I looked over at Liz who was giving me a weird look.

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-Liam's POV-

Tonight was my date with Sam and I honestly couldn't remember the last time I was so nervous about a girl. The girls I spent time with were usually dumb and had no problems hooking up within a few hours of meeting. Those girls made it easy not to get attached. Sam was so different though, she was sweet and innocent. She didn't know what I did and I planned to keep it that way. There was no way Sam would stay around if she knew. Girls like her didn't get mixed up with guys like me. Even though it was early I decided I'd head over to the coffee shop she worked at; at least then I could enjoy looking at her while I waited.

After I left the house I received a call from one of my associates. He said he needed to discuss some things with me. As much as I hated to bring this stuff anywhere near Sam I decided he could meet me at the coffee shop and I could quietly take care of him while I kept my eyes on her. He was already waiting outside the when I got there. We didn't speak, I gave him a nod and he followed me inside. We took a table by the windows. My eyes traveled around the shop looking for her. I needed to find her before I'd open my mouth to talk to him. Once I spotted her behind the counter, I felt disappointed when the older lady that had worked there for years came to our table instead of Sam. That lady never took orders; she usually never left the counter. Was Sam trying to hide from me? Without acknowledging the lady I got up from the table and headed straight for Sam. "Doll face, why are you sending the old lady to our table?" I asked, leaning in so I could see her better. I frowned when I noticed her lip. Lacy had done a real job on her; her face was bruised and still very swollen. It took all I had to not jump the counter and kiss her face. "I-I'm just making coffee..." She said softly, stumbling over her words. She was a terrible liar and I found it to be adorable. I reached over, gently running my thumb over her swollen lip. "God, doll face...." I sighed roughly and turned around heading back to my table. The lady took our orders and Matt and I got down to business. I made sure he knew to keep it down and he knew better than to disobey me. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Doll Face headed straight for us with two cups; I kicked him hard under the table to shut him up before she heard him. He quit talking immediately as my foot collided with his shin; pain filling his face as he tried to thank Sam for his drink. His eyes lingered on her body way too long for my liking and I gave him another swift kick to his shin.

"Matt...this is my girl Sam...Sam this is my...friend...Matt." Sam smiled sweetly as she sat our cups down. Even with her busted lip she was gorgeous. "Jeez Liam, what did you do to your girls face?" He blurted when his eyes finally moved up towards her face. My blood began to boil; not only was he accusing me of hurting her but he was crossing the line with me in general. I'm not sure where all this new found courage came from but I wasn't a fan. "Shut the f..." I started but was quickly interrupted by Sam. "My friend Lacy bounced my face off her dash. " Her cheeks were red and her hand slowly covered up her mouth. It took all I had not to beat the shit out of Matt right then and there. Before I could say anything to her she turned and quickly dashed back to the counter.

"Matt you are pushing your luck." My voice filled with anger as I looked across the table. "Since when do you care about some whore?" He scoffed, taking a drink of his coffee. I leaned my body across the table; flashing him the gun I had tucked away under my jacket. "Say one more word...I dare you..." I grit my teeth as I watched for him to make his next move. He quickly threw his hands up in surrender. We finished our talk and he left in a hurry.

My blood was still boiling at the thought of the things he had said. He was going to pay for talking to me like that...for talking about her that way. A sweet voice interrupted my thoughts, "Are you ready?" She asked; I looked up and she was standing there with a nervous smile on her face.