Page 33 of Mercy
“My heart doesn’t get a vote in this, Liam. My mind is making the decision because it’s the only part of me that can be trusted when it comes to you.”
“No, I need you.”
“I’m sorry. You had your chance. Be honest with yourself, Liam. You didn’t even want me until you saw me with someone else.”
“Is that what you believe?” He says, blinking rapidly, as if he’s trying to make sense of my words.
“Yes,” a tear rolls down my cheek.
“Baby, I’m sorry.”
“I know you are, what’s done is done, we can’t go back. It’s too late.”
He stands up and starts pacing again. I try to read his emotions, fear, panic, sadness? I’m unable to figure him out, but it’s strong, whichever it is.
Dragging his hand down his face, he stares at me hard before speaking again. “I will not fucking let you go. I made a mistake, it’s called forgiveness.”
I shake my head as I hold my hands in my lap. “I forgive you but that doesn’t mean I can trust you. I can’t go through that again, Liam. I won’t.”
“Goddamn it, Mercy!” He glares at me with dark eyes.
“Liam, it’s time for you to go.”
“Fine, just tell me one thing?” He says with a raised eyebrow.
“What?”
I stand, go to the door, and open it for him to leave.
“Why won’t you give me another chance? I didn’t cheat on you; I wasn’t with anyone else when we weren’t speaking. Mercy, I need you more than I need air.”
“I just can’t, Liam. Please go.” Unshed tears fill his eyes as he turns toward the door.
“I’m sorry, baby girl. I’m so fucking sorry.”
He walks away, and I close the door, finally able to fall apart. I press my back against the door, sliding to the floor, and sob. Five minutes into a crying fest, he bangs on my door. “Mercy, open the door. Now!”
I stand up and stare at the door, willing him with a glare, to go away. As if he can see me through the damn door. How long has he been outside my door? Could he hear me crying like a wounded animal?
“It’s Ivy, open the fucking door!” he yells.
Twelve
LIAM
She opens the door,and it’s obvious she’s been crying. Her cheeks are red, and tear stained. It breaks my heart, but I can’t deal with our shit right now.
“I got a call on my way to my car. Ivy is sick, really sick. She has a staph infection. I’m going to the hospital. Do you want to-”
“Yes, I’m coming. Let’s go,” she says, as she picks up her keys and purse from the counter.
We walk together out to my car, I open the door, and she slides in.
I drive fast, even though I know getting there quickly won’t change a damn thing.
After several minutes in silence, she asks, “How bad is it, Liam?”
“It’s bad. She’s in emergency surgery to remove the infected tissue. Xander believes there will be several more surgeries required.”
