Chapter Twenty-Three
MERCS
After today’s events, I’m physically and emotionally spent.
With Kiera nearly passing out, then everything that happened at the diner with Lilah, I’m on the brink.
One more hit, and I’m not sure I’ll recover.
That’s why, when we got up from eating our pie, and I caught Lilah watching us from the counter like some desperate ghost from the past, I turned away.
That woman does not get my attention.
Not anymore.
I’m done with her.
Completely.
Still, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t rattle me. I expected I might run into Lilah while I was here, but no amount of mental preparation could have stopped the gut punch I took when I saw her face again.
Because just seeing her…
… brought it all back.
The ring was in my pocket.
I was coming home to surprise Lilah after a fight—our last fight. She hated how much I was away, hated that the band came before her, so I thought proposing would fix everything. Prove to her that she was always my end game. That I was out there working my ass off for us.
I wanted her to have everything—wedding, house, security. Love.
The car was moving.
I thought something was wrong.
Instead, I found something so much worse.
Instead, I came home and found her bent over the back seat of my fucking car with Shane, my best friend since we were kids, slamming into her like she was nothing. Like we were nothing.
I can still hear their moans. See their tangled bodies. Her head falling back in surprise when I yanked open the door.
The shame in her eyes.
The terror in his.
The instant recognition on his face that what we had, the decades of friendship, was now dead.
He didn’t just fuck her. He annihilated every memory we had growing up, every bond, every moment of loyalty. He burned it all for a cheap fuck.
And Lilah! She didn’t even fight for it.
No apology.
No reason.
Just excuses.
As if that would have made any difference.
“Are you okay?” Effa’s husky voice slices through the memory, dragging me out before I spiral. I blink back to the present, unclenching my fists, only now realizing how tightly they had balled. My breathing’s too shallow, my chest too tight. That whole damn night still claws at me.
I reach for her hand, lacing my fingers with hers like an anchor. “I am now.”
We’re in my bedroom, getting ready for bed, and her presence alone eases the tension in my chest. My hand finds her cheek, smooth and soft beneath my palm, and I lean in, brushing my lips against hers just once. My tongue grazes her lower lip, and she moans, her body melting into mine.
I deepen the kiss, pouring everything I can’t say into it. Every scar, every crack in my chest, every ounce of gratitude that Effa’s here and not anyone else.
This woman tastes like safety.
And feels like home.
But my cock’s straining against the zipper of my jeans, and that pressure is getting uncomfortable fast. I don’t care.
She grounds me.
Pulls me back from the ledge without even trying.
Effa always brings me back to earth.
Her lips move in sync with mine, slow and controlled. She’s not just kissing me, she is soothing me. My mind quiets as we move together in that soft, sensual rhythm. No demands, just connection.
But of course, life never lets the peace last.
A sharp ring slices through the moment like a blade, and we both groan. She leans over to grab her phone from the bedside table, and I subtly shift, adjusting my cock to give myself some damn relief.
“It was nice while it lasted,” Effa mumbles with a small grin, answering the call. “Hey, Luke.”
My hand slides up her thigh as she snuggles back into me.
“Yeah, things are good here. It’s been a nice break. Don’t worry, we’re fine. How’s everyone there?”
But her spine straightens slightly, and the tension that settles in her shoulders is instant. I frown, pressing my palm against her back.
Something’s wrong.
“Okay, well, keep me informed… That’s not good… I wonder why she’s acting out like that?”
She? My gut tightens.
Effa’s voice stays calm, but there’s a sharp edge of concern threading through it.
“I’ll be back tomorrow evening, so maybe I can have a chat with her then.
Try and suss out what she’s so worked up about.
” Her shoulders stay rigid as she rubs the back of her neck, and I know it’s bad.
Whatever Luke said, it’s not sitting right with her.
“Okay, and how’s everyone else?” she asks, her voice tight.
I hold her closer, wrapping my arm around her ribs like I can protect her from whatever shit storm is brewing back on tour.
She exhales, the sound shaky and tired. “Yeah. See ya, Luke.” She ends the call, tosses the phone aside, and collapses into me like the weight of that call just doubled.
I stroke her arm gently. “Is Alana okay?”
“She’s fine. I’ve been texting her all day.” She buries her head against my chest.
“Then who’s the problem?”
“Andi,” she murmurs. “Luke doesn’t know what’s going on, but she’s being super argumentative. Angry, like, out of control, angry. He’s really worried, and even Casey can’t talk her down.”
I tense. That’s not like Andi at all. “I’ll message Tank. They’ve got a connection. If anyone can reach her, it’s him.”
Effa peeks up at me and nods. “Good idea. He might know what’s going on.”
I lean over to grab my phone and type out a message to Tank, hoping like hell this isn’t the beginning of something worse.
Me: Hey man, just checking in. Heard things are tense around camp with Andi. Was wondering if maybe she’s said anything to you about what’s going on with her?
I hit send and set the phone in my lap, letting out a slow breath. “We’ll see what he comes back with.”
“Yeah, maybe they had a fight or something?” Effa offers, her tone light but tinged with curiosity. She’s trying to keep things calm, but I know her, her head’s already spinning.
My cell pings almost immediately.
Tank: Oh man, she’s seriously losing the plot.
Mainly at me. I don’t know what the fuck I did wrong.
We had this epic night, her, me, and this blonde chick we met at this bar.
The best three-way I’ve ever had, I swear.
And then afterward, she went completely fucking psycho on everyone and has been ever since.
It’s like she’s pissed at me because of it.
But she was fully into it at the time. I can’t fucking work her out. I swear, woman gives me whiplash.
A small snort escapes me as I read it, and I tilt my phone to show Effa. She huffs, shaking her head as she sits up beside me, her expression flipping between amused and exasperated.
“Andi likes him, doesn’t she?” she asks, her eyes narrowing.
Exactly what I was thinking.
“Yeah. I reckon she caught feelings, then got jealous of the blonde. Now she’s spiraling, pretending she doesn’t care. So instead of admitting it, she’s lashing out at everyone like a ticking time bomb.”
Effa breaks into a wide smile, her whole face lighting up. “This is so adorable,” she squeals, clapping her hands together before bouncing on the bed like she’s just uncovered the greatest rom-com subplot ever written.
I chuckle at her enthusiasm because it’s impossible not to. “All right, all right. Don’t tell Tank the theory, though. Let the dust settle.”
“No way am I telling him. But I will have a chat with her once we’re back. Give me five minutes, and I’ll get her back on track.”
“I believe it,” I say, already typing out a new message.
Me: Cool, thanks for the heads up. Effa said she’ll talk to her when we’re back tomorrow.
Once the message is sent, I toss the phone back onto the bedside table and shift to face her.
“Now, Miss Effervescent…” I murmur, my voice dipping low and firm.
“I’d love nothing more than to have my way with you.
But I know you won’t let me with Kiera and Gran just down the hall…
” I smirk, tugging her a little closer. “So here’s what we’re gonna do instead.
You’re gonna put that pretty mouth to use and kiss the fuck out of me. ”
She laughs, her eyes gleaming with challenge. “Bossy much?”
“Always,” I growl, and in the next breath, she’s on me, straddling my thighs, gripping my shoulders, her lips crashing into mine with heat and purpose.
I sink back against the headboard, my hands skating up her spine, holding her close. Her body molds to mine as our mouths tangle, breath stealing and unrelenting. Her taste is addictive, and I’m taking as much of it as she’ll give.
The weight of the day fades with every second our lips stay locked, every movement of her body against mine.
For now, we’re okay.
And I’ll take that.
For as long as fucking possible.
***
After demolishing Gran’s famous pumpkin pie, we’re out front, waiting for the car and saying our goodbyes. The visit went by too fast, and I hate leaving, but I’ve got no choice. The pressure’s mounting, and I need to start repaying Vex.
I know Effa would offer to help, but I can’t let her. That’s not what this relationship is built on. She deserves someone who can carry his own weight, someone who can carry her, too. And the gambling? That’s a whole other mess I won’t drag her into.
I’ve got to get my shit together before it drowns me. And the last thing I need is Jett throwing it in my face.
But that can all wait.
Because right now, Kiera’s crying, wrapped around Effa like she’s holding on for dear life.
I smile at them as Effa holds her close and sways her from side to side, rubbing soothing motions up and down her back.
I know that’s what Effa uses to try to calm people.
I love her for attempting to help Kiera right now.
She really is one in a million, even with the hippy vibe that I’ve grown to love about her.
Gran reaches out, wrapping her arm around my waist, and pulls me to her. “Now, try not to stay away from us for too long. And next time you come back, make sure to bring this little angel with you. You hear me?” Gran instructs.
“Yes, ma’am.” I lean in, planting a chaste kiss on her cheek. “Love you.”
“Love you, too, sweetheart… to the moon and back.” She grabs my cheek and squeezes, then she lets me go, and I move over to Kiera, who’s finally released Effa.
Effa moves past me toward Gran as I step up to Kiera and take a deep breath. Saying goodbye to my sister is always the hardest. I’m never sure what might happen to her while I’m gone, which makes this the most difficult part.
Kiera reaches up, wrapping her arms around my neck, and pulls me in tight. She doesn’t have much strength, but it’s enough for me to feel the undeniable love and warmth emanating from her. “I love you so much, big brother. Make sure you get back here soon. I want to see you before Christmas. Okay?”
“The tour ends in two months, so I’ll be home in November. I’ll definitely be here for Christmas. I promise.”
“I l-love you, Kades.” Her voice cracks slightly through her tears, and it makes my throat close up.
“I love you, too, so much. You keep going strong, you hear me?”
She giggles, pulling back and looking into my eyes. “Only for you.”
I press my lips to her forehead just below her beanie as I try to keep myself together. Effa’s hand slowly finds its way to my back and makes small circles. Funny enough, it does make me feel calmer.
She has hands of the gods, I swear.
An unmistakable crunch of rubber moving over pebbles approaches, as the thrum of an engine pulls in behind us. The tour car has pulled up, ready to take us back to Pittsburgh.
Sighing, I lean in, kissing Kiera’s forehead once more.
Leaving her is so hard.
I don’t want to think the worst.
She’s doing well.
Well enough, considering.
But there’s always that risk that a small bug could knock her about, and I might not get here in time. A shudder runs down my spine, and I clench my eyes shut at the unthinkable thought running through my mind right now.
This could be the last time I see her.
My breath catches, and even Effa’s soothing circles aren’t working right now.
“Kaden, stop it,” Kiera demands in a whisper. She grabs my biceps, and my eyes snap open at her harsh tone. “Stop that right now. I know where your mind has gone, and I’m fine. I’m not going anywhere. I will be here when you get back for Christmas, I promise.”
The driver steps out to place our bags in the trunk. “See you in November then, booger-butt.”
“I’ll be here waiting,” she replies and lets me go.
Effa laces her hand in mine, giving me the support I need to leave, as I back away from Kiera toward the car.
“Love you, guys.”
“We know, now go. Call us tonight if you miss us that much,” Gran instructs.
“Okay.” I pivot with Effa and walk toward the car.
“Talk soon, thanks for everything,” Effa calls out.
Gran and Kiera wave as we step up to the car, and the driver opens the door for Effa. She slides in, and I look back at Gran and Kiera one last time before I wave with a heavy heart, then move in next to Effa before the driver shuts the door behind me.
Slumping into the seat, I let out a long puff of air, then I glance out the window.
Effa squeezes my knee and slides into my side. “You’re incredible with them,” she murmurs.
I shift to face her. “They mean everything to me. I hate leaving them, but I want to be with you too. It’s watching them fade into the distance that’s hard.”
“You’re such a softie, you know that? Beneath all this bravado you put on, you’re a caring guy, Kaden Mercury.”
“Don’t tell the crew that, they’ll have my balls.”
Effa runs her hand up my chest seductively. “I might just do something with your balls later. All this sexual tension between us, and no play for the last two days? Ssheesh, this girl needs some tension relief.”
Her fingernails clench into my pec, and I clear my throat, shifting slightly in my seat while the driver slides into the car.
My cock springs to attention without hesitation, awkwardly straining against my jeans.
I glance back at Gran and Kiera, who are chuckling to themselves, watching us.
They can’t hear the conversation, but they can obviously see us.
I smile, shaking my head as Kiera throws her hands in the air in approval.
Fuck it! I whirl around, grab Effa, and kiss her hard, pinning her back against the seat. She lets out an “oomph” like she wasn’t prepared, but she kisses me back with such enthusiasm it knocks my breath away.
The car engine starts to cheering and applause outside the car window, and I can’t help a chuckle that bubbles up from my chest. Effa giggles along with me while we kiss, and the car takes off back toward Pittsburgh.
My family is amazing.
Effa is my future.
But now it’s back to reality.
Back to the band.
Back to the tour.
Back to Jett fucking Jones…