Acts of Mercy: Part 1 – Chapter 7

She’s sorely mistaken if she thinks we are through. Quickly snapping a picture of her plates, I store the image for my recon later. I’m one of the founding partners at WRATH Securities. Pulling up her info will be a breeze.

I shake my head as I pass by the tow truck; the driver sitting behind the wheel and smirking at me as if he was in on an inside joke.

Rolling my eyes, I give him a salute as I slide into my convertible, groaning at the fact that Little Red has to deal with him all on her own. I let out a breath, reminding myself that she’s a big girl and I can’t control her—not if I want to keep her. And man, do I want to keep her.

My mind runs through all the scenarios that could prevent us from being together, not landing on a single one that justifies the fucking torture.

Even if she’s engaged and promised to another, surely the bastard could understand that what he has with her could never compare to what we just felt.

What was it? Not love at first sight. I don’t believe in that shit. It’s not real… is it?

This entire experience has turned my world upside down, having me question long-held beliefs and wondering what the hell I’d been doing my whole life.

Shit. Could it be her age? I didn’t even ask. Thinking back to the grey in my stubble, she probably thinks she can’t be with someone when she’s not even drinking age. And my dumb ass was inviting her out for drinks. Fuck it. Even if she’s under twenty-one, I could wait. I would definitely wait. She’s more than worth it.

Pulling into my drive, I look out into the setting sun, glistening vibrant colors of orange as it dances across White Rock lake.

Alyssa will be home soon, and I need to get Rosa to set up her room. Good thing I live next to Ren and Cassie. If the little brat needs anything and I’m out with Little Red, she can just walk on over and bother them for a change.

“Sir, you’re home early.” Rosa smiles wide, welcoming me home to an otherwise empty pad.

I don’t trust anyone on my property, other than those in my inner circle. Running the financials for WRATH Securities means I handle a lot of sensitive information from a lot of delicate to manage clients. I shudder, remembering a scene from my last visit with Nico ‘the cold’ Renzetti. I was in Mexico setting up their family finances as a favor when a cartel head dropped by unannounced.

Let’s just say they don’t call him ‘the cold’ for nothing.

“Yes, Rosa. I have to prepare for my little sister who will be staying with us.”

She looks at me with a questioning stare. “You mean Miss Alyssa?”

“That’s the one and only. My little sister.” I try not to groan that last bit because I really am happy at having family stay with me, it’s just I wasn’t expecting to care for a teenager. They can be a handful.

I know I was.

“Very well. Should I prepare the mother-in-law suite out back? It should give her enough privacy.” She smiles as if she’s thought of the perfect spot to place her. Unfortunately for Alyssa, I remember all too well what it was like being seventeen and I don’t trust her with all that privacy.

“No. Please put her in the guest room across from me. I want to make sure she isn’t sneaking boys in and getting pregnant under my watch.”

God. The last thing I need is Dad blaming me for getting his little princess pregnant before she turns eighteen.

“Yes.” She smirks, knowing what I’m thinking and probably agreeing it’s for the best. She should know. She’s a mother to two full grown women. I’ve met them twice and they are great people. Salt of the earth.

The thought makes me happy, knowing Alyssa will have someone here watching over her who’s good for her morally. Lord knows I’m lacking in that department.

Leaving Rosa to it, I walk back to my office when I see the flashing of lights across the wall.

Looking out the window, I see a cab pull up to the drive. That must be Alyssa now. I’m glad I got home in time to greet her. Especially since her room isn’t even ready yet.

Walking back toward the entrance, I hear the closing of a car door. I’m mentally preparing myself to put on my ‘host hat’ when I pull open the wide double doors leading to the circular drive, only to freeze at the image before me.

Little Red? How did she find me? I’m the security expert here. Watching her round the cab, I see her pull out a piece of luggage from the trunk, and my stomach drops.

Fuck me.

This is the reason. The whole fucking reason she told me we couldn’t be more.

I feel my soul leave my body, all energy draining through me and leaving me an empty, numb shell.

This is it. There’s nothing more to be said.

She was right. We could never be. This could never be.

What we did was an atrocity. Something that should’ve never happened.

Fire builds within me at the thought. Igniting and burning harder with each step she takes toward my home.

Her cowering posture says it all. She fucking knew. She knew who I was and let our transgression happen. How could she?

As she takes the final step onto the landing, I open the doors wider, motioning her inside with a sneer. “Welcome home, Little Red.”