Page 21 of Almost Rotten

“I’m sorry,” I whisper into the space between us.

I don’t have time to play the victim, either. Yes, this is happening to me, but I’m also allowing it. I’m complicit. I’m requesting that Mercer also bow to Ty’s demands.

“One week,” he murmurs. “And know this: I may be extending grace for now, but that in no way constitutes my approval of the actions of this boy.”

Heart aching, I nod. “I’ll get through to him. I just need a little time. What we share… it’s complicated. Ty must have been shocked when he stumbled upon us. He’s clearly struggling right now.”

Mercer’s gaze narrows.

“I know that’s not an excuse,” I insist, tilting my chin up. “But I think he’s hurt more than anything.”

He shakes his head, cupping my face in his hands like I’m the most precious gift in the world.

His touch is everything.

Soft but sure. Impassioned but loving.

It’s the antithesis of how Ty gripped me earlier.

Emotion catches in my throat as the comparison catches me by surprise. Am I really choosing to go along with my friend’s delusions when this man is standing right in front of me, making his support so abundantly clear?

The very last thing I want is to pull back. I’ve never felt as seen or as cherished as I do when I’m in this man’s arms. Yet I’m the one telling him we need space.

There’s a pregnant pause in which Mercer watches me expectantly. I can sense exactly what he wants me to do. It’s what my heart wants, too. But it would be irresponsible to throw caution to the wind, risk both our jobs, and gamble with Ty’stemper. So instead of leaning into his touch, I back up slightly and offer him another half-smile.

With a deep exhale, he straightens, kisses my forehead, and looks me directly in the eye. “If you believe it’s okay for hurt people to hurt people, you’ve got another think coming, Little Nuisance. I’m far too old and have spent too much time in therapy to let that line of reason justify this situation.”

I grin, relishing his use of my nickname. It’s the first time I’ve heard it all day.

“I’m impressed that you got the phrase right,” I tell him playfully. The number of people who say ‘anotherthingcoming’ always irked my dad. “I’m not making excuses,” I add, draping my arms over his shoulders. “I just know Ty well enough to know that poking the bear will only make it worse. He needs time to cool down.”

Mercer closes his eyes and deflates, resigned.

I scrape my nails against the short hairs at his nape, savoring this quiet moment together, knowing it’ll be our last for a while.

“Be warned, Little Nuisance, that I have no intention of playing fair.”

Alarm bells blare in my head, making my breath catch. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He opens his eyes and homes in on my mouth. “It means that I’ll take every opportunity to get a moment alone with you. You can also expect additional meetings to appear on your calendar by this afternoon. Attendance will be mandatory.”

A little thrill of excitement flares to life inside me. “I look forward to the increased workload, Professor.”

I pop up on my toes and bring my face closer to his. But before I can kiss him, a calendar reminder chimes on his desktop behind us, snagging my attention.

I glance over at the clock and drop back down. Shit. I’ve got to go, too.

“I’m going to kiss you properly now. Don’t you dare try to fucking stop me.”

Without giving me a second to comprehend his words, he smashes his lips against mine, urgent and insistent, and cradles the back of my head.

Heart racing, I open for him, eagerly welcoming his tongue.

He drags his nails along my scalp, sending ripples of want through me.

Our kisses turn desperate—wanton and needy.

He kisses me with an intensity that makes it difficult to breathe. He takes and takes and takes, the stress of the last few hours fueling him.