Page 26 of Built for Mercy

Callie covered her face as her cheeks turned pink.Yeah, he does that to me, too, girl.

“You’re awfully brazen today, Detective. Is there a reason you called me, or did you just want to hear my voice?”

“Both,” I blurted before I could stop myself. “Mostly I just wanted to confirm we’re still on for dinner tonight. Because if not, I had plans to go out with Callie and not wear any panties while we danced.” I dared a peek at my friend, who was now clutching the arms of her chair and leaning forward, mouth agape.

So dramatic.

Maverick chuckled darkly. “Don’t even fucking think about it,” he growled. “Halls will be there to pick you up at six.” He paused. “And don’t wear panties. You won’t need them.”

Every inch of my skin was on fire. “Okay. See you tonight.” I hung up, taking several deep breaths before I braved looking at Callie.

“Who are you and what have you done with Sophie? There’s so much to unpack from that phone call. Holy fuck. Hold on.” She pulled her phone out and sent a quick text. “I had to tell Liam that I’d be stopping by his office later and to be prepared. This has me hot and bothered.”

My face warmed further as my phone pinged.

Maverick 1:13 PM

Can’t wait to see you tonight—and that pretty pussy of yours.

“Oh my God,” I groaned, my hormones insatiable as I once again thought about his mouth on me.

“What? Let me see.” Callie snatched my phone out of my hand and fanned herself again. “Damn, Soph, you’ve got this guy wrapped around your little finger, don’t you?”

“I don’t know how this happened. Honestly.”

“Does it matter?”

I shrugged. “Depends who you ask. It’s just… there’s this, like, magneticpullbetween us. We both tried to fight it.”

She nodded. “I get it. That’s how it’s always been with me and Liam, too.” That was true, so I guess she did understand. “That’s a good sign.”

Huffing, I said, “That also depends on who you ask.”

“Just focus on enjoying yourself tonight. You need it. And clearly, he needsyou.So give that to him, if you want to, and let everything else fall into place. I’m here to love and support you no matter what happens.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Cal. I’m really glad you came by today.”

“Me, too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go fuck my fiancé.”

***

I waited with bated breath as I nervously rapped on Maverick’s door. I left my courage in the black car that escorted me, and the butterflies in my stomach were of near-violent nature. Curiosity and anxiety twisted through me. It wasn’t too late to turn back—

The door swung open and revealed a delicious-looking Maverick in a white Oxford with sleeves rolled to his elbows, showing off mouthwatering tattoos. Black dress pants, perfectly tailored to his thighs. My mouth went dry as my eyes swept over him.

I was instantly turned on, from my head all the way to my toes. My thighs squeezed together, my nipples chafing against my lace bra, my skin feeling hot and itchy.

Maverick cleared his throat and stepped aside. “Come in, Detective.” I was mildly disappointed he didn’t call me by my first name—even though he told me to tell him what I wanted to be called—but I kept my cool as I brushed past him. My breasts skimmed across his abs, and his sharp intake of breath only heightened my arousal.

Fuck.

His palm on my lower back further weakened my willpower as he guided me through the foyer and into his home. I couldn’t help but glance around at this mysterious man’s penthouse; I briefly wondered what he actually did outside of his club that allowed him to afford this place in New York City.

From cool gray walls, dark floors, black granite counters, a large open floor plan, and floor-to-ceiling windows, it was every bit the bachelor pad I imagined. But what offset the modern starkness of the space was the tantalizing smell coming from the kitchen. It made me realize how hungry I was, and not just for the man standing behind me.

I took it all in before slowly turning to face him. “What, no pictures of your family to make the space more inviting?” I teased, hoping to ease some of the raw tension in the air.

Maverick did that thing where his eyes narrowed ever so slightly in both amusement and warning. It made my pussy throb more than I wanted to admit.