Page 75 of Built for Mercy

The anxious energy twisted in my gut as I grabbed my bags, pausing in front of my full-length mirror to check my appearance. I wore a black top and dark jeans that fit a little looser than they had a few weeks ago. The extra inch on my waist made them almost uncomfortable to wear, but it was nothing my belt—which matched my black heels—couldn’t fix.

I felt… pretty.Thin.I hadn’t felt that way in a long while.

Halls opened the car door for me, then loaded my bags. When he slid into the driver’s seat, I rolled my lips together nervously.

“So… Maverick is still in the city, I’m guessing?”

“Yes ma’am. He’s still working but assured me he’d meet you on the airstrip,” Halls responded.

“Great,” I mumbled, settling in for the long drive.

***

I’d hoped my bad mood would dissipate by the time we reached the private airfield, especially after napping most of the way. Yet here I was, ascending the steps to a gorgeous jet all by myself, which only made me angrier.

The interior of the plane was all black leather and shiny dark accents, with a few rows of single and double seats on both sides. Champagne chilled in an ice bucket, secured beside a table with two chairs flanking each side of it.

A stunning, curvy blonde flight attendant smiled at me as I walked down the aisle, looking perfectly polished and making me feel verynotput together. I self-consciously patted my waves. I wished I’d straightened it.

“Ms. Reyes, welcome. Please take a seat and relax as we wait for the rest of Mr. Mercer’s party to join us. Can I get you anything to drink in the meantime?”

I wanted to grumble. To bitch and moan and throw something. But then I had to remind myself that she was not the root of my frustration. I forced out a request for water as I slid into a single seat, not feeling in the mood to sit next to Maverick.

Actually, it was a work trip for him; I just happened to be attending.

Why, so he had an excuse to hang out with me onhisterritory again?

Ugh, I was being ungrateful for the free vacation I was getting, but I couldn’t help it. I felt batshit crazy.Hemade me batshit crazy. But where the fuck was this coming from?

The flight attendant placed a water in front of me, followed by a cheese platter. My stomach immediately growled, and I wondered if that was why I was in such a foul mood.

Relenting, I popped a cube of cheese into my mouth, moaning at how fucking rich it was, and texted Callie.

Sophie 7:52 PM

Do I get hangry?

Callie 7:55 PM

…

Sophie 7:55 PM

Is that a yes or a no?

Callie 7:56 PM

I’m scared to answer that question.

Sophie 7:56 PM

Stop being so dramatic.

Callie 7:57 PM

LOL, well in that case, yes you do. Pretty sure you’d kill someone just because you didn’t eat much that day.

Sophie 7:57 PM