Page 9 of Built for Mercy

That was my cue.

7

Sophie

“You going to tell us why some hotshot club owner wants to speak to you?” Liam wondered aloud before draping his arm around Callie’s shoulders, his hand resting on her shoulder and fiddling with the loose strands of her hair.

I shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.” I had a suspicion but wasn’t about to voice it. It was probably all a coincidence.

Callie snorted. “Right. There’s nothing you can think of? How many times have we gone out over the years, Soph? This has never happened. Not once.”

I nonchalantly sipped my drink, then nearly spat it out all over my friends across from me as a familiar figure appeared in the far corner of the room, emerging from the shadows like he was one of them. Callie and Liam both raised their eyebrows.

Having a suspicion about who invited me here was one thing. Being right was a whole other, especially with the way he was stalking toward us.

God, please tell me he isn’t the owner,I prayed, unable to tear my gaze from him. He looked hotter than ever in an all-black suit that probably cost more than three times my rent, with a black button-down shirt left open at the top.

“Wonderful seeing you again, Detective,” he said, bending at the waist, lifting my wrist from the table, and pressing a soft kiss to the inside of it.

Jesus. Christ.

My insides melted at the softness of his mouth mixed with the slight stubble on his jaw, an involuntary shiver tearing through me. I refused to look at my friends, because I could only imagine their reaction.

“Maverick. What are you doing here?” I tried to force the shakiness from my voice, tried to project confidence despite the fact that I was as equally warm all over as I was racked with fear. My racing heart could’ve been a result of either. I mean, the last time I’d seen him, I insulted him.Maybe he’s going to act on his threat.

Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

I really needed to learn how to shut my damn mouth.

But Maverick just arched a dark brow, as if I should know, which confirmed my suspicion: he was the owner of this luxurious nightclub. I gulped as he turned his attention to my friends. “I’m Maverick Mercer. I own this establishment.” They exchanged pleasantries. Callie had a bright grin on her face while Liam looked skeptical.

“Mercer, huh?” Liam asked with a knowing look. Callie and I shared a confused glance, but neither man pressed the topic. Maverick just gave Liam a cocky smirk before turning to me.

“Miss Reyes, may I speak with you in private for a moment?” His voice was lush, full of threats and promises. I didn’t even know that was possible.

I narrowed my eyes. “What about?” Yes, there was a bite to my tone, which I regretted immediately. Ugh. What the hell was wrong with me?

He tilted his head to the side, and a dark lock tumbled over his forehead. My fingers twitched with the sudden desire to brush it away. “Our mutual friend.Victor.”

The name had me straightening and muttering an apology to my friends. Whatever Maverick had to say must be important, and who was I to pass up an opportunity to find out more about one of the men who killed my father? Now I just had to appear not so thrilled about being alone with him—I mean, about getting information on Victor.

“I’ll be back in a few,” I said. Liam was still eyeing Maverick while Callie glanced between all of us with a mischievous grin. I wanted to ask her what the look was for, but Maverick held his hand out for me. I glared at it, ignoring him as I rose to my feet and collected my clutch and phone.

Seconds after I left the booth, though, my phone buzzed.

Callie 8:47 PM

OMG. Tell me you’re fucking him.

Sophie 8:47 PM

I wish I could shush you over text.

But no, I’m not. We’ve only met a few times.

Callie 8:48 PM

Ummmm… he was NOT looking at you like you’ve only met a few times.