Page 47 of Shades of Mercy

He was tied up in knots.

Mercy wrapped her arms around Bones’s neck, and as they danced, their bodies brushed against each other.

Fuck. Shit. Damnit.

Jag had danced with Mercy like that at Mateo’s wedding reception. Jag couldn’t remember ever laughing as much as he had with her that night. It had seemed like the right thing to do was to take it further that night in bed.

Emptying his beer, he started to order another but decided he needed to keep his mind intact. When the song finally ended and Mercy and Bones left the dance floor, Jag bid his buddies goodnight. It was time to call it a night. He’d nearly worn his molars down clenching his teeth.

“Hey, Jag, can I buy you a beer?” Bones asked as Jag approached. “No, thanks. I think it’s time Mercy and I head out. It’s getting late.”

Mercy was tipsy.

She swayed a bit on the stool.

Her frown slipped right over her pink lips.

He had a flashback of those pretty, pouty lips wrapped around his cock and that stirred something foreign in him.

“Come on, Jag. Don’t be a party pooper. It’s still early.” Mercy flipped the ends of her hair over one shoulder.

“Sorry to ruin the party, but we’re leaving,” Jag said firmly.

“Hey, if Mercy wants to stay, I can run her home. We’re going to the same place after all,” Bones offered, oblivious to the tension between Jag and Mercy.

“See, I have a ride. You go home and catch up on your beauty sleep, Cinderella, and I’ll stay.” She motioned for the bartender to bring her another.

“Not happening.” Jag did his very best to remain calm.

Bones got the hint, but Mercy didn’t.

“Are you hearing what I’m saying? I’m not ready to go back yet. I want to dance.” Her smile had faded some.

“I would have asked what you thought if I were interested. I’m telling you it’s time to leave.” The last thread of patience unraveled.

“I think I’ll go and check in with the boys.” Bones took one step, but Mercy reached out and grasped his T-shirt in a tight fist.

“You don’t have to leave. We’re having fun.” She gave her hips a little rotation.

Bones darted his gaze from Mercy to Jag several times. “It seems like this might be a family matter.”

“Pfft. We’re not family,” she divulged.

Jag sighed. “Too bad we can’t pick and choose who we’re related to.”

“Admit it, Jag.” She slipped off the stool.

“Admit that you’ve had too much to drink and you need sleep?” Jag shook his head. She couldn’t handle her alcohol.

“Fine! You want me to go? I will.” She raised her chin toward an awkward-looking Bones. “Please take me home. I refuse to ride with Jag.”

Bones stayed quiet.

“That’s not an option,” Jag said through clenched jaw, his eyes never leaving the infuriating woman.

“I’m an adult. I can decide who drives me home.” She said to Bones, “You can drive me, or I’ll walk.”

“I’ll take you,” Bones said, offering Jag an apologetic nod.