Mercy (Sin City Outlaws #2)(12)

Shaking unclear thoughts from my head I kick my bloody clothes in the corner then grab my badge that I had set on the counter before showering, my finger thumbing it. I used to think it held so much power before. Just holding it up to a civilian you’d instantly get a look of respect. Now though, this badge doesn’t have any power. It’s just a piece of metal. I shove it in the bag, not wanting to look at it any longer. I saunter out of the bathroom and notice Zeek has a chair propped up against the front door, his head leaned back. The couple on the bed are rubbing at their wrists, and eyeing Zeek like the Devil. Well, Donald is, Mildred looks like she wants to comb his hair while she tells him all about her life.

I climb into the bed, and scurry under the over-starched covers.

“If you’re smart, you won’t try anything,” Zeek rasps. He has one eye open, his hand grasping a gun sitting on his knee. Slowly I look at the couple, and they glance my way, neither of us sure who he is talking to. “Sweet dreams.” Zeek smiles, flipping the light off behind him.

Sitting in the dark I watch him. He’s leaning back in the chair, his head lolled back with his feet kicked up on the dresser. His boots are untied, and his shirt is sticking to his toned chest from sweat. I shift in my spot, becoming aware of how uncomfortably hot I suddenly am.

His chest rises, as he nibbles on his bottom lip soundlessly. His facial hair has grown. I like it. A lot, actually. His eyes are closed, sealing off the deep hardness in the pools of his irises hiding the transparent anger outlining his face. The light pouring through the edge of the hotel curtain casts a glow along his body, illuminating beads of sweat that have formed on his skin. With the gun in his lap he looks just as insane as he does sexy. The emotions rising in my chest are unsettling as I look at the man I am so in love with. I hate him…I think?

However, I’d do anything to have him in bed with me, the scruff of his cheeks rubbing against my shoulder as he pulls me close. Of course I’d pretend like I hated it, but secretly I need him more than anything right now.

Isn’t that ironic. The only cure for my heart being broken is the one who caused the damaged.

One of his eyes pop open, and my stomach drops with the realization that he caught me ogling him.

Quickly I turn and toss the sheet over me. My heart pounding. Now he knows I’m conflicted, I saw it in his eyes, even if briefly. He knows that I want him…

Fuck!

***

HOLLOW BROWN EYES plague my dreams. Blood pouring over my vision as I continue to run through my viscous nightmare.

“Jilly Bean, I want you to know I love you. I know I don’t say it much, but I do. When you came into our department, I hoped a new leaf would turn for our workforce. I want you to promise me you’ll keep that spitfire that burns so bright inside you.”

“Dad.” I cry out, my hands clutching his chest.

He dissolves in my hands, falling to the desert floor before sifting away with the wind.

“Nooo!” I sob, trying to grab the ashes.

“Jillian!” The voice of the Devil booms from behind me.

I clench my eyes shut, trying to will it away. A hand mimicking a scaly demon clamps down on my shoulder. “Jillian! Wake up!”

My eyes pop open, and Zeek is holding me in his arms tightly. My borrowed shirt soaked with sweat, my hair everywhere.

Quickly I shuffle myself backward till I nearly fall off the end of the bed. Zeek stands abruptly, and runs his hand through his hair as he looks downward. His posture and frame mimicking someone in pain, or sorrow.

“Sorry, you were crying out like you were in pain. I tried to wake you up and you clung to me like someone was chasing you or something. I couldn’t help but comfort you.” His voice is deep, and throaty with sleep. Fuck how can he be so attractive this early in the morning?

“You okay, honey?” Looking past Zeek, Mildred is undoing her rollers, looking at me with worry. Donald sipping some coffee behind her. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table I spot the cuffs, Zeek must have taken them off of them. Which means I’m about to be placed in them, I’m sure.

“Yeah. I’m fine,” I croak. My heart beating so fast my vision blurs. I close my eyes, trying to erase the blurriness, before reopening them. Zeek is giving me a sideways glance, his fingers wringing each other. Only, he isn’t looking at my face. He’s looking downward. Following his stare, I notice I have my legs open, the shirt not covering nearly enough and my pink lace panties are on full display. Shit. At least I don’t have my period panties on, I guess. Shutting my legs quickly, I swallow hard.

Warmth floods my lower half, and my nipples perk. I like that he’s looking, that he wants me.

Zeek winks, a devilish smile fitting his face. His playboy demeanor is sexy, but I can’t help but roll my eyes.

“Not being a pain in your ass doesn’t include sex,” I inform curtly. Sliding off the bed I head into the bathroom to get dressed.

I just need time to process everything before I go climbing back on Cock-a-saurus Rex.

***

“WE NEED ANOTHER CAR,” Zeek informs, looking out the corner of the curtain.

“Sonny, I know I’m just an old man, but my wife and I drove across the country to see our daughter and I think we’ve been more than compliant.” Zeek looks over his shoulder, eyeing the old man. “All I ask is, please, don’t take our vehicle.” The old man looks down, before grasping his wife’s hand.