34. Chase

"Okay,I'm running out for some groceries. Are you boys going to be okay here all by yourselves?" Mercy asked, looking at us like misbehaving toddlers.

"Mercy," I growled, ready to take her over my knee and spank her ass. "Don't test me."

"I'm only getting started," she winked, making me uncomfortably hard. And now she was leaving me alone with Asher. Fuck, she was the devil.

She blew me a kiss and grabbed her purse as she walked out.

"Are you gonna be okay when she goes back to work?" Asher asked, sitting down with a cup of coffee.

That one question signaled the beginning of a conversation that was a long time coming. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

He nodded, staring down at his mug. "So, no more hallucinations."

"None at all, actually."

He sipped his coffee as a small grin spread across his lips. "Figured."

"Why did you stay if you thought I was lying?"

"I guess because of the possibility that you could be telling the truth. That and I couldn't leave you alone with your parents. They'd eat you alive."

"I can handle them." He shot me a pointed look and I conceded. "Okay, at that particular time, I might not have handled them all that well."

"Well, since they're out of your hair, there's no need for me to stick around anymore. You just have to deal with Mercy."

"That, I can definitely handle."

"I don't need details," he grinned.

Something about Asher was different. It was almost like he was lighter somehow, but I knew that wouldn't be enough for him to return to work.

"So, what are you going to do now?" I asked, hoping he wouldn't return to the brooding man I'd grown so used to.

"Head home."

"And where's that?"

He shot me a chastising look.

"Like it's a secret? Come on, Cash knows."

"And he's sworn to secrecy."

"Ash, seriously, what's this about? Why won't you tell anyone?"

When his eyes dropped, I thought I saw a hint of the man he used to be, but it vanished just as quickly. "It's been good—being back with you guys again."

"Then why are you leaving?"

"Because it's a reminder of everything I've lost." He swallowed hard, leaning back in his seat. "I can't ever have the life I once had. That's all gone. When Jade…when she took her life, she took a piece of me with her. That guy who should have protected her is broken, and all that's left is…" He shook his head slowly. "That guy is gone. I can't be the protector anymore, but I've learned to move past that part of my life."

"So, you're not getting drunk every night anymore?"

A hint of a smile touched his lips. "Not every night."

"And no more suicide attempts?"

"Not recently. I haven't been drunk out of my mind since that night."

"You're a selfish bastard, you know that," I snapped, feeling the anger of that night rise inside me. That was the problem with people who felt they had nothing left to live for. They wanted to end their pain, but when the pain was over for them, everyone else felt it in their wake.

"I was, and I still am because I'm doing this for me. It's what I need."

"I can get behind that, just as long as I know you won't ever do that shit again."

"That part of my life is over. I swear."

I actually believed him. "I don't like the idea of you leaving, but if this is what you need, I won't stand in your way."

"Like you could," he teased. "Stand, that is."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Really? You're gonna mock me right after you've made peace with me?"

His mouth cocked in a grin. "Well, I won't be around to make fun of you. I have to get my shots in while I can."

"That's fine. Go ahead and leave. Mock me. I always have you up here," I said, tapping the side of my head.

"Yes, but what does that say about me that you hallucinated me? Admit it, you love me."

"Bullshit," I snorted. "I hallucinated you because you were the only fucker not around."

"Right, it's not that you missed me."

"I missed you like a bad smell."

He stood and walked over to where I was seated. "Well, now you can miss me all the time." He held out his hand to me, but instead of shaking it, I used it to help me pull myself up. His hand shot out, gripping my other arm to help steady me.

"You're a stupid fucker," I grinned. "Check in every once in a while."

"Sure," he nodded, but I knew he wouldn't. This was goodbye. He was leaving this life behind, along with everyone who reminded him of what he lost.

I pulled him toward me, wrapping my arms around him. Slapping his back, I closed my eyes for a brief moment as pain lanced through my chest. He had lived in my head for what felt like forever, and now he would be gone for good. As happy as I was that the hallucinations were gone, I would miss my friend.

"How long were you planning to hug me?" Asher said as he remained stiff in my arms.

I chuckled, stepping back from him. "Fucker."

"Hey, I'm cool with it, but there's a certain amount of time two men can hug before it gets weird, and you passed that about ten seconds ago."

"Now I'm feeling left out."

I looked over my shoulder and saw Patrick frowning at us. "Do you need a hug?"

"Not really. It just feels wrong somehow that you both get this magical moment and I'm left in the dust."

I hobbled over to him, moving slower than molasses in January. Holding out my arms, he looked at me in horror.

"I didn't really want a hug!"

I pretended to stumble when I was close, falling into his arms. He had no choice but to hold me up, and I took advantage, pulling him in close. Slapping him on the back, I chuckled in his ear. "Does this feel better?"

"This is so weird. I've never hugged a guy before."

"Well, shit," Asher sighed. "I guess one time for kicks is fine."

Then I felt his arms wrap around me from behind as he engulfed both of us in his massive frame.

Patrick squirmed against me. "This is so wrong. Why? Why would you do this to me?"

"I love you, man," I said jokingly.

But to my surprise, Asher pulled us in tighter, squeezing both of us. "I'm gonna miss you guys," he said, his throat scratchy. "Fuck, I hate you both."

"Awww."

My head whipped to the side, along with Asher's and Patrick's. Mercy was standing beside us, snapping pictures of the three of us in a sandwich. Hell, it was already awkward. I snatched Mercy's hand and pulled her in, adding her to the hug sandwich. I closed my eyes and memorized the picture of all of us together for the last time. I was losing Asher, but gaining the woman I loved. That would have to be enough.

"Are you crying?" Patrick scoffed. "Christ, just a little self-control, please. This is a man's hug, after all."

Mercy giggled beside me, and I turned, pressing my lips to the side of her head as my chest tightened. I hated goodbyes, but knowing this was it for us was even harder.

"Well…" Asher stepped back, clearing his throat. "I should…" He pointed to the door, then spun and swiped at his face.

I blinked away the tears and sat down on a nearby chair, pretending I couldn't stand any longer.

"Seriously?" Patrick laughed. "Are you two fucking crying? Man up!"

Mercy punched him in the shoulder. "You're such a heartless jerk."

"I'm aware of that and completely fine with the label."

"Alright," Asher cleared his throat again. "I'm heading out." He walked over to Mercy and pulled her in for a hug, whispering something in her ear. I couldn't hear what he said, but Mercy smiled and patted his back.

I held out my hand again, this time avoiding hugging him. "Stay safe."

"You too. And hold onto that woman. She's a good one," he said, his eyes shimmering. I could only imagine that he was thinking of Jade right then.

"I will."

His jaw clenched as he turned from me and faced Patrick. "Don't fuck things up like you always do."

"Hey, I'm not the one who nearly fell off a cliff the first fucking day we met these guys."

"Yeah, well…no chance of that happening again," Asher grinned. "Take care of yourself."

"You too."

Asher walked to the door and turned back for one last look. I pulled Mercy closer and squeezed her shoulder. I nodded to Asher right before he walked out the door.

"He'll be okay," Mercy whispered.

"I hope so."

"And this guy—"Patrick laughed. "Are we really supposed to believe he has what it takes to win a girl like that?"

His head swiveled as he laughed, but it immediately died on his face when he saw the raging scowl I was shooting in his direction.

"Uh…" He shoved his sleeve up his wrist and stared at his watch. "Look at the time. I should get going."

"Oh, stay a little longer," Mercy grinned, holding up her wine glass. She was tipsy, which worked perfectly with my plan for tonight. Except, someone was interfering with those plans.

Patrick smiled at her and started to sit back down when he caught me narrowing my eyes at him. "Gee, I'd love to, but…I have laundry to do."

He grabbed his jacket and rushed for the door, not even bothering to look back at me. Now that he was gone, I could finally get the night started.

"It's a shame he had to go," Mercy sighed. "I like hanging out with your friends," she said, resting her head on my shoulder.

I growled low in my throat as I snatched the glass from her hand and slid my arm under her legs, yanking her back on the couch. She let out a yelp, staring up at me with wide eyes.

"Do you have a thing for Patrick, Mercy?"

"What?" she laughed.

I knew she didn't, but I loved to say her name. I took a sip of her wine, then bent over, dribbling the wine at the base of her throat. She gasped as I ran my tongue over the red liquid, sucking her skin into my mouth.

"You like to make me jealous, don't you, Mercy."

She groaned, sliding her fingers into my hair, directing my mouth where she wanted it. I ran my tongue along the slender column of her neck, biting her earlobe.

"Tell me, Mercy," I whispered. "Do you want him?"

I could feel her shaking her head, but it wasn't enough.

"Mercy," I growled. "Tell me who you want between your thighs."

"You," she said breathlessly.

I slid my hand up to her throat and squeezed gently. "Do you want my cock?"

I felt her throat pulse in my hand. "Yes."

My lips skimmed over her skin until they hovered over her lips. "Where do you want my cock?"

Her pupils dilated as she stared into my eyes, breathing heavily as I pinched her nipple, pulling it taut through the fabric of her shirt. She let out a yelp when I tugged harder.

"Tell me, Mercy. Where do you want my cock?"

I was already straining in my jeans, desperate to be inside her. It had been too long, too much waiting until I was strong enough to give her the pleasure she deserved. And I knew she was desperate for it too. I felt it every night when I laid beside her, slipping my hand into her panties after she fell asleep. She was always soaked for me, and I played with her clit, dragging multiple orgasms out of her until she woke up screaming from my touch.

Tonight, she wouldn't be getting anything but my cock. In her pussy, her mouth, and her ass, if she'd let me.

"My mouth," she gasped.

I sat up and ground my cock against her pussy, watching as her eyes drifted closed. "Tell me how you want it."

"Hard."

"And?" I asked, grinding harder against her. When she didn't immediately answer, I grabbed her pussy and squeezed, eliciting a gasp from her. "Tell me, Mercy. I want to know all your dirty thoughts."

"Ugh, you're such an ass!" she shouted, trying to sit up.

I shoved her back down, resting my forearm across her chest. "Stay," I commanded.

She narrowed her eyes at me, giving me that sassy attitude I loved.

Sitting up, I set the glass down and slowly undid the buttons on her jeans, then tore them from her body. I could already see the wet stain on her panties. She was fucking dripping for me.

I bent over and shoved my nose against her panties, inhaling the smell of sex. Fuck, I wanted her. I nipped at her pussy, unable to help myself. My cock was desperate for her, but there was nothing I loved more than having her come on my face and make a mess all over my lips.

"Chase!"

I ignored her pleas and slid my fingers under the sides of her panties. As I sat up, my eyes flicked to hers, telling her exactly what I planned.

"Don't you dare," she warned, which was enough for me to ignore her.

"Mercy, don't you know better than to tempt me like that?" In an instant, the material was shredded in my hands and Mercy was cursing up a storm at me. Chuckling, I tossed the panties aside and grabbed her legs, hauling her up so only her upper back was still on the couch. Her soaked pussy glistened for me, begging to have my mouth on her. Just one swipe of the tongue, and I was gone for her.

Her lips quivered around my tongue as I flicked and sucked her clit. I sucked every drop from her body, only to make her come again and feed the desire thrumming in my veins. But no matter how much I wanted to stay in this position, to watch her squirm in my arms, my body was getting tired. I was stronger, but not enough to take her the way I used to.

Panting, I laid her back down and rested my head on her belly, already feeling drained. But my cock was still begging for release. I just needed a break to get my energy back. Mercy had different plans, though. She wiggled out from under me, then pushed me upright on the couch. I stared at her with hooded eyes as she straddled my hips and slowly pulled her shirt over her head, tossing it to the side.

My eyes went instantly to her breasts, watching as they heaved with every breath. I leaned forward to suck a nipple into my mouth, but she pressed her hand to my chest, shaking her head at me.

"I don't think so."

"Mercy," I rumbled.

She slowly eased off me, then stepped back, pushing the table out of the way. With her legs spread, she slowly circled her hips, sliding her hands down her body, on either thigh. My eyes tracked the movement, waiting for the moment she touched herself, but instead, her hands worked back up, caressing her skin just like I wanted to be doing.

Her hips jerked as she spun and winked over her shoulder at me. Then her fingers were on the clasp of her bra. I swallowed hard, thinking about those perfect breasts and how much I wanted to touch them, but she was playing coy.

"Mercy, I need to see you."

She wiggled her ass for me, and as tempting as that was, I wanted so much more.

"Get your ass over here," I barked, impatient to have my hands on her.

"Chase, haven't you learned that you don't always get what you want?"

Slowly, she turned around and let her bra slide down her arms. I sucked in a breath as how amazing she looked, standing there in not a single fucking thing.

"Touch them," I growled.

"Like this?" She gave a sexy grin as her fingers slid to her nipple, pinching hard as she closed her eyes. Her head dropped back and her lips parted as she played with herself. Her other hand slid down her stomach to the soft patch of curls on her mound. She was fucking torturing me, getting off on the fact that she was messing with my head.

I started to move, but her eyes were instantly on me, chastising me for attempting to do something without her permission. "Don't you dare or I'll stop."

My fingers itched and my cock was pressing hard against my jeans. I needed her so fucking much. And then she shoved a finger in her pussy and sauntered toward me with her finger held out. When she was close enough, I snatched her wrist, holding her finger to my mouth. I sucked her cream into my mouth, groaning at the taste of her.

"Fuck, Mercy." I tugged, pulling her into my lap. Grabbing her by the hair, I pulled her to me. "Now it's my turn," I growled, smashing my lips to hers. Her mouth opened for me and my tongue slid inside, tangling with hers as I grabbed her pussy, shoving two fingers deep inside. She rode my fingers, getting herself off as my thumb worked her clit.

Her muscles tightened around me just before she came, screaming against my lips as I strummed her clit and drew out her orgasm. And just when her eyes opened and she shot me a sated look, I withdrew my fingers and slid them around to her backside.

"Pull me out, Mercy."

As her hands drifted down my abs to my jeans, she did as I asked, carefully pulling out my cock. As her hand wrapped around my shaft, I slid a finger inside her ass, careful not to move too fast. She gasped, wiggling to adjust to the feel of me inside her.

"If you don't want me to be rough, then you'd better get to work on my cock. I need to feel your pussy wrapped around me."

She hesitated, and I knew she was considering how rough she wanted me to be, but she relented, lifting herself up to lower her pussy around me. As she sank down, my finger slid deeper inside her. I could feel my cock inside her, filling her up.

I cupped her cheek, pulling her lips back to mine. Slowly, I fucked her ass, enjoying the slow and steady rhythm until she started moving, rocking her ass against my hand. Taking the hint, I slid another finger inside.

"Fuck my cock," I demanded, already on the verge of blowing just from seeing her getting off on my hand. She slid off me until just my tip was still inside her. I could see her cream coating my dick and watched as she lowered herself back down.

"Faster, Mercy. Ride me hard."

She picked up speed, her body rocking up and down as she panted hard. My fingers fucked her harder, but with those beautiful breasts in my face, I couldn't concentrate on just her ass. I had to have her in my mouth. I closed my teeth around her nipple and tugged, eliciting a scream from her, shattering the near silence in the room.

"You like that, Mercy? You like my fingers buried in your ass while you ride my cock?" I grumbled. "That's it, Mercy. Fuck me harder," I urged as her pussy worked my cock. My balls tightened and I grabbed her hair again, tugging her to me. I slammed my lips to hers as I came hard inside her, filling her pussy with my seed. She was still coming, still clenching around me. I reached around and pulled her ass cheek, then slammed my fingers up inside her, fucking her hard and fast. Her breaths came out hard as she tightened around me, sucking my fingers into her ass.

"Chase!" she cried out. I felt her pussy clench again, shuttering as she fell apart around me, collapsing against my chest.

I could feel her heart pounding against me as she lay boneless in my arms. I carefully removed my fingers and rested my hands on her ass, rubbing soothing circles on the lovely cheeks.

Fuck, she was beautiful when she was sated.

"I'm tired," she mumbled against my chest.

"Me too." Too fucking tired to move.

Slowly, our breaths evened out and we both started to doze on the couch. I didn't bother moving her from my lap, or try to remove my dick from her pussy. That monster wasn't going down anytime soon, and he liked being cocooned in her warmth.

I slid her hair behind her ear, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "I love you, Mercy."

"Gonna marry you, Chase," she said sleepily.

I chuckled, pressing a kiss to her cheek again. "I know, Mercy. Soon. I can't wait to have you be mine."

"I was yours the first day I saw you," she yawned. "Bet you didn't know what you were in for."

"I knew you were fucking special."

My hands slowly slid up and down her back until we both fell asleep on the couch. And when I woke up in the middle of the night, she was still sleeping on me, and my dick was still hard inside her. That's the way I planned to wake up for the rest of our lives.

And that would be a long fucking time.