Chapter 7

Seven

Merc

That Friday

I took Marz to school,and Aries picked him up. That had been our routine since Marz started kindergarten last August. This morning was a bit more difficult for me because I wouldn't see him again until Monday. I fixed his favorite breakfast, and we ate it together before it was time for us to leave.

When I pulled into the school parking lot, I told him, "Aight, little man. Are you excited about your trip this weekend?"

"Yes, sir." He confirmed with a nod. "Mommy said I'll get to see some cows."

That made me smile. "You will. I want you to have fun, but be good, okay? And if anyone does or says anything that makes you uncomfortable or is on the bad chart at home, call me."

"Yes, sir."

I really didn't want to let him go, but I knew I had to. Him spending the weekend with my or Aries's parents in the city was one thing, but him leaving the state was altogether different. Mississippi wasn't too far away, so if he needed me, I could get to him quickly.

I got out of the car and went to his side to open the door. After giving him a hug and letting him know that I loved him and would miss him, I let him head into the school. They were going to leave as soon as they picked him up today, and I had faith that Aries would take care of my son. She was a good mother; it was just her attraction to and love for Omar that had me questioning her lately.

Once he was inside, I left and headed to a couple of stores. Before leaving Rey's mansion yesterday, I sparked a casual conversation with Neo to get an idea of what her hobbies and interests were. I could tell she was going a little stir-crazy being in the house. When she first got there, she was adamant about being able to leave. For the last two days, it didn't seem like she wanted to. I hoped it wasn't because she was scared, but I couldn't blame her if she was. I tried to assure her that she was safe with me; however, based on how things went at her store, I could understand if we still needed time to build that trust.

It took me about two hours to grab everything before I headed to Rey's. When I arrived, I checked in with the guards and checked on Rey before making my way to Neo's room. Rey told me she'd been out long enough to have breakfast with him and work out outside before she went back into her room. He said she'd been closed off a lot, which I understood. She didn't feel comfortable with anyone but us. I limited the guards inside the home so she'd feel more comfortable roaming around freely.

I hated the situation we'd put her in, but I was working to get it taken care of as quickly as possible. As soon as the third shooter was found, she'd be able to return home. True enough, there was no guarantee Bart wouldn't send anyone else after Rey, but I didn't think he'd come after her once we made an example out of his men. What was even worse was the last shooter was his son. I didn't know if that would make him go harder or stand down, but I'd make sure my team and I were prepared either way.

My knuckles tapped against the door softly. She released a low huff that made me chuckle before saying, "Come in." Neo was cute. She was sweet but easily irritated. She didn't seem to take shit from anyone except her man.

When I stepped inside, she smiled.

"Hi," she almost whispered.

"Why you locking yourself up in this room?"

Neo shrugged, eyes lowering to the basket in my hands. "Is that for me?"

"It is." After setting it on the bed in front of her, I told her, "I'm sure you're probably bored in here since you're staying in this room, so I got you a few things to entertain you."

She said she liked reading and embroidery, so I grabbed her a few books from Walmart and the stuff the lady at Michael's said she'd need to embroider—whatever the fuck that was. I added some games too, solo and multiplayer.

"Aww, thank you, Mercury."

After going through everything, she stood and gave me a lingering hug. She smelled good. She felt even better. Clearing my throat, I gently put some space between us. Neo's body was too soft to be pressed up against mine for too long.

"You're really nice. I'm glad you're here while I'm going through all this."

With a chuckle, I shook my head. "Stop calling me nice."

"Why? You are nice."

"Neo…"

"You paid for me and my girl's drinks, you had food delivered to my store, and now you're doing this for me. If that's not you being nice, what is it?"

"Being nice isn't sincere. I'm kind and I'm generous, but I'm not nice."

Her eyes rolled as she looked toward the ceiling with a smile, causing her thick locs to fall from her shoulders to her back.

Neo was absolutely beautiful.

She had cocoa brown skin and a curvy medium build that I'd admittedly dreamed about having next to mine. Her shoulder length locs were shaped to frame her diamond shaped face. Slanted light brown eyes and round, pouty lips added to her feminine appeal. If I was fucking off like I used to, I would've been sampled her pussy. But Neo was the kind of woman who gave off an aura that you'd want more.

My life wasn't built to indulge in more. Even though my heart wanted it, situations like this were proof I couldn't have it. Not only was I fully devoted to my family, but my career came after that. It wouldn't be fair of me to ask a woman to settle for so little of my time and effort… and I didn't think there was a woman alive who could earn my priority. I had too much loyalty to the things I was passionate about for that. That was why, up until now, I was cool with friends with benefits. It was unfortunate that was no longer enough.

"Well, thank you for your kindness and generosity. Is that better?" she asked, returning her eyes to mine.

"You're welcome."

I turned to leave, but I stopped when she asked me, "Um… do you… have plans for the day?"

"I do, actually. I have a lead on where Gatlin, the third shooter, is hiding while he recuperates. I'm gonna go check it out."

"Oh. Okay."

The sadness that covered her face tugged at my heart. "Do you wanna go somewhere or something? Maybe to see Innvy? I can take you later."

That caused her to perk up. "Really?"

"Yeah. I'll text you when I'm wrapping things up so you can get ready."

"Okay, perfect. Thank you."

With a nod, I headed out. The sooner I got this taken care of, the better. I knew she'd still be in my life because of Bully and Innvy, but damn. Being tied to her was starting to drive me crazy. The more I was around her, the more I wanted to be around her, and I had no time for consistency.