Love, Mercy

by Brooke May

  “It’s not hard to wait for you. I’d even wait for you at the pearly gates if I go before you. There is no way I would want to walk through without you by my side.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more.” He cuddles me closer, his hand pushing some of my loose hair behind my ears. “When the time comes for kids, we will have a serious talk about it because we are a team, and there is nothing one doesn’t do without the other, okay?”

  “Okay.” When I nod, my face feels squished under his hands.

  “Good. Now, kiss me, gorgeous. I need my wife right now.”

  Chapter Six

  Mercy,

  I went for a quick run, so if you wake before I get home, you have my words.

  I love you. This weekend was beyond anything I could hope for. I know you are sad you have to go back to work today, but know that I will be here waiting when you get home this evening.

  I may come steal you away for lunch, but that depends on what our dads have planned for our day. Pray they don’t blow me up with their newest cannon. It would suck to get through all those tours of the middle east only to be maimed at home.

  Have a wonderful day at work.

  Love,

  Daxon

  Rolling over to find the scribbled note on Daxon’s cooled pillow was not what I was hoping to find. I was slightly disappointed I couldn’t cuddle with my husband.

  I should have known that Daxon wouldn’t be able to settle in completely. I was lucky enough to wake up next to him or making me breakfast for the past couple of mornings. He is a fine-tuned machine who has a set internal schedule that doesn’t stop for anyone. On occasion, I would get up and go for a jog with him, but I’ve grown lazy in his absence. At least with joining his morning work outs. I’ve been saving all that for the evenings after work to fill the void.

  Pulling the note to my chest, I roll until my face is in his pillow, and I can inhale his scent. It had begun to fade from the house a while ago. I relish in having it back where it belongs.

  Once Daxon’s unique fragrance floods my body, I get up and begin to go through the motions of getting ready. The house is quieter than normal, and when I get to the kitchen, I discover why. Daxon took Trigger with him.

  I’m sure Trigger is loving the run.

  With coffee in my mug, I turn and find my breakfast waiting for me under a cover. The plate is nestled next to the flowers he brought me Thursday, and my heart skips. Not only did he get up early to go for a run, but he made time to put breakfast together for me.

  Lifting the cover, I discover a waffle, scrambled egg, and two strips of crispy bacon.

  It doesn’t take me long to polish off my breakfast, and then I’m getting ready. I don’t particularly care to go to work, but I force myself into a pair of slacks, pale blue blouse, and black pumps. My honey blond hair is left to tumble down my back, my makeup is light, and I am out the door before I get a chance to see Daxon.

  Using my butt to open the employee entrance, I back into the building and then turn to make my way to my office. For such a small town Centennial is, we are already busy this morning if the phones ringing and the tapping of fingers on keyboards is any indication.

  When I turn on the light to my office, I’m relieved not to see a mountain of work on my desk. While my computer boots up, I turn on my little radio and catch the tail end of one of Jilly Meadows’ songs before the host comes back on with the local morning news.

  And that is how I lose myself for the next several hours. I check emails, go over paperwork, call back anyone who has left me a message, and end up staring at my computer screen.

  It doesn’t seem like much, but it eats away at my morning. The next thing I know, my coffee is long gone, my water bottle needs refill, I need a bathroom break, and Gretchen, our receptionist, is standing in my doorway wearing a huge smile.

  “Yes?” I find this strange because normally she just calls an office if she has something for one of us.

  “You have a special delivery.” Her smile turns wicked as she swings out of the door to make way for whatever is being delivered to me. Unless I order lunch, I rarely get something not work-related delivered to me here.

  “Oh?” Standing, I start to make my way around my desk when the delivery turns into a single person with a brown paper bag. Carried on two strong legs, familiar ones at that, I drag my gaze up those powerful columns to the tapered waist, the broad chest, toned arms and shoulders, and settle on the face I love more than any other.

  “They didn’t blow me up.” Daxon spreads his arms to show off his completely intact body. And as much as I love taking it in, my stomach grumbles when the scent of something delicious and loaded with carbs finds its way to my nose.

  “Please tell me that’s a club bagel,” I practically attack my man, pulling him into my office while he laughs.

  “I see how it is. You only want me to bring you food.”

  “And other things, but I don’t think doing that is wise here.”

  “Oh, but the fun we could have.” His front presses into my back, and he thrusts the tiniest bit against my backside. Not enough for Gretchen, who I’m positive is eye-fucking my husband, to see but enough to make my breath hitch.

  “Maybe … someday,” I tease. “After hours and before the janitors come in.” I blow him a kiss as I take my seat once more. “Now, what did you bring me?”

  “Thanks, Gretchen.” He addresses the woman frozen in the doorway, watching us before he closes the door and falls into one of my client seats. “Our favorites.” Pulling out three wrapped bagels, I see one is marked for me, leaving the other two for him. “I was doing some thinking while I watched our dads attempt to look professional with primitive weapons.”

  “And what did you come up with?” My mouth is watering for this sandwich as much as it does for the man sitting across from me.

  “Over the weekend and even today, I feel like I’m missing out on so much life.” This causes me to pause, suspending the bagel sandwich in mid-air. “As much as I love what I do, I love you and my life here more.”

  Oh, my God, is he saying what I think he is?

  “One more tour and I’m done, Mercy.” Our gazes are locked when he states this. I’m going to melt. As much as I don’t want to see him give up on what he loves to do, I’m thrilled at the prospect having him home more. “I don’t know what exactly I want to do yet, but I’ve got time to figure it out.”

  “Are you sure?” I stutter.

  “Absolutely.” There isn’t an ounce of hesitation as he answers me. “I want to be home with you now. I’ve given the military my time, and I’ve enjoyed it, but I’m ready to have a life here again.”

  There are no words to describe how much this means to me. I have never had an issue being a supportive military wife. I’m there to see him off on his tours, proud of him, and when I know he is coming home, I’m there to greet him. I love his patriotism; it helps boost my own.

  Putting my lunch down, I get up and rush over to him, where I send us falling back into the wall with my impact, and I kiss him.

  Chapter Seven

  My limp arms are lifted over my head, pulling me slowly from the slumber and warm spot in the bed.

  Something smooth and soft slides around one wrist and then the other before they are pulled tightly.

  Squeezing my eyes, I slowly begin to open them. The early morning light filters through the crack in the blinds, casting a ray into the room and acting as a spotlight as I look down to find my naked body uncovered, and Daxon standing on his knees between my parted legs.

  “Good morning.” The bed shifts as he comes down, bracing his strong arms on either side of me, and kisses me sweetly. Bad breath and all.

  “Morning.” I push back, trying to keep my nasty breath from hitting him in the face. It’s bad enough that I have to taste it. “What are you up to?”

  Against my better judgment, I have fallen into a routine with him. He has been home for nearly three months, and we have fou
nd a steady pace around here. While I work, Daxon hangs out with our retired dads or tries to figure out what he is going to do with his life once he is out. I teased that he could become a sheriff’s deputy like our friend Duke Michaels and even though he said he wasn’t interested in law enforcement, I know he’s been by the station to talk to him.

  Thank you, Patience.

  I also mentioned he could work with our other friend, Holt Preston, as a bouncer over at his family’s bar. That wasn’t enticing enough for him either, but as he said, he has time to figure it out.

  “Giving my beautiful wife some lovin’ and a present.” My nipples ache for his touch as each breath causes them to brush against his heated chest.

  “Oh?” The single word turns into a moan. Sliding down my body, Daxon comes to a halt at my chest and wraps his tongue around one nipple before slipping it into his mouth. The overpowering need to thread my fingers into his hair that has grown a little has me pulling only to come up short when my arms don’t move.

  “Daxon.” I mewl as he tortures my right nipple, frees it, and then captures the left with the same hunger. My body writhes under him. His massive body between my legs prevents me from rubbing my thighs together. My pussy aches for him. I’m wet and ready for him.

  I love how he knows my body so well that he can bring me pleasure with a single touch.

  “I love how you taste, Mercy,” he murmurs against my sensitive flesh. Trailing down, he stops to dip his tongue into my navel. The first time he did it, it made me squirm with discomfort, but I’ve grown to love everything he does to me.

  His tongue doesn’t return to his mouth the lower he goes. The tip of his wicked tongue passes over my lower stomach, the top of my mound, and then effortlessly slips between my pussy lips.

  “Fuck, you’re soaked.” His growl cause quivers to roll up my body. “Always so ready for me.” He attacks me as though I’m his breakfast. His hunger is rough and delicious. I continue to writhe on the bed, my arms straining with the need to touch him. Aside from causing my shoulder to tense, it increases the sensations he is giving to me.

  Higher and higher, I reach ever closer to the precipice. I’m so close to the edge of coming by his mouth alone, and then his delicious torture is gone. Eyes snapping open, I look up to find Daxon bracing himself over me once more. The wickedness in his grin and the mirth in his gaze quicken my pulse. My need for the release he was about to give me isn’t going anywhere.

  I’m just fine with the lack of foreplay. I don’t need it with him. All he has to do is give me that look, the one he is giving me now, and I’m ready for him to consume me, to get lost in me as I do the same with him.

  Reaching between us, he helps guide his velvety steel length into my body. I stretch and swallow him as if I were made to fit only him. My mouth parts. He takes it as an invitation to advance his assault on my body, mind, and soul.

  Settled within me, Daxon pauses. Not a movement, not even a kiss occurs in the seconds that pass as we just take in the feel of one another. He rolls his hips, pulling out, and sharply pushes back into me with a force that I would only be comfortable with from him, especially with my hands bound.

  Each time he begins to pull out of me, his shaft rubs against my G-spot and clit before he slams back into me. The mixture of sweet and punishing is wonderful.

  His lips trial to my neck, where he places kisses. Even though I know he wants to mark me as his, he won’t. We are adults, and I don’t own anything that would cover it up. I too want to leave my mark on him, but seeing as my wrists are tied and my arms are pulled over my head, I won’t be doing anything of the sort right now.

  Once more, my body begins to climb higher up the mountain of love he is erecting with each thrust. I’m lost in pleasure, wild with desire, and so consumed that I begin to lose my grip on reality until I am screaming, and my entire body is pulled so tight that I’m sure not even Daxon can move.

  The haze of euphoria begins to clear only for pleasure to take hold of me once more. My eyes feel as if they were on fire as I open and look up at him. The concentration he has is awe-inspiring, but the tightness in his jaw is all I need to know that he barely has a hold on his control.

  “Please, Daxon,” I pant. “Let go.”

  And like that, he does. The man showcases so much strength and restraint in his life but the power of my words are just what he needs to let go.

  Thrust after rapid thrust, Daxon takes my body with him once more as our releases interweave, and we both fall apart.

  Our breathing is crazed, our chests rising and falling with deep breaths, and I’m thankful he doesn’t collapse on top of me as he does from time to time. I get to stare up at him, his eyes closed but I know his gaze will be on me the moment they open.

  “I love you so much.” My voice is cracked and dry. I need water, but I need this closeness more.

  “I love you, too, babe.” Not opening his eyes, he leans down to kiss me sweetly, and before he can pull himself free of me, he reaches up and frees my arms.

  Flexing my fingers, I roll my wrists and then my shoulders. The movement causes something to poke me between my breasts as they too move.

  “What the …?” Trailing off, I fumble with my slightly numb fingers as they reach my chest, and it is then that I notice I’m wearing something. “Daxon?” Still not leaving my body, he moves us until I’m sitting on his lap, his arms caging me in close to him.

  “Surprise.” Kissing my shoulder, I lift the necklace as he watches me closely. Frowning, I look at the half dollar-sized pendant. It is light and delicate for its size. I don’t know what it is. It somewhat resembles a s–

  “It’s supposed to be the Northern Star.” If I couldn’t love this man more, he reads my musing. “You are my Northern Star, Mercy. No matter where in the world I am to go or what may happen, my compass will always point to you.”

  Tears burn my eyes at the meaning behind this necklace.

  “I’ll never take it off then.” Placing it gently back against my chest, I tilt my head to kiss him only to have the sound of his phone invade our bubble.

  Daxon,

  While you were showering, I decided to subject you to my horrible handwriting. I know you aren’t going to find this until you get to where you will be settled enough to unpack, and that’s how I plan this.

  I love you. I love everything about you and the life you have given me. I can’t wait until you can be back in my arms for good. Every time I feel like I need you a little closer, I’m going to hold onto the beautiful necklace you gave me. I have a feeling that will be often.

  Stay safe and know that I will be here waiting for you when you return. I can’t wait to see what our future will look like. I have so much more to say, but I’m going to keep this short and sweet because I don’t think you want to carry a book around. I know you aren’t going to let this go anywhere without you.

  Stay safe, my soldier.

  Love, Mercy

  Chapter Eight

  Like every time he’s home, the visits are too short, but this time, he was home a little longer.

  I drove him to Great Falls to catch his flight to who knows where he is to check in with his superiors. His goodbyes to our family were quick and painless, but as I walked into the airport with him, our goodbye was not the same.

  I clung to him, my tears soaking into his shirt as I sobbed. I didn’t want that to be the impression I left, but it was nearly impossible to keep my eyes dry. Our goodbyes are never easy, especially when I want to go with him.

  As his flight was called, Daxon took a step back, breaking our connection to hold me at arm’s length. “I promise you, Mercy. I will get a hold of you as soon as I can. I don’t know what I’m going in to, but know I’m thinking of you.”

  With one last searing kiss, I was left behind. My hand fisted around the necklace as he turned around and walked away. I fought to keep my tears at bay, so my sight of him was unobstructed until he was no longer visible.

 
I didn’t leave until his plane was in the air. While I watched it climb higher into the late afternoon sky, I sent up a prayer that he would return to me soon and safely. God knows where this assignment will lead him, but I need to have faith in the almighty.

  When I got into my car, I took in his presence that still lingered around me. It made it bearable to get back on the highway to head home. Music helped to a point, but every song that came on still felt like a reminder of him.

  Normally, I’m not a fan of making this trip on my own, but luckily the nice weather means I don’t have to worry about the wind keeping me from getting home quickly.

  By the time I reach the outskirts of Centennial, it’s dinnertime, and I’m thankful I don’t have to go back to my house and feel the loneliness just yet.

  Instead of getting off at the exit leading to my house, I get off on the next one and head to my parents’ home. It has become customary to have a family dinner the night Daxon leaves because our moms both understand having an empty home. My dad didn’t retire until the mid-nineties so my mom is all too accustomed to what I’m going through.

  Daxon’s parents are already there by the time I pull up and make my way into my childhood home. Sometimes, my friends join us, but tonight, I wanted just the family.

  I’m mopey as I make my way to the dining room, and the freely floating laughter warms me up. Around the table my dad and I made when I was in junior high sits my family. The people who have been there for me through every deployment and helped raise my spirits when I couldn’t live out my dream.

  “You made it back quicker than we thought.” My dad’s booming voice does little to pull me from my sadness. He gets out of his chair and quickly wraps me in his embrace while telling my mom she could put the finishing touches on dinner now that I’ve arrived. “Hey, trooper.”

  “Hey, Dad.” His burly chest muffles my voice, but it feels good to be wrapped in a hug.

  Kissing the top of my head, he whispers, “Everything is going to be okay.”