Mercy: A Dark College Romance (Somerset University Book 3) Read online

  “No,” Adam cried, howling. He threw up his fingers. “I’m six.”

  “Six? Wow. If you’re six, then you’re plenty old enough to...” Aiden fished something out of his pocket. “Learn a magic trick.”

  A coin wedged between Aiden’s pointer and middle fingers. Before his eyes, he flashed his hands and the coin disappeared. I couldn’t see Adam’s face but I sensed his mouth was hanging open. When Aiden reached over and pulled the coin out of Adam’s ear, his jaw was on the floor.

  “Wow!” Adam bounced on my lap, clapping as Aiden bowed. “Teach me, teach me!”

  “Is that okay, Val?” Aiden asked.

  Val looked from Aiden to Adam, clearly torn. She had the fiercest protective streak I’d ever seen and my mother wouldn’t let me sleep over my friend’s house until she’d done background checks on the entire family.

  “Alright,” she finally said. “That’s fine.”

  Adam hopped off and went to Aiden. His eyes were big as saucers as Aiden showed him the trick again.

  “Val,” Cydney spoke up. “I don’t think I ever got the story of how you guys met.”

  “Maverick and I went to the same high school.” Valentina answered without taking her eyes off Adam and the Sams’ ever-smiling, always-deceitful president. “We were paired together for an art project.” She squeezed my thigh. “The painting he did of me was gorgeous. One of my man’s many talents.”

  “Computer genius. Footballer and artist,” Davis said. “Tell me you composed a concerto when you were nine and I’ll just crawl under the table and die now.”

  “No.” I shook my head. “I was ten.”

  They laughed.

  “I can back up his skills on the field,” Sawyer said. “Can’t stop Rick once he takes off.”

  “Yeah?” Aiden chanced a look at us while Adam tried to get the quarter from his ear. “You should join us for a game sometime. Drop in on practice.”

  “Your coach would be cool with that?”

  “An unofficial practice, of course. When we’re having a friendly game. You free Friday at three?”

  “No, I’m not,” I replied. “Thanks for the invite, though. Maybe some other time.”

  “Tuesday. We can meet up after robotics. You too, Sawyer.”

  “I can do Tuesday,” Sawyer said.

  They both looked at me, waiting for my answer.

  “Sure,” I heard myself say. “Tuesday is good.”

  Aiden went back to Adam, slowing down the trick so he could try again. Val put her lips to my ear.

  “Are you sure, baby? Don’t feel like you have to hang out with them for me.”

  Grasping her hand, I dropped kisses on her knuckles. “I’d do anything for you. By now, we’re in this together.”

  I didn’t say more than that. She knew what I meant.

  The waiter returned carrying his notepad. Valentina called for Adam, looking much happier at holding him and putting distance between him and Aiden again.

  “Tuesday,” Aiden said to me. “Better come to play, Beaumont. This isn’t flag football on the quad.”

  I smirked. “Don’t worry about me. I always come to play.”

  SAWYER BARRELED THROUGH his opponents like a freight train, coming for me head-on. I faked right as he dove, doubled back, and took off across the field.

  Aiden’s breath was on my neck. The huffing and puffing of his fight to gain on me caused gale-force winds. I picked up speed. The touchdown was within my grasp as sure as the football digging into my rib cage.

  There was coding. The heady knowledge that I could create something. Move something. Change something with my mind and a string of ones and zeros. There was chasing my dogs through the grass. Val’s smile when I woke her with a kiss and a steaming cup of tea. Playing no-stakes poker with the guys.

  There was all of that... and then there was that moment as I flew over the field with hulking masses on my tail and the goal in my sights. That’s the moment when I knew I was untouchable. No one and nothing could hurt me again.

  Aiden dove.

  I sailed over his grasping arms and touched down in the end zone, howling my victory. I relished the feeling in the time it took for my new team to descend, grabbing me and hoisting me in the air.

  “Holy shit, Aiden,” one of the guys said. “How is he not on the team?”

  Aiden peeled off his helmet. Sweat plastered his hair to his face and flecks of dirt dotted his cheeks. He lost and had the mud on his face to prove it. Still, he grinned.

  “I don’t know how we missed you, Maverick Beaumont, but you’re with us now.”

  VALENTINA

  “Whoo!”

  Adam and I hollered and cheered our heads off from the stands. I had a free afternoon and watching Maverick run around in a football uniform was up there with my top favorite things. There was also the matter of keeping an eye on Aiden-freaking-Connelly.

  “Mommy, will I play football like Daddy?”

  “If you want to,” I said. “Or you could be my bubble boy. Stay wrapped up in plastic and never do anything remotely dangerous until ten years after Mommy is gone.”

  “No,” he said, laughing.

  “Yeah, I didn’t think you’d go for that either.”

  My phone buzzed in Adam’s hands. I let him film the video of Maverick playing. One of the many ways he was proving he was a big boy now.

  “Is it Fia?” he asked. “Are we going to see Cinnamon?”

  A glance at the screen crumpled my brows. “No, it’s not Sofia.”

  I answered the phone and spoke to the person I never expected to call me.

  “Teagan?”

  “Hey, Val.” Her cheery voice rang through bright and clear. “Is this a good time?”

  “Yes, it’s fine.”

  I plugged Teagan’s number into my phone along with all of the sisters just in case there was an emergency at the house. It was rare for any of the girls to use it—let alone the one still fervently denying there was more behind her absence from the house.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No,” she said. “The opposite, in fact. You know there are only three girls who stayed in the house for the summer. Jade is here to keep things running, but it’s crazy boring being in this big place without everyone. You live nearby and Sawyer says you come to campus all the time with your boyfriend. I was thinking—if you had time—that it would be cool if we organized some activities for the four of us.

  “Doesn’t have to be intense like in fall and spring. We could hit the gym together. Do some movie nights. Have dinner— And you’re totally thinking why in the hell would I give up my vacation, aren’t you?” She laughed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be bugging you.”

  “No, no, no,” I said quickly. “What I’m actually thinking is what a great idea that is. You guys must be numbed out of your skulls just sitting around when we’re used to doing activities three or four times a week. Of course I wouldn’t mind getting together for dinner or grabbing a movie.”

  “Really? Awesome. She said yes, guys.” The last part was clearly not for me. “You’re on campus now for the football game, right? The girls and I are going for cupcakes. Meet us and we can strategize.”

  “I’ve got my son with me.” I winked at Adam. “He’s not about to say no to cupcakes, but I can’t stay long. He’s got a date with Cinnamon.”

  Teagan chuckled. “I won’t pretend I know what that means. Can’t wait to see him either way.”

  I hung up and bent to gather Adam’s things. “We’re going to say bye to Daddy and then we’re getting cupcakes. Sound good?”

  I didn’t even have to ask. Squealing, Adam took off running, leaving me standing there with his backpack held up for him to put on, and raced down the bleachers to get the goodbyes over with so he could jump to the cupcakes.

  Maverick stood by the water cooler with a bunch of guys, laughing and trading conversation easily enough that I knew he was in his element. Maverick wasn’t what you’d call shy
. He didn’t avoid people, crowds, leadership, or attention.

  It was more that he knew himself. He had his friends, his love, his family, and his talents. Everything and everyone that made him happy was within reach. Why seek more?

  He didn’t pursue college ball because his namesake and legacy, Maverick Technologies, was his future and he was content with that.

  Aiden gripped his shoulder, pounding his chest with the other hand, and beaming as I caught the tail end of his praise. Maverick’s pleased acceptance shone in his eyes.

  Or was he content?

  “Daddy.” Adam launched at Maverick and was caught before he hit the ground. “You were so cool.”

  “Thanks, little man. I won so that I could give you this.” Maverick tossed him the game ball. Adam clutched it like it was ice cream, monster trucks, and staying up past his bedtime all rolled in one.

  I slid in next to them, engulfed in the thick scent of sweat, dirt, and raspberry Gatorade, and hugged my boys.

  Aiden downed the last of his drink, tossed it at the trash, and thumped Maverick’s chest. “It’s not too late for you to join. Come to the next official practice and let Coach see you on the field. Talent recognizes talent.”

  “I’ve got too much going on to commit to the team,” Maverick replied.

  I listened close for a trace of regret.

  “This was fun, though.”

  Aiden shook his head. “At least come out and practice with us sometime. Next week.”

  “Text me. I’ll let you know.”

  My brows shot up an inch. When did they exchange numbers? Was this in an effort to get close to Aiden or did Maverick truly want to play football with this guy?

  I asked as soon as the guys were out of earshot.

  “The former,” he said. “You said last year that you had to do this alone because none of us had a reason to get close to Aiden. Now I do.” Maverick shifted Adam to the other hip and slipped his fingers through mine. We set off for the locker room at a slower pace. “I’m not about to join the football team but meeting up for a few games will give me an excuse to get to know the guy and what he’s about. I’m especially interested in just how much he knows about computers.”

  I glanced at Adam and carefully chose my words. “The pretense is gone, Maverick. He knows we’re onto him. He knows that we—we as in you—looked him up in freshman year, and he knows that I don’t trust him and that my boyfriends aren’t about to trust him either.”

  “There isn’t another way, Val. He’s got one more year on this campus and we’re no closer to figuring out why he’s stalking his brothers or why he had one kidnapped. I can’t pass up a chance to get close to the guy when he’s dangling it in my face.”

  “I don’t like this.” I kissed his cheek. “Promise me you’ll be careful. Play ball with him in front of witnesses. Get lunch in crowded restaurants. If he asks you to run to the van to grab a keg, say no.”

  Maverick threw me a lopsided smile. “It’s not so easy to haul me around, Val.”

  Humming, I said, “I can attest to that. It’s like sleeping under a two-ton boulder when you roll on top of me in the night.”

  “Dang. It’s not that bad, is it?”

  “It’s not bad at all.” I dropped my flirty tone. “But still, Maverick...”

  “No keg runs for me. Promise.”

  We stopped just outside of the locker room. A chorus of slammed lockers, squeaky sneakers, and rattling pipes poured out.

  Maverick put Adam on his feet. “Are you taking Adam back home or sticking around? I was thinking of swinging by my parents’ place.”

  “Actually, we’re meeting a few of the sisters at that cupcake place by the south entrance. We’ll see you at home.”

  We kissed goodbye, and Adam and I left the stadium. The walk across campus was twenty minutes. I opted for the scenic route, pointing out a few of my favorite places to Adam.

  “That’s where Auntie Fia and I lay out a blanket and study on the quad,” I told him. “You can claim that spot too when you go to school here.”

  “I’m going here too?”

  “Yes, sir.” Our clasped hands swung between us. “It’s a local school for you, my boy, because Mommy couldn’t stand it if you went out of state. Promise you’ll never leave me?”

  “I promise.” He swore it so solemnly, I half expected him to cross his heart.

  “You know, I’m going to hold you to all of these promises. Doesn’t matter that you’re six.” I tickle-attacked him. Adam squealed and tried to run. I scooped him up, peppering his cheeks with kisses. “A promise is a promise.”

  “Promise is a promise,” he repeated.

  My face threatened to crack, my smile stretched that wide. “Why are you so cute?”

  “Because you’re my mommy.”

  Jaxson taught him that reply. It served to warm my heart every time.

  “You get two cupcakes for that.”

  Adam was predictably thrilled.

  Cupcake Queen was a recent addition to our campus. They opened shortly before school let out for the summer, and in that finals week, Sofia and I squeezed in four visits. We gave an establishment plenty of tryouts before we included it in our favorites. We were diligent like that. And Cupcake Queen quickly rose to the top.

  Inside was a pink, sweet-scented haven of colorful booths, pink chandeliers, and tiny lamps overhead covered with a pink shade. Teagan and the girls occupied the booth in the middle. They munched on their cupcakes and two empty seats waited at the end for us to join.

  I let Adam run to the display case. He put his face to the glass, marveling at the multitude of colors and flavors.

  A server emerged from the back.

  “Hi. Can I have the triple salted caramel and the churro cupcake, please? And for my sproglet”—I knelt next to Adam—“how about the funfetti and the s’mores cupcake?”

  “I want that one.” He tapped the glass, pointing out the ice cream sundae cupcake—so named because it was topped with a mound of buttercream shaped like a scoop of ice cream. To compound the sugar, they drizzled chocolate, covered it with sprinkles, and then graced it with a cherry.

  “That is going to load you up with sugar, but I gotta say it looks good.” I nodded to the server. “One of those, please, and the funfetti.”

  We collected our treats and carried them to the table. The girls greeted us, fussing over Adam and showering him in compliments. My son was destined to be handsome, and at this rate, he’d grow up knowing and basking in it.

  Teagan and the girls hanging out for the summer semester were as different as the cupcakes they chose. I knew all of my girls, of course, but naturally I didn’t get dedicated one-on-one time with all of them. Sabrina, Kendra, and Eve were among those I only spent time with during exercise and activities.

  Eve was a women’s studies major. Piercings in her nose, lip, and eyebrow, coupled with a height a foot taller than average, made her stand out in any crowd. Her hobbies included horseback riding, climbing, and spending all her time at her boyfriend Ben’s place off campus. Those activities took her from the Sally house a fair bit.

  Kendra studied cinematography and film. She was a sweetie and looked it too. She opted for Peter Pan–collar dresses, hair bows, and purple Mary Janes. Her tiny button nose and pouty lips lent her the appearance of being younger. We’d had a couple great discussions about films to show on movie nights. Otherwise, she spent a lot of time with her arty friends filming the piece that would be her senior project.

  And then there was Sabrina, our lone statistics major, whose all-consuming passion to graduate top of our year, and on top of life in general, drove her to cut out all distractions. She was fit and it showed in our physical activities. Running track since middle school let her sail through workouts while I huffed and puffed beside her. She didn’t date as far as I could tell and the only indulgence it seemed she allowed herself were the monthly trips to the salon to tease, blow, and style her voluminous chestnut waterfall.<
br />
  Sabrina swept that waterfall over her shoulders, fanning herself with her hands. “It’s steaming today. The AC must be straining.”

  “Oh yeah,” I said. “We about melted on the stands.”

  “How’d the game go?” Teagan asked.

  “Maverick’s team won.”

  “Wow. Not an easy feat when going up against Aiden and Sawyer. He must be good.”

  “He is.” I paused to wipe Adam’s icing mustache. “What have you guys been up to this summer?”

  “Filming my documentary,” said Kendra. “Evergreen is a strange pocket of the world. An insular community that got famous in recent years for— well, you know. I’ve scored interviews with historians and even some of the family members involved. Most of them were only available in the summer and I couldn’t pass that up.”

  “Double major,” Sabrina threw in. “I have to do an extra summer semester if I want to graduate on time. It hasn’t been so bad though. I like Somerset like this. Quieter. Relaxed. Everyone focused on what they’re here to do.”

  I nodded. “It is nice. Sofia and I have taken to picnics on the quad. Like you said, it’s much more chill these days. What about you, Eve?”

  “Same for me. I’m doing an extra semester to graduate on time,” she said. “And also same that there isn’t much to do since all my friends left for the summer. Which brings us here, begging our prez to keep the fun going.”

  I laughed. “I seem to spend just as much time on campus as I did when classes are in session, so I’m down to run your lives again.”

  Kendra placed her hand on her chest, heaving a grand sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

  “I was telling the girls that we could meet up at the gym once a week,” Teagan said. “And we could do the cooking thing you started where we choose a dish and make it for everyone. Full disclosure, we’re voting you go first because none of us can cook and it’s getting desperate.”

  Whatever helps me get closer to you, I thought, smiling in tune to their laughter. “Fine with me. I love cooking and this one loves being my helper.” I ruffled Adam’s hair. “So how about this. We keep it informal and meet up at the gym once a week. If one of us can’t make it, it’s cool. Same for cooking and movie night, let’s arrange them for when we’re all free.”