Seduced By A Steele (Forged of Steele #12) - Brenda Jackson Page 0,21

and then said, “I have decisions to make.”

Eden nodded. “Yes, but the good thing is that you don’t have to make them tonight. Or tomorrow. Our offer still stands. You can stay here for as long as you need.”

“Thank you.”

Eden stood. “I suggest you get a good night’s sleep. I can imagine Mercury was overwhelming. That’s how he is when he cares about something—or someone.”

Sloan hoped Eden wasn’t thinking that way because she’d walked in on Sloan and Mercury kissing. They had just gotten caught up in the moment and the clashing of wills. “He only brought me here because he wants to wash his hands of me.”

Eden waved off her words. “Don’t worry about Mercury. I’m sure he’ll get over it.”

Sloan thought that might be true for him, but she had a feeling that kiss they’d shared had affected her in a way she wasn’t sure she’d ever get over.

Mercury was trying to show interest in the basketball game on the huge flat-screen. After all, sports was his business and one of the players was someone he represented. However, at that moment, none of that mattered. His thoughts were not on the game, but on Sloan.

What if his mother failed and couldn’t talk any sense into her? What if her ex-fiancé found her and tried forcing her back home? Or even worse, what if her father sent a bunch of goons to snatch her back and force her into marriage? And why was Mercury even caring when none of it was his problem?

He blamed his thoughts on that damn kiss. The one that still had his insides tingling from head to toe.

“You okay, Mercury?”

He glanced over at his father, who was looking at him curiously. “Yes. What makes you think I’m not okay?”

“You’re twitching,” Drew said evenly.

Yes, he was, but there wasn’t a law against it, was there? Of course, he wouldn’t be a smart aleck and dare ask his father that. So instead of giving a response, he tried to bring his movements under control. When that didn’t work, he was about to stand and start pacing when his mother came down the stairs. He was out of his seat in a flash. “Well, did you talk some sense into her?”

Eden crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes, and I didn’t have to resort to kissing her like you.”

Drew glanced over at his son and frowned. “You kissed Sloan?”

Mercury drew his hand over his face. “Like I told Mom, I was trying to talk some sense into her. I got frustrated.”

“And resorted to taking your frustrations out on her mouth,” Drew said, nodding. “I see how that’s possible.”

“Don’t you dare encourage him, Drew,” his mother said.

Mercury fought back a chuckle. His father was keeping it honest. Of course Drew Steele would know of such things because he probably helped write the Womanizing 101 playbook.

“So, what did she say, Mom?”

Eden tilted her head to stare at Mercury. “She’s staying for now, but if she gets another phone call threatening us, then she just might take flight.”

“Her father threatened us?” Drew asked, frowning.

“Yes.” Eden then told Drew what had happened. While she did so, Mercury began pacing. He hadn’t liked what his mother said about Sloan possibly changing her mind about leaving. He didn’t like that one damn bit.

“So, what’s your plan, Mercury?”

He stopped pacing to look at his father. “What makes you think I plan to do anything?”

Drew gave him a level stare. “Chances are Sloan will try to hide from her parents unless you come up with a plan. What have I always taught my sons?”

Mercury didn’t have to think twice on that one. When there was a problem, first up was to find a solution. However, this situation was different. Couldn’t his father see that? From the way Drew was looking at him, he obviously didn’t.

“Fine. I’ll come up with a plan.”

Eight

Sloan looked at Eden across the breakfast table. “Mercury is helping me take