3. Their Reign

It’s the middle of the morning when Mercedes finally stirs. I haven’t closed my eyes for more than a few minutes. 

She rolls onto her back, arching, stretching, feline-like, her arms over her head with a soft, luxurious moan. The birds chirping outside can be heard through the window, which is open a crack. She yawns, covering her mouth, blinking her eyes open momentarily before rolling back onto her side with a sigh. 

For a moment, I think she’s going to go back to sleep. I wouldn’t be surprised. The thought irritates me. But then she bolts upright, sucking in a panicked breath, her eyes huge as they center on me. She clutches the blanket to her chest, and I smile. 

“Morning, princess.”

The words are barely out of my mouth before she bolts, throwing the blanket off and scrambling toward the closed bedroom door so fast she’s a blur, all dark hair and flowing white cotton gown. She gets to it. Her hand closes over the doorknob. But before she can open it, I strap an arm under her breasts and lift her, tossing her back onto the bed. 

“I don’t think so, Mercedes.”

“Judge, I—”

She takes one look at me as I eat the space between us and lets out a yelp, flipping onto hands and knees to scurry across the bed. 

I grab an ankle, tug her back and drape myself over her. 

“You what?” I say, fisting her hair and turning her head enough so I’m sure she can see me. “Tell me, Mercedes. You what?”

“I… How…”

I raise an eyebrow. “How did I find you? The better question is how did you think I wouldn’t?”