Secret Mercy Read Free Page A

shame.
    “Paige will be my guest for the night,” her mystery man declared. An electric thrill shot through her, all the way down to her core, at the commanding sound of her name on his lips.
    She looked up and found him waiting for her by the open door. What was this crazy pull she felt toward him? She’d been around attractive men before. Once upon a time, she’d even been brave enough to flirt with a few of them. But everything about this guy felt different.
    Her heart pounded against her breastbone. Her hands trembled. Her breath was shallow. Maybe this was what being alive felt like. What else would she feel if she accepted his invitation?
    For the first time in Paige’s life, curiosity outweighed fear.
      “Okay,” Paige said, mostly for her own benefit.
    She stepped past everyone and through the door. His eyes stayed on her. He didn’t even glance toward Selena as he spoke to her.
    “Robert will be waiting for you in the lounge,” her said, pointing to the set of double doors at the end of the cavernous marble entryway. Selena didn’t even bother asking Paige if she was fine before setting off toward them. And why would she? This was the real reason Selena had come here tonight, after all—not to hold Paige’s hand.
    “Should we follow her?” Paige asked when he didn’t move.
    “If that’s what you wish.”
    Paige nodded and resisted the urge to run to catch up to her friend. She could handle herself tonight. She would have to.
    “I suppose I owe you another thank you….” Paige realized that she had followed him into the most notorious club in the city without even knowing his name.
    “Alan.” He walked slowly, staying a few steps behind Selena.
    “Thank you, Alan,” she said. “Though I really didn’t need your pity.”
    “Yes, you did. And you’re glad that I gave it to you.” There was no sympathy in his voice, no judgment either. There was something about his directness that made her blood rush.
    Selena slipped through the door to the lounge. Paige hurried to catch up. She reached for the long brass handle, but Alan snatched it before she could reach it. He swung open the door and held it for her.
    The mood inside the small lounge was surreal. There were no overhead lights, only a few candles flickering on tables and along the back ledge of the bar. Black velvet drapes hung from every wall, swallowing what little light there was. The music coming from the speakers was rhythmic and low, making the room seem to hum with a life of its own. Paige could barely make out the forms of a few bodies moving against each other on the long benches that lined the walls.
    Paige turned away, forcing herself to look straight ahead. Maybe following Selena into the lounge hadn’t been the best idea. Then again, maybe in Mercy Club a dark room was preferable to a well-lit one.
    Before she could second guess herself, Alan wrapped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her deeper into the lounge. The door swung shut behind him.
    Fortunately, even in the low light, Paige had no trouble making out Selena’s bright red dress. She sauntered across the room, moving toward a man standing in the far corner, swaying her hips with a natural sensuality that Paige could never hope to emulate.
    “Selena,” the man said, as they approached. This had to be Robert. His voice was low and as smooth as satin sheets.
    Paige pulled up short as Selena threw herself at him. If Robert minded her enthusiasm, he didn’t show it. He captured Selena in his arms and branded her with a kiss. Paige’s toes curled up inside her shoes at the sight.
    His hands moved up under her dress, exposing Selena’s ass and grasping it. Hard.
    Paige knew she should look away. This was her best friend after all, and it looked for all the world like she was just about to get it on with a virtual stranger. But she couldn’t. The sight of such unabashed sexual desire held her fast.
    Until she felt Alan’s grip on her arm tighten.
    Crap. He’d