“Coming.”
“What is this?”
When I step into the bedroom, I notice she’s holding the letter from Nash. Fuck! She’s going to think I was hiding it from her.
“Baby girl.”
Unshed tears form in her eyes, “Don’t.”
I blow out a breath, bracing for a huge fight.
“He gave it to me when I saw him. It didn’t seem like the right time with Elle here and I meant to give it to you but forgot.”
She crosses her arms as she glares at me.
“I think the truth is you didn’t want me to read it.”
“You’re right I didn’t,” I step closer to her.
She backs away from me, “Don’t touch me.”
“Mercy.”
“I let you control me in the bedroom, Liam, because I happen to like it. But I will not have you controlling every aspect of my life. You had no right to not give me this letter.”
I roll my eyes, “Jesus Mercy. Would you stop? I’m not trying to control you. Did I want you to read it? No. Was I hoping you would choose not to? Yes. But was I planning to withhold it from you? No. It’s been an emotional day. Please stop this.”
“I’m going to read it.”
I nod, “Do you want me to leave you alone?”
She shakes her head, “No. It’s fine.”
I watch her as she sits on the edge of the bed and opens the folded letter.
I’m not sure if it’s for her benefit or mine, but she reads it out loud.
Dear Merce,
I’m not even sure how to begin this letter to you. I don’t know if you’ll ever read it, but I hope you will. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry for what I did to you. There really is no good excuse for kidnapping and nearly raping someone, especially when you claim to love them. I’ve been in love with you since we were kids. I honestly always thought we’d end up together. As the years went by, you got even more beautiful. After you came back from college, I couldn’t believe my eyes. My obsession for you grew leaps and bounds. I wanted you so bad I actually ached for you. Then I started using drugs. The drugs took over the man that I was. I hope you believe that without the drugs I would never have done anything I’ve done to you. I know my dad has guilt for me finding the two of you the way I did. But if I’m honest, I think it would’ve happened regardless. I was so far gone by that point I don’t think it would’ve mattered. I can never take back what I’ve done to you. I will live with it forever. It will haunt me all the days of my life. I love you, and I think I always will. I know you’re with my dad now. I wish you both all the happiness in the world. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, but I’m trying to be an adult. I sincerely hope that one day you will be able to forgive me. My dream is that one day, we will be able to develop a friendship again. But I understand if those two things can never happen for you. I’m sorry, Merce. I hope you’re okay.
All My Love,
Nash
Tears run down her face, and I hate this. I hate seeing her in pain. I kneel in front of her and wrap my arms around her waist.
She runs her hand through my hair, “How did he seem?”
I glance up at her, “He seemed like Nash. It’s a shame that he had to put you through hell to get there, but he was like the old Nash only, better. Immediately he took responsibility and said he’d change his plea to spare you further pain.”
“I don’t know if I can ever be friends with him again.”
I reach up and wipe the tears from her cheek with my thumb, “Baby girl, I don’t think anybody, including Nash, would ever expect you to. Certainly not at this point. At the end of the day, it’s your decision. You will never be pressured into it.”
She stares at me with a serious expression, “I love you.”
“I love you too. If we are going, we need to go but if you aren’t up to it, I can cancel.”