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It lands with a thud on the carpet, and the screen is like a beacon in the dark, impossible not to see. I stare at it as Mercy shouts my name.
“Edie! Are you there?”
Larissa stares at me, and her voice suddenly chills. “Who’s that on the phone?”
Wide-eyed, I stare at Larissa, terrified at what she’ll think.
No sense lying now. “It’s my cousin Mercy. She lives in New York.”
“Eden! Eden!” Mercy shouts again, and it’s louder this time as I pick up the phone. “Put me on speaker, goddamn it!”
I do as I’m told and put the phone down on top of the covers. Larissa stares at it as if it’s something unfamiliar. I wonder what she’ll do to me. If she really meant all the kind words that shesaid. Or was it a trick? I sit motionless, embarrassed by what I tried to pull off.
I had Larissa’s consent to call my father and no one else.
Larissa leans toward the phone. “Hello?” she asks.
“You Larissa?” Mercy replies.
“I am.” Larissa scowls at me. “Who is this?”
“Eden’s cousin, and I met you before,” Mercy replies smoothly. “Look, the kid knows nothing. She’s clueless, and it’s not an act.”
Larissa picks up the phone and switches off the speaker. “When did we meet?”
“At the bar … Somewhere Bar.” Mercy’s voice is loud enough for me to hear. “I told you Eden worked there. I was covering because I didn’t know what the fuck was going on. I recognized your last name but didn’t piece together why she’d be withyou.”
“I remember now.” Larissa sounds distracted … and guarded. “You must be concerned for her.”
“Look, she’s not playing you, understand?” Mercy says. “Hell, I don’t even know what the fuck is happening anymore. And trust me, I’m better off not knowing. I’m not looking to get into the family business. My goal in life is to keep my head … literally.” Mercy takes a breath. “Larissa, Eden is the sweetest person I know, and it’s really shitty she’s mixed up in this.” Her voice cracks. “Please don’t let the rest of those psychos hurt her.”
Larissa turns to me, and her face is full of feeling, and then she smiles. “I will, Mercy. I promise.”
“Good,” Mercy says, her voice strained before a choked sob escapes her throat. “Now get the fuck out so I can talk to her.”
Smiling, Larissa hands me back the phone.
“Dammit, Edie, you made me cry.” Mercy makes me giggle, but then her tone turns serious. “Is that what you were gonna tell me? A baby?” Mercy sighs. “Shit … No wonder you’re with him. Look, I changed my mind about Larissa. She seems all right. And it sounds like she’s looking out for you.”
“She’s not the only one,” I reply quickly.
“Keep your head up, kid.” Mercy says. “I love you to bits. I wish I could tell you it’ll be over soon, but I can’t lie to you.”
My eyes well up with tears again. “I know.”
“It’s good to hear your voice again,” Mercy’s voice is softer than usual. “And tell Larissa I said good night.”
I smile at Larissa, who heard it all. “I love you, Mercy. Good night.” I end the call and hold the phone in my lap. “I’m sorry. I panicked when you came in. I didn’t want you to know I was on the phone.”
“It’s okay. I like your cousin. She gets it. All women in this life do.” Larissa’s hand grips mine firmly. “We’re the only shield that can protect each other from what the men in this life have built. And I promise I’ll do everything in my power to protect you.”
I look up at her, and I believe her. I trust her. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice trembling slightly.
She smiles as tears glisten in her eyes. “What you’ve been through so far would have destroyed a weaker person.” I look into her eyes and see reassurance. “Look at yourself, Eden. Despite everything you’ve been through, you’re still here, standing strong.”
“I’m going to keep the baby.” I sniffle a little, feeling far away from being anything that she says. “Protect him or her. It’s what my mother would’ve wanted.”
Larissa hugs me hard. When she pulls back, she hesitates for a moment, then confesses. “I’ve struggled with infertility for years. It’s been a painful and isolating experience with all the other Bratva mothers and their babies.” She looks into my eyes. “But it’s also taught me the importance of family and being with those who truly care. That’s why I married Rurik, and I love him. But my heart yearns for a child of my own.” Her eyes glisten as she speaks. “You may not feel lucky, but you are. And you’re going to be an amazing mother.”
