Reloaded

After concluding the call, Merrick reclined on the luxurious expanse of his hotel bed, his gaze drifting upward to the ceiling. As his body sank into the plushness, his thoughts turned to Nora, her image vividly etched in his mind. Despite his outward facade of disdain and harshness towards her, it was that very night they shared together, that one passionate encounter, which had ignited a flame within him. Unbeknownst to her, Merrick had succumbed to an irresistible affection for Nora, his emotions entangled in a web of conflicting desires.

Despite the overwhelming depths of his feelings, Merrick guarded himself against revealing his true emotions to her. He understood the fragility of their connection and feared that a single misstep could shatter the delicate balance they had managed to maintain. Therefore, he chose to tread cautiously, concealing his love while cherishing every stolen moment they shared. In his heart, Merrick held a silent promise to himself - to protect their bon