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“Alone?” My jaw works as I glance toward the door.

“As far as I could tell.”

I’m on my feet before he finishes. “Why the fuck am I just hearing about this now?”

“I assumed you knew.”

“Well, I didn’t.”

“I can see that now.”

I drag a hand through my hair, gripping the back of it hard enough to sting.

“How long have you known me? You really think I’d let Laney walk out of here alone after she’s been drinking without making sure she got into the right car?”

Mercer’s expression shifts. “Sorry, Cap. I didn’t think.”

“Clearly.”

“In my defense, usually when you're out with a woman⁠—“

I go still. “I dare you to finish that thought.”

His hands come up. “Wasn’t going to.”

“She’s not some random woman I met on the road. Laney’s different.” The words are out before I can stop them.

Mercer goes quiet.

Fuck.

I release my hair and scrub a hand over my face. “She’s Beckett’s little sister.”

“Right.” The way he says it makes my eyes narrow.

“What?”

“You sure that’s the only reason?”

“Fuck off.” I’m already pushing past him toward the door and into the main bar.

The noise hits harder out here, music competing with conversations and glasses hitting wood. Too many bodies as I scan the crowd.

No Delaney.

I hit call, and it rings twice before she answers.

“Hello?”

“Where are you?”

A pause. “In a car.”

My stomach drops.

“What car?”

“An Uber.”