Page 106 of Wild Card

I swallow the rest of my beer. “As enlightening as this conversation is, I get the feeling you had something else?”

“Outside of the incident today, you know what happened to Willow?”

“Yes.”

“My sister will internalize this incident. She has a way of twisting things in her head. Joseph fucked up. I didn’t like the asshole, but I was prepared to suck up personal feelings and support my sister. It took me less than a day to know she wasn’t upset about the permanent loss of him. It stung because of the way it played out. She automatically blamed herself, and the humiliation set in.”

“She won’t go down that road again. Rylee and whoever-the-fuck may have gotten the best of her, but that was before she was mine.”

He studies me closer, his quizzical eyes so similar to Willow’s it’s like reading into his mind. "You got something else?”

“Willow has driven herself hard all her life toward her goals. Being a physical therapist has been on her radar for as long as I can remember.”

“I’m aware.”

“She’s also a dreamer. She didn’t talk much about it, but in moments when she’d let it slip. Husband, kids, big house, animals… the full package. Joseph seemed stable and she settled for ordinary. With you, it’s different. I can see the hope blooming.”

“Willow is taken care of.”

“Talon, if you aren’t in this?—”

“Respect, Chase, but don’t finish that sentence. In case you haven’t noticed the kinda man I am, you can have a hint. This thing with us is new, but it’s real. I gave her the time to get used to it. My patience ended the day I found her unconscious. I’m not going anywhere. Willow can chase those dreams, and I’ll be right next to her. She ismine.”

He waits a beat then reaches into the cabinet. He pours a generous shot, then swallows in one gulp. “As the only doctor she’ll see today, I have to inform you that sex is off the table for forty-eight hours. Nothing that will increase her adrenaline or spike her blood pressure. And if I live a century, I hope I never have to say those words about my sister again.”

“Noted.” I openly grin at his scowl.

“Now I’m calling my woman to get her food order and convince her to stay at my place tonight.”

“Have faith you have practice in that area.”

I take the glasses he poured for Willow and Rosie, walking back to the living room. I stop dead at the sight of Willow and Wyatt reading a book, curled into the corner of her sofa. He’s mesmerized as she reads each word with vigor and purpose, bringing the scene to life.

“My Willow will be fine.” Rosie takes her wine and winks, her happiness beaming.

I don’t correct her that Willow will be more than fine.

But she was right—Wyatt will be my nephew one day.

“Got to be shitting me.Who is this fucking clown?”

“Shhh.” Willow slaps my arm. “People can hear you.”

“Don’t give a damn, this guy isn’t qualified to tie my shoe.”

“Agreed, he sucks,” Chase says low, the irritation grating in his voice.

“Wyatt’s not playing for these morons,” Sterling announces.

“Guys, don’t get him kicked out before he makes a team,” Willow pleads between us.

“Got it handled.”

At the sound of Major’s voice behind me, I drop my chin to hide my grin. Knew they wouldn’t stay away.

“What in the—? What are you all doing here?”

And by all, she means everyone. Ace, Harley, Ford, Rowan, Major, Jewls, and the twins, along with Rowdy and Mack lapping happily on their leashes.

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