Page 127 of Wild Card

I notice Bex agreeing with a headshake and my senses go on alert. There’s something about her smile that’s a little too expressive. Have I been so wrapped up in my life that I’ve missed the signs that she’s met someone?

That’s practically impossible. I know everything about her.

Oh my God, are she and Lucas hooking up?

My mind wrestles with the possibilities of Bex and Lucas. There’s no way. The man is a playboy. He’s open about his affliction to relationships. Bex is a relationship girl.

She’s not interested in a hook-up—is she?

“How do you feel about ink?” Jewls’ question pulls me out of my head.

“Ink?”

“Harley got a tattoo on Ace’s birthday. Rowan got inked as a surprise to Ford.”

I stare at Jewls and realize we’re back on Talon’s birthday. “I’m not opposed, but it would have to mean something.”

“That’s exactly why I did this.” Rowan points to her wrist where a Celtic cross covers the skin.

“I’ve always thought this was awesome.”

“Thanks, I love it.

“But ink is permanent, so you have to be sure,” Jewls points out lowly.

Her words drip with meaning. Permanent…

A symbol that would remind me of Talon forever.

“I’m not afraid of permanent,” I admit freely, liking the idea the more it simmers.

“You could also get pierced. I had my navel pierced as a surprise, too. Ford seems to like it,” Rowan offers another idea.

“Ooh, I like that.” I may not be brave enough for a tattoo, but a piercing sounds sexy.

“It was only sore for about a week. You have to be careful when you….”

“Have sex, screw, get it on, fuck like rabbits,” Jewls finishes her sentence.

I drop my chin to my chest and feel the heat crawling up my neck.

An idea strikes me and I bounce in my seat. Chase and my dad mentioned something a few months ago that would be perfect for my badass boyfriend. “Sex marathons, ink, and piercings are excellent, but I have another thought.”

“Let’s hear it.” Rowan mirrors my excitement.

“Let me see if I can make it happen, and then I’ll need some help.”

“Count us in.” Shayla stops in front of us, refilling our drinks. “Heads up, things are about to get crazy.” She tilts her head to the back where we entered.

Declan, Raven, Finn, Presley, Ember, Robbie, Cruz, Alex, and an older couple who have to be Harley’s parents all file in.

“Oh shit, here we go,” Tom grouses, stomping by. “Damn rockers, I’ll need more booze.”

“Declan’s band is likely on the way. It won’t take long for word to spread Sayge is here and it will be insane. Tom complains, but the whole time he’s funding his retirement. Buckle up, buttercups,” Jewls advises Bex and me.

The air in the room changes and I’m instantly searching the area. Talon steps in and his eyes find mine, holding me captive until he’s at my side, lifting me off of the stool.

It’s been less than twelve hours since I left him this morning, but he’s looking at me as if it’s been a lifetime.

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