Page 147 of Wild Card

Joseph scowls at him and then turns his attention to me. “It wasn’t like that. It was gradual.”

“Who made the first move?” I repeat my inquiry, and Talon’s grip is almost painful.

“It was mutual.”

“Oh, for God’s sake, Joseph, man the fuck up and answer the question. Out of all the women in the world to cheat with, you chose my sister. Don’t spare my feelings now.”

“I don’t remember. We both crossed the line. After it happened, I knew what I’d done was unforgivable.”

“Why not break up with me then, instead of stringing me along?”

“I was confused and hurt. Our relationship was crashing and you kept choosing school over me. You and I were falling apart. Rylee listened. She understood what I was feeling. The more time we spent together, the more we had in common. She supported my career and encouraged my ambition.”

My ears ring and I shake my head, wondering if I heard him correctly. “She supported your career and encouraged your ambition? Do you fathom how idiotic and ironic that sounds?”

He realizes his mistake at the same time a low rumble vibrates from Talon. “Princess, he’s out.”

“One more minute, baby, this just got fun. When did you decide it was time to let me in on your affair?”

He gulps, his face paling. “We didn’t set out to hurt anyone. Gradually, we fell in love. That’s when I knew to end things.”

“And a week later you stood in my family home with my sister?”

“It was Rylee’s idea to come out to the family. She thought it was best. Obviously, that backfired.”

“Backfired?”

“I’ve lived with regret every day. It shouldn’t have come out that way.”

I should be pissed, enraged, devastated; instead, a sense of harmony settles over me.

And pity.

Joseph Wynn was conned, and he has no idea. The polite thing to do would be to accept these answers and send him away. But I’m not the same woman he knew. The disgrace I endured deserves justice.

A sense of liberation courses through my system.

“Our first Christmas together, you gave me a diamond necklace. Rylee was jealous. My birthday, you took me out of town. Rylee was jealous. That night of your promotion dinner, you chose one of the hottest spots in Nashville, regardless of my schedule. Rylee knew she had a shot. You say she understood you were feeling neglected, but that’s not true. Rylee has never been neglected in her life. My family bent to her will more than was healthy because she was the baby. She’s a spoiled brat who didn’t play well with others. She gets what she wants no matter who or what gets caught in the crossfire. Which is why she set her sights on you. It was easy. I had something she wanted. You chose her, humiliated me, put a chink in my family, and enabled her behavior by proposing. I’m over it, have been for a long time. You are marrying my sister. No big deal. Why are you here?”

Joseph pales as the realization sinks in. He glances at Talon, then me. “I postponed the wedding. Rylee isn’t who I thought she was.”

“You’ve said that already. What does that have to do with me?”

“I’m sorry for what I did.”

“Okay.”

He rocks back on his heels. “Okay?”

“Yes, when someone apologizes, you accept or don’t. I accept. Doesn’t mean I forgive you for the deception or betrayal, but men have been seduced since the dark ages. That’s your weakness. It isn’t my problem. I’m grateful for the experience.”

“You’re grateful?”

“Yes. I lived with the shame and insecurities for a long time. You were right earlier; I am about structure and security. Spontaneity wasn’t natural. Taking risks terrified me because it didn’t fit into the square I boxed myself into. That line of thinking almost cost me the chance at living my best life.”

“You’re living your best life? With him?” He tips his head to Talon.

“Every second of every day. He taught me what true love is.”

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