Page 155 of Wild Card

Ember giggles. “This is true.”

“I’m not sure who was more surprised, Finn or Rowan, when Max walked in with y’all.”

“We all love him, but Rowan has a special bond after what happened.”

Talon looks up from his conversation and catches my eye. As always, little flutters swarm my stomach.

“I asked Talon if I could talk to you alone, and he’s not thrilled.”

I grin at her phrasing. Talon hasn’t wanted me alone the last twenty-four hours. “I was surprised he left me here to get a drink.”

“I don’t think I have long. Tell me if I’m overstepping.”

“Overstepping with what?”

“You have Bex, Rowan, and the others, but if you need to talk to anyone, I’m here.”

A light goes off in my head and I bark out a laugh. “Ahh, the pity about having a psychotic sister who hates me.”

Dread crosses her features. “There’s no pity. I can relate. Truly relate. Most people have the sympathy down pat but can’t imagine the actual anguish and confusion that come with having a sibling who acts out of hatred.”

“You do? Did your sister possibly poison you and your dog, attack you in a salon while spewing your embarrassing story, and then raid your home for God knows what?”

“Our situations are vastly different, but the common denominator is the same. Natalie’s joy in life was to hurt me and enjoy my misery. When I finally found my footing with the taste of a beautiful life, she reared up again. It almost cost me everything. Robbie left me, my family turned, and I was completely alone.”

Guilt immediately floods me for the cynicism I threw at her. There were whispers of Ember’s past life being rough, but nothing was discussed openly. ”Robbie left you? Your family turned? How can that be?”

She glances back out to the guys, chewing on her bottom lip, and I realize my question may be too invasive. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

Her head whips back, her blue eyes wide. “No, I mean, it’s not prying. I’m trying to estimate how much time we have before they come storming up here.”

“Let’s take our chances.” My curiosity is on the edge of its seat.

“Cliff notes, Natalie hated me as we grew up. She was one of the main reasons my dad went to prison, but the blame was placed on me. Living in the house with her was hell. Aunt Chloe and Cruz wanted me to leave, but it took me a long time to come to my senses. After a while, my life turned around. I went to college, worked at Clyde’s, lived with Cruz, and met Robbie. Things were dreamlike. Until she showed up one day, bursting my bubble. That’s the day I saw true evil. She was on a tear, demanding money that she thought she deserved. That’s the day I learned she bartered my virginity for her drug habit.”

I gasp so loud she jerks. My eyes well and I take her hand. “Ember, that’s awful.”

I expect her to break down, but she’s unaffected about dropping such a disgusting fact.

“It was a long time ago, and Robbie helped me through the humiliation. He was my protector and my rock. Then I fucked it up because, after all those years, Natalie sicced her drug dealer on me. I was on the hook for her mess-up. Robbie, Declan, Raven, Cruz, and Alex all were in danger if I didn’t comply and keep quiet. Somehow, my arrangement coincided with a case Robbie was working. I was caught in the crosshairs and it blew up. Everyone was angry I didn’t speak to them and they took it out on me. There was a period of time things were so dark and bleak that surviving was a chore.”

I can’t stop the tear that escapes and she shoots me a thoughtful smile. “Things worked themselves out after a well-deserved breakdown and verbal lashing. Also, Robbie kinda groveled until I felt sorry for him.”

She says that last part with amusement. I squeak out a little giggle, slapping my hand over my mouth at the pitchy sound.

“Point is, I wasn’t alone, even though it felt that way. You are not alone. If you need to talk, I’m here day or night. Hope like hell these men are wrong about Rylee and this is the world’s biggest coincidence. But whatever the outcome, Iam here.”

Her words are still coming when I pounce, hugging her tightly. “Thank you, Ember.”

“You are an amazing human being, Willow. Don’t let anyone or anything make you feel any different.”

“Not too hip on Willow’s tears.” Talon’s brash tone interrupts our moment.

He pulls me from her and takes my face in his hands, assessing me closely. “You okay?”

“I’m absolutely wonderful. These are tears of gratitude and love.”

“The only kind I like to see.” Robbie wraps his arms around Ember’s waist and kisses her neck.

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