Page 156 of Wild Card

“Your wife is an angel.”

His blue eyes light up with his smile. “I know this.”

“Okay, enough. We’re at a party.” I toast my champagne to Ember’s. “Let’s celebrate Finn and Declan.”

“Now seems like a good time for these.” Presley materializes with three light-up crowns. “Raven ordered these for all the girls.”

Talon takes one and places it on my head, switching the lights on. Flashing colors reflect in his pupils as he grins approvingly. “Every princess needs a crown.”

My heart hammers in my chest and new tears threaten as realization washes through me.

No matter what happens, it will be fine. Material items can be replaced, Wolf will make a full recovery, I have great friends who care, and my family is beside me.

But most of all, I have Talon.

23

TALON

I pass through the lobby,hoping to keep a low profile. No such luck.

“Talon? Is that you?” Taylor, the receptionist, calls out and heads turn.

It’s been a while since I’ve been in the Hayes Security office, but one thing hasn’t changed.

Taylor comes around her desk and rushes over, throwing herself in my arms.

“It’s good to see you. Where have you been?”

I dip out of her hold and flash her a courteous smile. “I’ve been around. Returned to work full-time.”

“I thought maybe you’d be back here to finish up whatever project you worked on.”

She’s definitely fishing for information. Our contracted assignment with Hayes was confidential. Most people didn’t even know we existed.

The first time I laid eyes on Taylor, it was obvious she was interested. She didn’t hide her advances.

Similar to now.

Her eyes rake over me, flashing with hunger. She scales a nail over my shoulder and bicep, trailing my ink. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

“Is everything back to normal?”

“Better than they’ve ever been.”

She licks her lip before pulling it between her teeth.

When Willow does this, I’m instantly hard, wanting to be inside her. But with Taylor, I wish I could unsee the whole action.

“Got a thing with Robbie and Max.”

“You still have my number, you should use it,” she purrs with an invitation like a neon sign.

“I’m off the market, sweetheart.” The endearment was meant to help ease any awkwardness, but her face clouds with rejection.

“Are you dating Willow Richards?”

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