Page 212 of Wild Card

I spent days combing over every detail of the plans Talon had drawn up. After my initial shock, the awe set in. If possible, I fell more in love with my observant, overbearing, bossy, mystical unicorn. He spared no details. Everything I could ever want, and more, were included in the plans.

It was beyond perfect—for me.

But I couldn’t shake the feeling something was missing.

Then, it hit me.

I called the architect the next day and asked for modifications. He agreed to keep them confidential. I won’t be able to hide my little secret for long, but when the new plans are ready, I’ll find a way to surprise Talon.

A horn breaks me out of my blissful daydream. Rowan whizzes past, and Mack goes crazy as I pull out and follow her to Harley’s driveway.

She squats and braces when both dogs circle her with their greeting.

Harley opens the door, and I’m once again questioning if she is superhuman. The woman does not look like she gave birth a few weeks ago.

“What took you guys so long? Jewls is already here.”

“She doesn’t work on Fridays and lives next door,” Rowan points out, shuffling inside.

I peek in the fancy bassinet at Maverick sleeping soundly.

We follow Harley to the kitchen where Jewls is at the stove. The aroma of garlic fills the air, causing my stomach to growl.

“What is that?”

“My famous Bolognese sauce.”

“It’s actually her mom’s recipe.” Harley slips onto a barstool, and grumbles, “Apparently, I’m unable to even cook for myself now.”

“I tweaked the ingredients, which makes it my recipe. And lose the attitude. I’m in the mood to make sauce.”

“How was your practice exam?” Rowan asks casually, without a trace of worry.

“I passed.”

She squeals, clapping softly.

“You have nothing to worry about,” Jewls encourages.

“Like I told Bex and Lucas, we can’t slack off.”

“No, but you can relax a little and have some fun before the real world closes in on you.”

“Some fun? The last four months have been more jam-packed than my whole life. It’s a wonder we are able to function with all the partying we do.”

Harley perks up. “Isn’t it awesome?”

“Yes, but my liver doesn’t agree.”

“She’ll get accustomed to it.”

There’s a lull and I wait on Rowan for a sign she’s ready to talk. But it’s Jewls who opens the conversation.

“What are we dealing with here? More Columbian drug lords? Rescue missions on high-ranking officials?”

“We don’t know much. Ember and Presley are digging,” Rowan answers nonchalantly.

“Raven stopped by this morning, bringing more gifts.” Harley points to the fruit basket. “It was a ploy; she was fishing for information.”

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