Page 218 of Wild Card

“What doesthatmean?”

“It means we’re on alert.”

His cryptic answers do nothing to keep my brain from running wild. “Talon, sweetie, I’m not fluent in badass Marine dialect.”

He drops his forehead to mine. “He’s on a mission outside of San Diego. The rest is mostly unknown.”

“Should we be worried?”

“No, this is exactly why the women shouldn’t worry.”

“But you said you’re on alert.”

“Alert means monitoring the situation. Robbie’s a fucking pro at discovery. With James and Finn at his back, we have the best resources.”

“Will you tell me if that changes?”

A heaviness settles on my chest when he doesn’t answer. I lean back to scan over his face, reading him clearly.

Apprehension, denial, and hesitation all bleed through. It’s more than protecting me; it’s shielding me from this part of his life.

Unknown possibilities.

Indefinite dangers.

Sharp pain pierces me like a knife, realizing I caused this with my initial rejection of ‘us’.

Tears prick my eyes and I press my lips to his in a quick kiss. “I love you with every fiber of my being, Talon. Loving you means knowing the kind of man you are. Don’t hide this from me. Whatever it is, I can handle it.”

He buries his head in my neck, wrapping me so tight, I struggle to breathe. “You’re my fucking world, Princess. Know that.”

It’s not exactly a reassurance, but I’ll take it.

31

TALON

“Oh my God.”Willow’s head drops back and my lips skim along the column of her throat.

My hands grip her hips as I ram up into her over and over. Her thighs tremble and core muscles tighten, sucking my cock deeper.

“Your pussy is fucking made for me.”

“Yes,” she wisps.

“Give me another one.”

“It’s too much.”

I slow, giving her a little reprieve and bunching her dress to see where we’re connected. She rocks, bringing her face back to mine.

Her face is flushed, lips swollen, and small pink marks from my stubble mar her jawline.

My willpower wanes, wanting to mark her further.

“Love this dress, baby, but when we get home, I’m burning it.”

Her eyes flare with defiance. “You are not burning my dress.”

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