Page 227 of Wild Card

“He should have his wife busy.”

“It was really nice.”

“Sure it was.”

“Seriously, Talon, she included pictures.”

“Oh fuck, this gets better and better. She has the time to text and shoot off shots? Ford will never live this down.”

“They were pictures of Tom shielding Maverick all night like he was a hired guard.” She pinches me. “It was sweet.”

“Yeah, sweet. You message people on our wedding night, I deserve to lose my man card.”

“Don’t say anything to him.”

“Princess, this is too good to pass up.”

A calm quiet settles over us before she whispers, “When will you know more?”

“Tomorrow.”

“I love you, Talon.”

After a few minutes, her breathing evens out and her grip loosens. I click off the bedside lamp and give myself a few more minutes.

Darkness coats the room, my mood changing with every second ticking by.

When my time is almost up, I slip out from under her. In less than five minutes, I’m dressed, my bag packed, and I’m standing over Willow’s sleeping form.

My phone buzzes with the text I’ve been waiting for.

The guys are read in. Team is aligned.

She doesn’t stir when I fasten the necklace around her neck and kiss her lightly.

“They need me, baby. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Tomorrow, when she realizes what’s happened, hopefully she’ll understand.

And that may be the only thing I have going for me.

Because in the end, when I return, I can say I didn’t lie to her.

32

WILLOW

Princess,

I told you once that, for as long as I could remember, I wanted to be a Marine. It’s who I am. It’s in my blood.

For the first time in my life, I question my decision. Leaving you is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Please know, if there was any other way, I’d be there with you right now.

I have a favor to ask—Trust me.

You are my single greatest motivation.

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