Page 232 of Wild Card

When I lean back, there is an audible intake of breath from Rowan at the same time Harley screeches, rushing over.

“Is that??? My God… it’s gorgeous, let me see.” She reaches out, lifting the chain that has come loose from under my shirt.

The sparkling diamond ring dangles, catching the light at an angle, and casting glimmers around the room.

April and Jewls are instantly here, pushing Ford to the side. Out of nowhere, Celia, Addison, Carson, and Cindy join the huddle.

Where the hell have they been?

“Ummm, it’s a… Talon gave it to me,” I finish, not knowing how to explain what this is.

Obviously, I’d assume it’s an engagement ring, but you can’t be engaged without a proposal.

“It’s one hell of a promise ring.” Jewls carefully fingers the ring.

“You think? A promise ring?”

I glance at April, her eyes shining bright with admiration. She nods. “Jewls is right, it’s his promise to come back.”

Labeling its extravagance as a promise ring seems juvenile, knowing our relationship is much more. But I like her inference.

A hand runs over my head, pulling my attention to Ford. He tugs a strand of hair, flashing me a small grin.

No words are needed because I can read his thoughts.

And for the first time in fifty-six-plus hours, I have hope.

33

TALON

My body convulses,the tang of blood filling my mouth as I hit my knees. “Man, I didn’t know she had a boyfriend!”

“She’s my sister!” Another blow slams into my temple, warm liquid dripping into my eye.

I grind my teeth, using every ounce of self-control not to lay out this fucker.

“Hold it together, Simms, another minute and we’re in his phone.” Rand speaks in my earbud.

“My bad, dude. She was alone—” I’m cut off by a boot to the ribs while another guy yanks my shoulders to hold me straight.

“Do I look like a fucking dude to you? Fucking American frat boys blowing into town, wanting a good time. You fucked with the wrong woman.” My assailant spits, his dark eyes crazed.

The woman I’ve been working all night stands across the dirty parking lot, restrained by a man who seems bored.

She screams in rapid-fire Spanish, getting her brother’s attention. He half turns to her, shouting his response.

She lashes back at him, keeping him engaged in the argument and giving me more of what we need.

“Ricardo, leave him alone!”

“Rosa, you know better than to pick up with a Gringo! I told you not to leave the house tonight!”

“You don’t own me!”

“I got called out of an important meeting to deal with your shit, again, Rosa. You’re lucky I don’t lock you up.”

“Try it, asshole, and I’ll kill you!” She struggles against the man’s hold, scratching at his arms and drawing blood.

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