Page 244 of Wild Card

“Actually, it was nothing to me. Not my money, not my mistake, not my problem.”

“That day at your house, things were intense. I didn’t want to believe it, but deep down, I suspected Rylee was responsible.”

“Your instincts were on point.”

“Is that guy still in the picture?”

My hand instantly goes to my necklace, and his eyes fall to the diamond on the band, flaring wide. “What is that? You’re marrying him?” His gaze drops to the cart and flick back to me. “He knocked you up?”

“Oh my God! The gall you have. Not that it’s your business, but those are presents for my friends. And, yes, I’m marrying Talon.”

He flinches as if I delivered a blow. “He’s not your type and you just met him.”

I toss the body wash in the basket and grip the handle to stop myself from slapping him. “He’s not my type? Didn’t we cover this when you showed up uninvited a few months ago?”

“I wanted to have this conversation in a more private place. I’m concerned, Willow. Regardless of what you believe, I do care. He’s brainwashed you. There’s something not right about him. He monitored your house without your permission and dictates who you talk to. That’s obsessive behavior.”

I glare at him, willing myself not to lose my mind and cause a scene.

“He’s covered in tattoos and drives a motorcycle. That’s exactly the opposite of you.”

I draw in a deep breath and exhale, doing it again for good measure, leaning in and barely controlling my voice.

“We did this once. I tried to spare your feelings before, but you didn’t get it. He doesn’t shame me for my ambition and determination, always encouraging the best in me. Something I never had before.”

His gaze flares with shame, but he still presses on. “I fucked up, that’s not a secret, but he’s not good for you.”

“You’re right.”

He jerks back in surprise at my agreement.

“He’s the best thing that ever happened to me. He loves Wolf, he adores Wyatt, but even more, he cherishes me.”

“You let him around Wyatt?”

Ice floods my bloodstream at his insinuation. “I’m not sure who loves Talon more, me or Wyatt. My whole family is crazy about him. Even Stacy has become a fan.”

The last part may be a stretch since I don’t exactly chat with her on a daily basis.

His shoulders slump and his expression changes. It’s obvious he wants to say more. After a few seconds of awkward silence, his face fills with resignation. “I’m glad you’re happy, Willow.”

Whoa, talk about mercurial shifts.

“Thank you, Joseph.”

His eyes go over my shoulder and his body stiffens.

“Ma’am, you okay?”

Great, if Joseph gets me evicted from Target, I will kick his ass. I spin, trying to paste a smile when my ankle protests and a whimper escapes.

He takes a step forward, his gaze forceful, taking in the situation.

At the sight of him, I inhale sharply. He’s an enormous man, dressed in all black, the fabric of his shirt strained across his massive chest and arms. This guy is not your typical employee. Something about him is familiar, but before I can pinpoint why, he slices his threatening eyes to Joseph.

“Are you bothering this lady?”

“N-n-no, I’m fine.”

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