Page 55 of Wild Card

“Thank you for understanding.” I relax in my stool, taking a much deserved gulp of the martini.

“I didn’t say I understood. But I know when stubborn out-trumps logic.”

“I’m not stubborn!”

Bex snorts and Lucas coughs out what sounds like ‘bullshit’.

“You have a good guy who’s into you. He’s served his country proudly, loves his family—even those not related by blood—and works to protect his community. It’s easy to be attracted to someone, but what he brings to the table isn’t your thing,”

“I’m boring, predictable, and uninteresting. A man like Talon will lose interest in a few days.”

Abe’s jaw hardens and he pulls his lips between his teeth. “That’s all shit, Willow. And that asshole you dated is no man for making you feel that way. Don’t let what he did punish the rest of the male population.”

My skin flames. Before I can even dart my gaze to my friends, he shakes his head.

“It was Chase who filled me in. Came to me a while ago and asked me to look out. If your ex or sister showed up, I was to call him. Told me the shit they pulled and they weren’t ruining your chances at finishing school with top honors.”

“Oh my God.” I sink into the seat. “You’ve known my pathetic story all this time?”

“It’s not pathetic.”

“He brought my personal life into my clinical rotations. Do you know how mortifying that is?”

“I have a sister and would absolutely do the same thing.”

“No, no, no,” I chant, covering my face.

Chase is going to hear about this as soon as my ass can get away from these people.

“If Talon Simms is not your gig, I get it. But don’t shut him down because you think it will reflect on your position. And definitely don’t fucking blow him off because of your lack of self-worth. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Well said!” Bex claps obnoxiously.

“Can we drop it now?” I mutter through my fingers.

“Yeah, we can.” Abe pulls one hand down and squeezes my wrist.

“I got here as soon as possible.” A frazzled Maddie rushes up. “What did I miss?”

Abe’s eyes light up, his expression transforming into what can only be described as adoration. He releases my wrist and tugs her to him, kissing her sweetly.

“You missed the Dr. Phil hour, but I think it’s all good,” I answer.

“Did Abraham straighten you out?”

“He made a few valid points.”

“Proud of you, honey.” She beams, her amber eyes glittering. “I am dying for a cocktail. It’s been way too long since we got together.”

Abe raises his hand for the waiter and the whole mood shifts at her cheeriness.

Bex pats my knee and shoots me a small smile. She knows.

Abe may have just broken through.

8

TALON

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