Page 45 of Talon

“Oh, shit.”

“So, the cops show up, lights, sirens, guns out. The works.”

“You’re lucky they didn’t use it as an excuse to shoot you.”

“Exactly. My asshole was puckered for sure.”

“How’d you get rid of them?” I ask.

“It took us hours to convince the police there was no break-in. We ended up on a first-name basis by the end of the night. Daisy charmed the hell out of them, so I don’t think they’ll be a problem.”

“Don’t trust them. You never know who’s in Blackstone’s back pocket.”

“True. But after the fact, it was funny as hell. My woman makes me laugh every day.” A goofy smile spreads across his face.“I hope you find an old lady like her one day.”

“Sounds like you two are a perfect match,” I say, avoiding his last comment. He’s found something special in Daisy, and I envy their connection. He’s a lucky guy.

“Look,” Matrix says, his tone serious once more.“Just keep an open mind. Love shows up at the weirdest times.”

“Love?” I snort, shaking my head.“I don’t have time to think about love. My job is to protect Jessica, not fall for her.”

“Of course, brother. But remember, the club will protect Jessica like we protect everyone else we help. You don’t have to carry the weight all by yourself. It’s not just on you. It’s on all of us. Old lady or not, we know she’s someone special. I just hope you pull your head out of your ass and make a move before we solve this case. You’re always telling everyone else not to let a good thing slip through their fingers. It’s time you take your own advice.”

“I’ll try to keep that in mind,” I say quietly, grateful for his support.

“Good. Now, let’s focus on the task at hand and make sure Jessica stays safe. If anything else pops up in these background checks, you’ll be the first to know.”

Leaving Matrix’s office, I make my way down the hallway to my bedroom. As I open the door, I find Loki, Jessica’s dog, sprawled out on my bed. The sight of the grinning puppy brings a smile to my face.

“Hey, buddy,” I say, chuckling.“What are you doing in here? Who let you in?”

Loki blinks up at me with his huge, expressive eyes. I stare back, getting sucked into them the way I do when a special connection forms between an animal and me. The first time I had a telepathic conversation with a bird, I thought I was losing my mind. Now, it’s such a normal experience that it doesn’t even faze me.

“I’m going to protect your mom,” I tell Loki, using my telepathy.

“You good man,” Loki replies in my mind.“You keep Mom safe.”

“I will, brother.” I’m touched by his loyalty.“We’ll take care of Jessica as a team.”

“Woof!” His happy bark fills the room.

For a few minutes, I play with Loki, enjoying the simple comfort of his presence. It’s easy to see why Jessica loves this dog so much. He’s protective and loyal, qualities that resonate deeply within me.

Before long, there’s a knock on my door, and Jessica’s voice filters through it.“Talon, dinner’s ready.”

“Coming,” I call, giving Loki one last pat before we both head out of the room.

As I follow Loki and Jessica to the dining area, I wonder if I’m being a fool. I’ve been trying to keep my heart safe, but it’s starting to feel like an impossible task. The more I’m around her, the more I want her. And it’s not just physical. She’s a very strong woman. She’s not breaking down, despite everything that’s happened to her. Anyone else would be a mess, but not her. She’s unbreakable, and that’s the sexiest damn thing in the world.

When I step into the bustling kitchen, Nina flashes me a shit-eating grin. She can see right through me, and she knows I’m fucked. I’m already half in love with this girl, and I can’t do a damn thing to stop it.

Loki sits under the table while Jessica gathers plates and silverware for dinner. The aroma of grilled chicken and sautéed vegetables fills the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. All the other guys are gathered around the table, laughing and joking, completely oblivious to the war going on in my head.

“Hey, let me get Loki’s food,” I offer, grabbing his kibble from a nearby cabinet. As I fill a bowl for him, Jessica watches with a hint of surprise in her eyes.

“It’s so weird.”

“What?”

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