Page 53 of Talon

As I’m texting her, Talon’s securing something on the back of his motorcycle. By the time I put my phone away, he’s got Loki sitting on the back of the bike.

“What on earth?” I frown.

“Dog carrier. The post office finally dropped it off yesterday. Overnight shipping my ass.”

“You got this for Loki?”

“Yeah. Just in case we needed to take him somewhere on my bike.”

“What’s all that?” I point at a pile of various black leather items.

“Well, he needs goggles so he won’t get stuff in his eyes.” Talon secures them on Loki’s face, tightening the straps and making sure they’re settled into the right spot.

“And a helmet?” I pick it up and study it.

“We can decorate it later.”

“With what?” My brows raise.

“Stickers. Whatever you want. Some guys put places they’ve been. Others like to put their favorite sports teams or beers.”

“That’s adorable.”

“Wait till you see the jacket.” Talon holds a small, leather jacket up.“This will cut down on wind chill.”

“He’s never going to wear that. I tried to get him to wear a—” I abruptly stop because Loki doesn’t fight back when Talon slides the arms over Loki’s paws. In fact, Loki sits perfectly still while Talon dresses him.

“And we can’t forget earmuffs.” Talon holds up a pair before placing them over Loki’s ears.“There. He’s all set to ride.”

“Wow … you really thought of everything,” I murmur, impressed by his thoroughness. It’s obvious Talon cares deeply for animals, but the question that haunts me is whether he feels the same way about me.

“Jess, you’re not the only one I’m going to keep safe.” Talon looks at me intently.“I’m starting to really like having this little dude around. I want him to be happy when he’s on my bike.”

“I’m sure he will be,” I say softly.

“I got you something, too.” He holds out a medium-sized helmet until I take it.“Let me help you put it on. It should be the right size, but you never know.”

“They come in different sizes?”

“Of course.” He looks at me like I’m not very bright.

“I don’t know. All this motorcycle stuff is new to me.”

“Eventually, you’ll be a pro. You’ll know everything there is to know about riding safely and comfortably. Maybe one day, I can teach you how to drive one of these.” Talon pats his bike.“Until then, you’re riding bitch.”

“What?”

“It’s an expression. Riding bitch means you’re the person in the back on a bike.”

“Oh, that’s good. For a second, I thought I’d have to slap you.”

“Only if you want to, baby.” Talon grins before climbing onto his bike. He waits for me to get settled in behind him before revving it and tearing out of the parking structure.

As we ride away from town, I wonder where he’s taking me. Not just physically, but emotionally, too. I’m falling for this man, slowly but surely, and as much as I want to deny it, I can’t. He’s everything I never knew I wanted, and nothing like the type of man I thought I’d marry. I still don’t know what to make of his world, but the longer I stay in it, the harder it will be to leave. If I’m not careful, I’m going to get trapped in a fairytale gone wild with a man who could steal my heart away for good.

Chapter 15: Jessica

The landscape changes as Talon drives us deeper into the woods. I have no idea where we’re going, but there’s something about his strong presence that makes me trust him implicitly. The roar of the motorcycle’s engine soothes me. I don’t really understand why, but I feel like a baby being rocked to sleep.

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