Page 56 of Talon

“After? How old were you when you met her?”

“Fourteen.”

“So, you lived with Blackstone until then?”

“Yeah. Hey, I don’t really like talking about this too much. It wasn’t a good time.” His jaw clenches as he looks away.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s fine.” He takes a deep breath before asking,“Have you ever traveled anywhere outside of Europe?”

I decide to stop talking about Governor Blackstone. Something about him seems to upset Talon, so I probably shouldn’t go there. Maybe he’ll tell me more about that part of his life later. For now, I’m not going to pry, no matter how curious I might be.

“Where would you go if you could travel anywhere?” I inquire, eager to learn more about his dreams and desires.

He leans back in his chair, staring thoughtfully at the ceiling.“I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. The culture, the history, the food … it all just seems so fascinating.”

“I went there once with my parents. I was too little to remember much, but the food was amazing. It would be fun to visit again.”

As the storm rages outside, intimacy blooms between us. Despite our vastly different backgrounds, we have several things in common. We both love animals and good food.

His affection for Loki is more than evident in the way he interacts with my puppy. Talon doesn’t know I’ve seen him talking to the squirrels around the clubhouse, but I have. He makes it seem like they’re listening and that they can understand him. Normally, I’d think he was crazy, but I’ve seen him speaking to Loki, too, and there’s something strange about it. Loki seems to understand him. I don’t know how that’s possible, but I could swear they’re able to communicate.

Aside from that weirdness, Talon and I both enjoy good food. I’m glad I was able to whip up something tasty tonight. After he saved my life—again—it was the least I could do. I owe him so much more, but I don’t have anything else to give him.

As we finish cleaning up after dinner, the last flicker of candlelight casts a warm glow against the walls. Loki yawns and stretches out on the floor, his eyelids already drooping.

“So … where’s everyone going to sleep?” I ask, trying to sound casual, but my heart races at the thought of our sleeping arrangements.

“Ah, well, there’s only one bed in the cabin.” Talon scratches the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact.“You can take the bedroom. I’ll crash on the couch.”

My cheeks flush, and I’m suddenly aware of a tingling sensation deep within me. The idea of sharing a bed with him pebbles my nipples, but his gentlemanly response leaves me disappointed.

“Okay,” I say, attempting to hide my true feelings.

“Of course.” He nods and offers a small smile.“Sleep well, Jess.”

“You, too. Loki, come on, boy.”

I head into the tiny bedroom, which consists of a small bed and an equally tiny dresser. Loki follows me into the bedroom. He sniffs around for a moment before settling in a cozy spot on the rug beside the bed. I check the closet, but it’s empty. Since I have nothing to change into, I slide out of my pants and slip my bra off, leaving me dressed in panties and a t-shirt.

As I slip under the covers, my mind starts racing. Every unexpected noise makes me jump. My gaze lands on the lock on the door. Should I lock it to keep the stalker out? It seems like the right thing to do, but then it hits me—if my stalker somehow finds this cabin, a locked door won’t stop him. And what if Talon needs to come in and rescue me?

“Who am I kidding?” I whisper to myself, leaving the door unlocked.

Deep down, I know I’m not just worried about the stalker. A part of me secretly hopes Talon will join me in bed. With each passing day, my resolve to keep my hands to myself is weakening. I wish I’d been able to talk to Sienna today. She’d be able to help me sort out my feelings about Talon. Love and lust are two different things. I’m just not sure which one’s got a stranglehold on my emotions.

Outside, the thunderstorm rages on. The weight of vulnerability keeps me awake deep into the night. In this little wooden sanctuary, with Loki by my side and Talon not far away, I try to push aside the fear I have of my stalker … and the longing I have for Talon.

Chapter 16: Talon

The flames quivering in the hearth cast a warm glow over my rigid body. I’m lying on my back on the threadbare couch, trying not to think about Jessica. Usually, the sound of crackling, burning wood soothes me. But tonight, it’s useless against the storm of doubt raging inside me.

Jessica’s asleep in the bedroom. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish I was in there with her, but I can’t be. I’m supposed to be guarding her, protecting her, but I’m failing at my job. I let her down earlier today. Allowing her to go to the coffee shop alone to meet her friend was stupid. It was a huge mistake. And I almost lost her. I should’ve been there to keep her safe, but instead, her stalker nearly kidnapped her.

“Damn it.” I run my hand through my hair.

Am I becoming too emotionally involved with her? I’ve never felt like this about someone I was protecting before. The club has rescued some very beautiful women in the past, but I never cared about any of them. I could admire their attractive qualities without wanting to act on them. This is different. All I can think about is running my hands all over her luscious curves. At night, I dream about sinking in the sweetness of her body, and I wake up in a sweat. It’s happened more times than I can count.

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