Page 92 of Talon

“Of course. It looks like you’ve had quite the day.” Dr. Andrews turns to me.“Do you need me to look at your face? You have some lacerations along your jaw.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll call my doc and have him check it out.”

“Very well. I’ll be in touch.” Dr. Andrews walks to the nurse’s station, where he stops to converse with the head nurse.

“Would you like to stay here with your father?” It’s clear she’s exhausted, but I don’t want to take her home until she’s ready.

“Just for a few minutes. I want him to know I’m here, even if he can’t really hear me.”

“He’ll know,” a nurse says as she passes us to go into Randolph’s room.“Just hold his hand and he’ll know it’s you.”

“I will.”

As she follows the nurse in, I hang back to talk to Matrix and the prospects.“I’m pretty sure the only people involved were Allison and her accomplice, a guy named Kyle. Neither mentioned anyone else, so Randolph should be safe tonight. However, I don’t want to take any chances.”

“I’ll stay,” one of the prospects says.

“Me, too,” another adds.

“We all will,” Matrix says.

“Thanks, brother.” I slap him on the back before nodding at the others.“I know I can trust you guys to keep an eye on him until we’re back.”

When I walk into the room, Jessica gives her father’s hand a soft squeeze.“We’ll be back first thing tomorrow, Daddy. Talon’s friends are going to stay with you to keep you safe. But Allison’s going to jail, and she’s never going to be able to hurt you again.”

She stands and wraps her arms around my waist.“Let’s go back to the clubhouse. I need some time away from all this before I fall apart.”

“Of course. Anything you need, babe.”

And I mean it. From now on, I’m going to take care of her and her father. The threat may be over, but there’s no way I’m going to let her walk out of my life. She means everything to me. I’m going to tell her that I want her by my side forever, but now isn’t the right time. So, I’ll just have to keep being patient. I’ve waited my whole life to find a woman like her. I can be patient for a few more days.

Chapter 26: Jessica

Nestled in Talon’s strong arms, a sense of calm and safety settles over me. The soft sheets beneath us offer the perfect contrast to his roughness. His body is a living testament to the battles he’s fought, both inside and out. Our breathing synchronizes as he holds me closer, and I let out a contented sigh. Skin to skin with nothing between us is exactly where I want to be right now.

“I’m glad Allison and Kyle are finally behind bars. When I was trapped in the morgue with them, I was sure I was about to die. The thought of never seeing you again …” I snuggle against his side.

“They won’t be able to terrorize you from prison. I’ll make sure they’re thrown in solitary confinement if they ever try anything. We’ve got people on the inside who can take care of that if it becomes an issue.” He brushes his hand across my hip before cupping my ass.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” I murmur.

“You’re one hell of a fighter, babe. I’m glad I got to see you in action, but I hope you never have to deal with anyone like them for the rest of your life.”

“I can’t imagine anyone hating me the way Allison did. I’m still shocked by what she did, not just to me, but to Dad, too.”

“Women can be just as evil as men. Some people are just born bad.” He presses a tender kiss to my forehead, his beard brushing against my skin.“But others are born to stop those kinds of people.”

“Like you?”

“Yeah.” His smile sends warmth spreading through my body. Although we were exhausted when we got to the clubhouse last night, we still found the energy to make love. I already want him again. The insatiable hunger I have for him is just as strong as the night we met, maybe stronger now that I know exactly what he can do with his lips and his devilish tongue.

My life has changed so much since meeting Talon and getting entangled with his world. I’ve grown stronger and braver, all because of him. But now that the danger has passed, what does that mean for our relationship? He kept telling me he only wanted to protect me, but is that all? Are we … over?

“Maybe I should move back into my house,” I suggest hesitantly, gauging his reaction.

His hold on me tightens for a moment before he carefully pulls away, his eyes searching mine. There’s a certain stoicism in his gaze, making it difficult to read his emotions. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows and looks away.

“Of course. If that’s what you want, Jess, I’ll help you move your things.”

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