Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
My mind cuts to the present and the amazing turnaround.
The last time I saw Rylee, I was in a heap on the floor of Rendezvous, her screaming awful things. Even after being charged with disturbance, she thought she got the best of me.
Confrontation has never been an interest, but tonight is different.
“I want to talk to her.”
Talon links our hands, leading me into the open. As I suspected, she zones in on Talon first, not noticing the woman beside him. When she absently casts her gaze my way, the blood drains from her face.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Willow, these yours?” Robbie motions to the bags.
I pretend to inspect every single one, drawing out my answer, then face her. “Yes, these are the bags stolen.”
Shayla shrieks dramatically, clutching at her pearls. “You tried to sell me hot Gucci! How dare you?”
“Ma’am, you may want to head out. You won’t be buying a purse tonight,” Robbie suggests, barely hiding his amusement.
“Yes, sir, I can’t believe I almost bought from a… a… thief.” She hustles away, staying in character until she’s in her car.
“That’s my necklace, too.”
Rylee’s hand goes to her neck, twisting the diamond pendant. There’s no way I‘ll wear it again, but she certainly isn’t keeping it.
“You set me up,” she seethes.
“Hardly. This was all a waiting game once we knew you broke into my house. It wasn’t a stretch you’d be stupid enough to sell my things after the mess you got yourself into.”
“I didn’t break in. Grandma and Grandpa gave me a key.”
“True, but they have my name on the lease as a renter. You entered my residence without my permission, which is against the law.”
A little white lie never hurt anyone, but it does get the intended effect when the crimson hue returns to her cheeks, this time with a lethal rage. She’s backed into a corner.
“You bitch.”
Talon’s body goes solid, and I run my thumb along his to let him know it’s okay.
“Your insults don’t affect me, Rylee. And honestly, the handbags and jewelry weren’t that big a loss. But you hurt Wolf.”
“So what if your ratty ass dog shit all over your room.”
Fire sparks in my gut at the slur toward Wolf. “You poisoned him.”
“Bet you can’t prove that.”
“Wouldn’t take that bet,” Robbie counters acidly. “I’m an investigator, you think I don’t have my shit together?”
She’s smart enough to keep her death glare aimed at me.
“Now I have animal cruelty and animal endangerment to add to breaking and entering, theft, and destruction. You’ve been caught red-handed with the stolen merchandise. The charges are adding up. Somehow, I don’t think paying a fine and community service will get you off the hook.”
There’s no telling if any of this is legally true, but the men don’t interrupt me, letting me pour it on thick.
“What I want to know is why?”
“You took advantage of Joseph. You ignored his accomplishments and put your needs above his. He deserved better.”
Her words bounce off me and I roll my eyes so hard, I get lightheaded.
“Oh my God, I don’t care about Joey. He and I broke up for a reason. We weren’t long-term material. He’s not worth my breath. It sucks he was sleeping with you, but whatevs.” I wave dismissively, using one of Wyatt’s new favorite words, then curl into Talon, placing my free hand on his rock-hard stomach. “I want to know why you hurt me and Wolf.”
Rylee gulps, realization dawning on her. She’s caught. No way to weasel her way out of this. “I’m not saying anything else.”
“Suit yourself.” I shrug indifferently, peering up at Talon. “Am I done here?”
His lips twitch, pride and approval swirling in his hypnotizing gaze. “Yeah, Princess, you’re done. Let’s go home.”
Ford reads Rylee her rights while Ace makes a call. Before Talon steers me away, I glimpse over once more.
She’s not fighting the arrest, mouthing off, or demanding a lawyer. Instead, her eyes are locked on me.
They aren’t blazing with righteousness and hatred.
They’re brimming with tears, loaded with regret and dejection.
Sympathy stirs in my chest.
Talon gently tips my chin back to him, easily reading my sympathy. His thumb skims my jawline. “I love your kind heart, baby, but she doesn’t deserve it.”
He’s right.
All sympathy dissolves because, no matter what, I have Talon.
The room quiets at the tapping of the glass, all attention swinging to my dad, who’s standing at the head of our table.
My face flushes before he even speaks, knowing I’m about to be the center of attention, again.
When Chase graduated, my parents threw an extravagant celebration. Dad’s associates, Chase’s medical school colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors, everyone came to commend my brother on top honors and his success.
He relished in the attention, the ultimate professional at schmoozing and remaining humble.
I was beyond proud, but that was his personality.
Not me. I begged to go low-key when my time came.