Page 18 of Talon

“Who could be doing this?” Jessica whispers, her voice cracking with despair.“Why won’t they just leave me alone?”

“Hey, come here.” I gently pull her into my arms.“We’ll figure this out, okay? We’re not going to let anyone hurt you.”

“What if you can’t stop them? We don’t even know who’s after me.” Her voice is small and nearly broken.

“We will. I won’t give up until I figure out who’s behind this. Okay? Look at me.” I wait until her gorgeous violet eyes meet mine.“Trust me.”

“Thank you, Talon.” She manages to give me a weak smile.

“Let’s make sure all the doors and windows are locked,” Sienna suggests, her tone practical but laced with underlying worry.“Then we can plan our next move.”

“I’ll help you check downstairs. You look upstairs,” I say.

“Upstairs?” Sienna arches a brow.

“Someone could climb the porch or the vines on the wall.”

“Shit.” The stairs creak as she heads up to check the windows.

“Stay with me. We’ll make sure it’s sealed up down here.” I take Jessica’s hand and lead her from room to room, checking for any unlocked windows. They’re all sealed tight. The doors are all secure, too.

When Sienna returns, I take control of the situation.“You two can’t stay here tonight. Do you have any other options?”

“I could stay with my parents,” Sienna says.“But they hate dogs. Mom claims she’s allergic, but she just says that so people won’t argue with her.”

“What about you, Jess? Is there anyone else you could stay with?”

“Not really. Dad’s out of town and I don’t have anyone else I’d be comfortable calling in the middle of the night.”

“Well, that only leaves one option then.”

“What?”

“You’re staying with me tonight.”

There’s no way in hell I’m going to let her argue with me about this, but I’m ready for a fight. She’s not leaving this place unless it’s with me. There’s no room for debate here. Until we find out who’s stalking her, she’s not leaving my side.

Chapter 6: Jessica

I cross my arms and study Talon. He’s nuts if he thinks I’m just going to jump on the back of his bike and ride off into the night. That’s not going to happen. I’m still not even sure he’s not somehow involved in this. I doubt he is, but how do I know for sure?

“I barely know you,” I argue, my voice tense with suspicion.“And I didn’t see anyone outside. We don’t even know for sure someone was trying to break in.”

“Yeah,” Sienna says, taking my side.

Talon’s expression remains calm, though he shifts uncomfortably under my gaze. I note the scratches and bruises on his arms and face—maybe he’s telling the truth. But why should I trust him? My heart races as I grapple with the uncertainty.

“The stalker escaped, but I promise you’ll be safe with me. You don’t have to worry.” His voice is firm but gentle.

“You’re a part of one of the most notorious outlaw gangs in Montana. How do I know you aren’t setting me up to … I don’t know, kidnap me or something?”

“Kidnap you?” He chuckles.“Babe, if I wanted to throw you over my shoulder like a caveman and carry you off, you wouldn’t be able to stop me.”

His comments should terrify me, but instead, the thought of being manhandled by a man as big and sexy as Talon makes me hot in all the right places. But being turned on isn’t a good reason to believe someone.

“I promise not to hurt a single hair on your head.” He grins and holds out his little finger.“Pinky promise.”

“Seriously?” I laugh.