Page 5

Delaney

I am starting to notice a pattern to when Talon shuts down and goes cold. He refuses to show any emotion that would reveal his thoughts. He’s proven that he is compassionate by checking in with me this morning, and that’s more than anyone has ever done. One day I will get him to open up, but until then I plan to be the biggest fucking brat. I might be guessing wrong, but I feel as though he wants me to push him. He wants someone strong, and he has no problem helping to make me strong.

I feel better today than I did last night, and I think that has a lot to do with how I woke up with Talon clinging to me, crying. I knew he was asleep, but it was heartbreaking to see him so broken. All I could do was hold him and tell him everything would be okay. I want to believe that it’s true. I want to believe that we will be okay. This can’t be all for nothing or what’s the use in trying?

I am staring out of the window as we drive. Viper and Rogue are up front and Talon is in the back with me. I can feel him watching me, but he doesn’t say anything. I don’t look up because I am so goddamn scared right now, but I don’t want him to question me. My fear has nothing to do with him, but it kind of does. I’m afraid that Logan will kill Talon and in turn take everything from him. Talon is dangerous, but he is not Logan. He is not evil.

We stop in the parking lot of the courthouse, and I am fidgety. They have called my name seven times, but I am too busy trying to not cry. My door opens and Talon turns me in the seat before resting his forearms on the edge of the truck so that he can lean in to be at eye-level with me.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, sniffing back tears.

“What’s going on?”

“I’m scared,” I admit quietly.

“Laney, I am not exactly giving you a choice here, but I do want you to walk in there with me willingly. Can you do that?”

“I’m not scared of you,” I say. “I’m scared of… Logan has so much riding on us getting married Saturday. He will lose the deal with my parents… they need your shares to get a loan to keep the company from going under. I’m scared they will kill you and take me back.”

“What can I do to give you reassurance?” he asks.

“Kill him,” I say simply.

“I’ll write your name on the blade that I plan to slit his throat with. How does that sound, Little Flower?” he asks with a gentle tone.

“Sounds like we are going to be a good match for marriage, because that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me,” I say honestly.

“Come on, Laney,” he says. “It’s time.”

I nod and he grabs me by the waist, pulling me out of the vehicle to set me on my feet. I’m wearing a simple pastel pink dress that comes to my knees. It is form fitting, but flairs out at the base of my ribcage. I feel pretty for the first time in a long time. I don’t have makeup, so my bruises are extremely visible.

We get inside and take the elevator to the third floor. When we step out, I can tell right away that these men are with Talon. “Holy shit, Hawk,” a man says. “You said…”

“Shut the fuck up,” Talon frowns. “You know damn well those bruises aren’t from me.”

“Logan did this?” another man asks.

“Mhmm. Her parents were marrying her off to Logan to merge their companies. He’s done that… plus more… for two years,” Talon explains.

“Well… shit,” the third man says. They all look at me and I must be wide eyed or something, because they all give me a pitiful look.

“That is Torch, Knox, and Fang,” Talon says to me.

“Hawk?” I ask.

“Yeah…. Don’t call me that,” he remarks, and I smile. “Just like we don’t call Viper by his real name.”

“He looks like a… Dennis,” I say. “Dennis the menace.”

“Close,” Talon smirks. “Jude.”

“Hmm,” I say.

“Ready?” he asks me.

“Sure,” I say with sass in my voice. I don’t know why it came out that way, but I won’t look weak and bend for him just because he doesn’t like it. I am here and not fighting, so he should be happy. He narrows his eyes at me, but I stay staring at him, unwavering.

“Ready?” he repeats.

“Sure,” I say again. “Oh… I’m sorry… yes, Master. Whatever will please you… Master.”

Talon growls and shoves me back against the wall and grabs my chin to make me look up at him. “Lose the goddamn attitude,” he says with a threat in his tone.

“Yes, Master,” I say coolly. He grips my throat, but I don’t budge. “You’re getting a wife, not a slave. Learn to live with it or kill me. Either way, I am stuck with someone who doesn’t want me.”

“Talon,” Viper says quietly, stepping close to us. “Punish her later. If you draw attention, he won’t sign.”

“Hope it was worth it,” Talon says simply. I roll my eyes, and he grits his teeth before grabbing my arm and pulling me down the hall. I yank my arm away from him, but stay beside him as we walk. I can tell I’ve made him mad, but I don’t really care. If he wants to marry me, I’m going to make his life hell, so he will just snap and kill me one day. What is wrong with me suddenly?

We walk into an office and a man stands up. “Talon. Good to see you,” he says.

“Where do we sign?” Talon says coldly. The man is taken aback, glancing at me. “Don’t look at her. Look at me, James.”

“Sorry, I… She looks scared,” he says. “I said I would do this for you, and I don’t have an issue but… I’m not getting involved in trafficking.”

“She’s not trafficked, James,” Talon sighs.

“Then I need to hear that from her,” he says simply. Talon looks at me and it’s then that he realizes that I have the power to fuck him over right now. I could put on a show, beg for help, and have the cops here in seconds. I could have him put in jail and I could escape. I could be free to move across the county and disappear. I stare at Talon, contemplating everything that has happened over the last day.

“Define trafficked,” I say.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Delaney,” Talon sighs when James frowns at him.

“I am not trafficked,” I laugh.

“Are you making this decision of your own free will?” James asks me.

The answer is no. I am not. I have no other choice, but for whatever stupid fucking reason, I won’t admit that. “I am,” I say.

“Alright,” James says. “Just sign where I have it marked. Am I filing a prenup?”

“No,” Talon says simply as he signs his name. I, as well as everyone else in the room, look at him in shock. “No prenup, because divorce isn’t an option.”

Talon hands me the pen and I just stare at the paper. This is it. This is the moment that I make myself an even bigger target, and Talon. Why do I care about Talon? Why should I give a fuck if they kill him? I wipe a tear from my cheek and Talon takes the pen from me so he can turn me to face him.

“No,” I say.

“No, what?”

“No. We need a prenup and a will.”

“No, we don’t.”

“Yes, we do.”

“Delaney, you’re really pushing—“

“What if he kills you and then takes me because I’m inheriting all your stupid assets, Talon? I can’t… I can’t do this again. I just…” Fuck, my heart is too fast. I gasp for air. “Fuck.”

“Laney? Laney, what’s wrong?”

“Ugh. T-Talon.”

“What’s wrong with her?” I hear someone ask, but they sound far away. All the eyes stare at me, like I’m in some nightmare. My body is too hot, my heart is racing. I meet Talon’s gaze and beg him with mine to save me from myself, but I can’t talk. He pulls me into his arms.

“Breathe with me, Little Flower.”

“What the fuck is wrong with her?”

“She’s having a panic attack. I used to have them all the time,” he answers. His palm brushes against my hair, tucking a piece behind my ear. “Shhh,” he whispers. It’s the best sound I’ve heard in years. There is a calmness in his voice that is soothing, yet still commanding. “We’re going to take a deep breath. Ready?” He takes one in, but I can’t take it that deep and mine does nothing. Why is the world swirling? “Nothing bad is gonna happen, because I wont let it.”

“I’m sorry.” It’s barely a whisper. My temple is against his chest. As the oxygen fills my lungs, I become more aware of everyone’s worried and pitiful stares. My face heats with embarrassment. “Don’t look at them. Look at me.” Talon takes my chin between his thumb and forefinger, turning me to him again. His blue eyes are so clear, the lack of pity brings me comfort because he’s seeing me despite my outburst, despite this stupid panic attack.

“Just tell me what’s going on,” he says simply.

“This is going to make me a target,” I say. “He will—“

“He will do nothing to you, Delaney,” Talon says. “You are safe with me, okay?”

“Okay,” I sniff.

“Take a second to breathe,” he says, handing me the pen back. I turn back to the paper and take a deep breath. After a moment, I sign.

“Alright. I will get this filed,” James says, signing after me. “I’ll get her documents updated. Do you want her passport updated?”

“Please,” he says.

Hearing that brings panic over me. I can feel the panic boiling over and my hands start shaking. I know why I am panicked, but I keep my mouth shut as we walk out of the office and to the elevator. No one says a word until we are in the parking lot.

“Want to go to the clubhouse?” Viper asks.

“I’m going to get her some lunch first, and then we will meet everyone there,” Talon says.

“Alright. We will catch a ride with Torch so you two can be alone,” he says, glancing at me before walking away. Talon opens the passenger door but grabs my arm before I can get in. I yank my arm away again, but he turns me around me shoves me back against the vehicle.

“What?” I snap. “I signed the fucking paper. What the fuck do you want from me, Talon?”

“What has gotten into you?” he asks.

“Don’t act like you fucking know me,” I say. “Either punish me or let me sit down.”

“You are really pissing me off today, Laney,” he says with a frown.

“Welcome to our loveless marriage, Talon. Everything you’ve ever wanted, huh? Mommy would be proud,” I say with a mocking tone. He grabs me by the shoulders and slams me back against the SUV before walking away. I am in shock for a second, but by the time he gets into the driver’s seat, I am sad all over again. I get into the passenger’s seat and gently shut the door before keeping myself pressed against it, staying as far away from Talon as I can.

That was a shitty fucking thing for me to say. I deserved that anger, but he wanted to hit me. I could see it on his face. Maybe he is more like Logan than I thought? He is bigger than Logan, so he probably hits harder, too. Talon reaches for me, and I flinch away from him, and he just pulls his hand back to shifts the vehicle into drive.

The ride is completely silent, and I assume he isn’t going to let me eat, so I am surprised when we pull into the parking lot of a diner. I still keep my mouth shut because I am scared and fidgety. “Laney,” Talon says after watching me for a moment.

“Yeah?” I squeak out, not looking up.

“Look at me, please,” he begs. I look up and he puts his hand out. I cautiously place my hand in his and he brings me to his side before pulling me into his lap to straddle him. I keep my head down, but he lifts my chin. “Talk to me. What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I’m sorry for being a bitch. I should not have said that,” I say quietly. “I understand that I will be punished, and I deserve it.”

“You lashed out. Why?” he asks. “I want to know the reasoning behind your actions before I punish you.”

“I… was scared,” I admit. “I would never dare say anything like that to Logan, so I don’t know why I would say it to you.”

“I’m not Logan,” he says.

“The passport says differently,” I say.

“What?” he asks, his eyebrows wrinkle in confusion.

“The passport. Just sell me off to someone in another country. That’s the goal, right?” I ask. “He threatened it all of the time and then you conveniently have my passport updated.”

“Delaney,” he sighs. “Is that why you lashed out? Because of the passport?”

“I guess,” I say.

“Little Flower, it is simply an escape plan if things get hairy. If I think for a second that I cannot protect you and we have nowhere else to go, I will get us out of this country. I have the connections, and I will do anything I need to in order to keep you safe,” he says. “If I ship you off to another country, I’m going to be right there with you.”

“Why?” I ask. “Why would you do that if you don’t love me, and you never will?” I ask.

“Because signing those papers was a vow to keep you safe,” he says.

“No,” I say. “Signing that paper was revenge.”

“I can see why you think that,” he says. “You are a brat when you get anxious. You also shake.”

“Yeah,” I say.

“When you need or want attention, you are a brat,” he says. “I understand how it happens, but you are still being punished. It’s vital that you learn to communicate with me.”

“It doesn’t matter if I communicate, Talon. What if I just want to be cuddled, hmm? What if I feel lonely? Are you going to cuddle me and make me feel less lonely? Are you going to fake loving me so that I feel wanted?”

“If you want to be cuddled, I’ll cuddle you when the time allows. If you feel lonely, I will be available for just you and me. I will not fake anything with you, Laney, but I can still want to make you happy.”

“Fine. I need to see that you are capable of showing me compassion,” I say. “When you slammed me against the car, I saw you as Logan. It told me in that moment that you will hurt me one day.”

“I shouldn’t have done that,” he says quietly. “Delaney, I shouldn’t have done that. I got angry and I took it out on you. I shouldn’t have done that, and I’m sorry.”

“I’m not asking you to kiss my ass, but you are making it hard not to hate you. I don’t want to hate you. I knew a long time ago that marriage would be something not like it should be but I’m okay with adapting and making the best of it,” I say. “If you can show me that you care, I can make you love me, Talon.”

“Far too much has happened to me for me to be able to love,” he says quietly. “I’ve never loved anyone.”

“Well, punish me, and then pamper me the best way you know how,” I say. “I need to see that you are human, Talon.”

“Will that make you stop being a brat?” he asks.

“No, but it will erase a lot of doubt,” I tell him.

“How about this,” he says. “Let’s grab food and I can show you the clubhouse. After, we can go to the house and spend some time together.”

“Okay,” I smile. He surprises me when he wraps me in a hug to hold me against his chest. It takes me a second, but I relax into him.

We stop in front of what looks like a bar with an attached garage. The bay doors are open and there are people laughing and chatting. Talon reaches back and grabs the leather vest that I keep seeing. When he puts it on, my mouth falls open.

“What?” Talon says with a frown.

“You look… I’m a big fan of the vest,” I say, scanning him. He’s wearing a simple white shirt and jeans. I love that he dresses and looks the exact opposite of Logan. The tattoos. The disheveled look that he does so effortlessly. Fuck, I’m in trouble .

“You like the vest?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Very much so,” I say. “I might need a bucket for my drool, Talon.”

“I can’t tell if you are being a brat or not,” he says.

“What? Do you think I’m lying?” I ask.

“Honestly, yeah. No one has ever said that.”

“Talon, you are stunning. Who hurt you?” I ask seriously.

“Vince,” he says simply.

“Mmm. Yeah, I understand that more than you know,” I sigh. “Can I kill him for you?”

“You want to kill?” he asks.

“Do I want to kill the man who raped me every time he was near me for two years?” I ask. “The same man who clearly broke you?”

“What do you want to do?” he asks.

“I want to make him suffer for the sadness I see on your face right now,” I say. “I won’t ask you what happened, but know that I’m chopping his dick off for you no matter if my assumption is right or not.”

“Why?” he asks.

“Because no matter if you ever love me or not, you are my husband. I was raised knowing someone would marry me one day and if you are who you have presented yourself as to me, you deserve to be cared for the same way you want to do for me,” I say. “I truly want to be a good wife to you because I don’t like feeling like a failure. I don’t like seeing that pain in your eyes.”

“Let’s go inside,” he says dismissively before abruptly getting out of the vehicle. I sit here for a second and consider getting mad but, he’s broken. That’s why he’s cold. Vince broke him and I want to put him back together. My door comes open and he waits for me to get out.

“Thanks,” I say quietly.

Talon leads me in with his hand on the small of my back. When we walk into the garage area, everyone stops and looks at us. “Hey,” Viper says.

“Got it?” Talon asks.

“Mhmm. You want it now?” he asks.

“Yeah,” Talon answers before turning to me. “I’m going to do something for you because I want to show that I’m serious about taking care of you.”

“Uhm… okay,” I say.

“I don’t know if you understand the significance, but,” he says as he takes a smaller vest from Viper. “This is…”

“A vest!” I say happily. “Is this mine?”

“It is,” he says. “Want to put it on?”

“Oh my God! Yes!” I say giddily. He tries to hide a smile as he helps me put the vest on. The back has a larger circular patch on it. It says “Sons of the Reaper” on the back with a silhouette of the Grim Reaper underneath. The front has a name patch that says “Raven.”

“Raven?” I ask.

“They are small but fiercely territorial, and they often gift those who take care of them,” he says as he stands in front of me and straightens the vest. “They will call you Raven, but you are my Little Flower.”

“I love it,” I say softly. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he says. “But…”

“Aww. You’re going to punish me in front of everyone, aren’t you?” I ask.

“I am,” he says. “On your knees, Little Flower.”

I sink to my knees and sit back on my heels to look up at him. “I’m sorry for being a brat,” I say remorsefully.

“I know you are, but you have to learn how to communicate with me. If not anyone else, you need to with me,” Talon says, gently lifting my chin with one hand and unbuckles his belt with his other. “Hands behind your back. If you move them, I will tie them. After, you’re getting a spanking.”

“Am I four?” I ask.

“And to think I was going to let you come,” he says simply.

“Oh shit. Nevermind. I like spankings,” I say, making him grin mischievously.

“We’ll see,” he says. He pulls his cock free, and I lick my lips in anticipation. Can a dick be beautiful? Everything about this man is fucking stunning. He gently fists my hair, and I open my mouth wide. When he gets close enough, I wrap my lips around the head and tease the backside of his cock with my tongue. A wave of pride washes over me when his eyes flutter. He pushes down my throat and holds still when I start gagging.

“Good girl. Just relax,” he says softly as he starts to rock his hips. I suck him hard and earn a growl as he tightens his grip on my hair. “Fuck, Little Flower.”

He remembers this is supposed to be a punishment and moves his hands to the sides of my head. He instantly finds a pace that takes my breath away. I pull back some, but he moves with me and doesn’t let up. I have my hands clasped together to remind me not to move. I look up at him with tears running down my face, and he fucking smiles . I am choking on this man’s cock, looking like a hot mess, and he looks at me like I am the most beautiful girl he has ever laid eyes on. I am in big fucking trouble…

I keep my eyes on him and take every brutal stroke he gives me. I am so goddamn turned on right now; I don’t care what I must do to have him get me off, but I’ll do it. I am hooked on him, and I hate it. I know he’s going to break my fucking heart and I’m going to let him over and over again.

Talon groans deeply and pushes down my throat as he comes. I cough and gag on him as he drains himself, but I swallow until he pulls away and stands me up. Everyone is watching but doing their own things.

“Hands on the edge of the table,” Talon says. I nod once and do as I am told. I drop my head to look down so that I am not looking at everyone in the room. “Don’t move and you’ll be rewarded.”

“Yes sir,” I breathe. He abruptly grabs my hair and yanks it back for me to look at him, and he looks pissed. “It’s a habit. I’m sorry.”

“For who?” he asks, but I shake my head. “Tell me.”

“Vince and Logan,” I whisper.

“For both?” he asks. He sighs when I nod. “Do you want to call me sir?”

“No, I… not sir.”

“Then what?” he asks as he pulls my dress is to my waist. He can see all of me, but no one else can. He slowly eases my panties down so I can step out of them.

“It’s embarrassing,” I whisper.

“Tell me, Little Flower.” His tone carries a warning, but I don’t say anything. I gasp the first time he smacks my ass. The second time, a yelp escapes me and then the third comes in harder. There’s a swooping sound that cuts the air and the sting pulls my tears. “Fuck! Tal!” I suck in a ragged breath to try and calm myself.

“Tell me,” he demands, smacking my ass again and again. When he stops, I notice we are both breathing fast and hard. From the corner of my eye, I see him wipe the sweat from his forehead. Tears are running across the bridge of my nose to my eyelid to the table, where I’ve lain my cheek. I squeeze my eyes shut but then when I open them, our gazes meet. With mine, I beg him to stop.

My body jumps at the feel of his warm palm gently caressing the same cheeks he just finished abusing.

Without thinking, I moan and push my hips back when he slams his fingers inside of me. I’m completely wet. What the fuck? I didn’t enjoy the… My eyes roll closed as he slowly pumps his fingers inside of me. “Tell me, Laney.” When I hesitate, he stops.

“Daddy,” I whimper quietly. “You’re just so protective.” He is dead silent, and I expect him to pull out of me, but he doesn’t. He curls his fingers inside of me and I moan loudly.

“Say it again,” he says softly.

“Daddy,” I say with more confidence. I am rewarded instantly when he starts to fuck me hard and fast with his hand.

“Again, Little Flower. Who’s making you feel good?”

“Daddy is,” I gasp and push my hips back. “Oh God, Daddy. Please.”

“Please what, Little Flower? Talk to me,” he says.

“I want to come,” I groan and move down to my forearms to bury my face in my arms.

“Ask nicely, Little Flower. Tell Daddy what you need.”

“Please let me come, Daddy. Please,” I cry out. He adds a third finger and slams deeper as he violently works my pussy. He lays his hand on the small of my back to get more leverage.

“Come for Daddy, Laney. Scream for me,” he encourages.

The orgasm is fast building and when it rocks through me, my arousal floods out of me and splashes to the ground. He works me through my release, milking every moan from me before I relax. He stands me up and gently cups my face. “I’m proud of you, Delaney. I do not feel as though I have earned the right yet to be considered a caretaker, but I will earn it.

“Thank you for not judging me,” I say softly.

“I will never judge you,” he says. “That wasn’t much of a punishment.”

“No, you seem to suck at that,” I say with a playful smile.

“Mhmm. We’ll see about that,” he remarks coolly.

“There’s… a mess,” I say.

“Beauty of having a prospect,” he says. “Fang?”

“Yeah?” a man says from across the room.

“Clean up the mess,” Talon says as he leads me to a table.

“Isn’t that the whore’s job?” the man chuckles.

Uh oh…

“What the fuck did you just say?” Talon says as he releases my hand and turns around. Out of nowhere, Viper pulls me away to stand with Torch before going to Talon.

Oh, this is bad…

“What?” Fang laughs and looks up at Talon. He jumps up from his seat and tries to back away, but someone else shoves him toward Talon.

“Say it again,” Talon growls. Fang opens his mouth to repeat himself and Talon grabs him by his shirt and throws him clear across the room. Fang lands on a table that promptly topples over.

“Wait. Wait. Wait,” Fang says hurriedly as he scurries up from the floor. I cover my mouth and back up when Talon swings and his fist connects with Fang’s face. Fang’s head snaps back and Talon grabs him before he can fall.

“Don’t you ever call her a whore again,” Talon growls.

“I don’t know who she is. You only bring whores around here. You call them that. I’m sorry,” Fang says quickly.

“Have you ever seen me give a vest to a whore? No. She is my wife, and I better never fucking hear that come out of your mouth again,” Talon says, keeping anger in his voice. “You will only refer to her as Raven. Now go fucking apologize.”

Talon shoves Fang toward me, but I am backed into a corner. “I’m sorry, Raven,” Fang says flatly.

Talon slams his hand down on Fang’s shoulder and forces him down to his knees. “I said apologize. Do it right, or I’ll cut your fucking tongue out,” Talon snaps.

Fang looks furious, but his voice is meek. “I’m sorry, Raven. I shouldn’t have said that without knowing who you were.”

“You shouldn’t call any woman a whore. No one should,” I say with a frown.

“I understand,” he says simply.

“Now get over here,” Talon says as he stands by the table we were just at.

“Fucking psycho asshole,” Fang mutters to himself as he goes to stand. Before Torch or Viper can react to his words, I surprise myself. I raise my foot and kick him dead center on his back, sending him face first onto the floor.

“For that, you can crawl,” I snap. “Who in the fuck are you to say that bullshit?”

“I’m not fucking crawling,” Fang says with a frown as he starts to stand.

“What the fuck did she just tell you?!” Viper shouts, knocking him back down to his hands and knees. “When Raven tells you to do something, you fucking do it. You know the fucking rules, prospect. She is your boss. She is my boss. Hell, she’s probably his boss too. Don’t you ever get a fucking attitude with her again. Now, be a good little bitch and crawl.”

Fang grits his teeth and closes his eyes for a moment. Everyone in the room is silent, seeing if Fang will do it or not. After a few seconds, he starts crawling toward Talon. People start cutting up and laughing at him, but I don’t feel bad. How fucking dare he say that about Talon? All he did was tell him to clean up a mess. I don’t know much, but it’s his job to do what the fuck he is told. If he is the guy who does the grunt work, he needs to just shut his fucking mouth and do it.

When Fang gets to Talon, Talon grabs him buy the hair and shoves his face into the puddle of my come. I bust out laughing but slap my hands over my mouth. My laughter sparks others to laugh, and soon everyone is.

“Clean it… Lap it up, bitch. Now,” Talon shouts, pushing his face against the floor. It takes Fang a moment but eventually, he does it. Fang sticks his tongue out and licks my come off the floor. “Sweet, huh?”

“Please, I’m s—“ Fang starts to say as Talon drags Fang up to his feet. Talon ignores his pleas and grabs him by the throat, sliding him up a wall until his feet are no longer touching the floor.

“If you ever disrespect my wife again, I will fucking kill you. Do you understand me, prospect?“ Talon shouts in his face. Fang rapidly nods and Talon drops him. “Clean up the mess and get the fuck out.”

“Yes, Boss,” Fang says through gritted teeth.

“Are we going to have a fucking problem?” Talon asks, shoving him back against the wall.

“No sir,” Fang says with an attitude, but drops the anger from his tone.

“Then what the fuck are you doing standing in front of me?” Talon asks. He is so wound up that he’s not going to be able to break out of this on his own. I know he is going to get mad at me for this, but I can see the disappointment on the faces of all his people. I go to take a step forward and Viper grabs my arm and shakes his head.

“Bad idea,” he whispers to me.

“Look at their faces. They are all upset at Tal,” I say back quietly. “I know you see it.”

“He’s the boss, Delaney,” he says gently. He’s implying that no one can say shit to him because he is volatile.

“And I’m his wife,” I say, pulling away from him. I carefully walk over to Talon who is having a stare down with Fang. I can see the horrified looks I am getting, but I know he won’t turn on me. Not here, at least. I can handle him, but he is going to lose all of his people if he keeps this shit up.

“Tal,” I say softly, gently touching his arm. He flinches and turns to me. He looks fucking furious but softens when I smile at him. “Can you show me around?”

“Yeah,” he says with a huff. He goes to say something to Fang, but I speak up before it looks like I am interrupting him.

“Fang, just clean up the mess and go home, okay?” I say calmly.

“Yes, ma’am,” he says simply. I take Talon’s hand and before I pull him outside with me, I see the shock on everyone’s face.

“Hey, Viper,” I say.

“Yes, ma’am?” he asks with a smirk.

“I’m going to steal him, if that’s okay,” I say. “Thought I could give him his wedding present.”

“Okay,” he laughs. “Boss, you need anything before she steals you?”

“No,” Talon huffs. “Just keep an eye on shit.”

“Will do. She’s feisty. Don’t let her wear you out. We need you,” Viper says with a wink.

“I’d like to see her try,” Talon says, relaxing a bit. “Night, guys.”

Everyone says bye before we walk back out to the SUV. Right away, I can tell that he is mad at me. I will accept it if it means saving him from him losing more of his people’s respect. He is leading with an iron fist, just like Logan. Just like Vince. It’s not going to get him anywhere but alone, and he deserves the world. I don’t know why I am suddenly so protective over him. He literally kidnapped me, and he is trying to be the biggest dick he possibly can. I think it’s because I can relate to him so much with Vince, even without knowing what exactly happened. We share the same trauma with that family, and I know what it’s like to not feel wanted.

The entire trip back to the house is silent. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared of him right now, because I am. I’ve obviously never been in this situation with him, but I have been with Logan. That almost always ended with me getting hurt. I’d like to think he wouldn’t hit me, but I know something is going to happen. He is way too angry still for something not to happen.

We park and I get out and follow behind him to the door. We walk in and he tosses his keys on the coffee table before grabbing a bottle of whiskey off from his mini bar. “Go to bed,” he says harshly.

“Fine. Have fun drinking alone,” I say, turning to the stairs.

“What?!” he snaps at me. I don’t stop walking, and it pisses him off more. “Get the fuck back here.”

“No, I have to go to bed, remember?” I ask as I walk up the stairs. I hear the bottle get slammed down and I sprint up the stairs. I hear him behind me, so I slam the door behind me. Before I can lock it, he kicks it open. The door slams against the wall, sending wood splinters into the air.

“What the fuck did you just say to me?” he roars shoving me back toward the bed. I stand my ground when he gets in my face, even though I am scared. “Are you fucking mute now?”

“Are you going to stop throwing a goddamn tantrum and talk to me like a goddamn adult?” I yell back at him.

“You interrupt me talking to one of my men, and somehow I am the bad guy here?” he scoffs.

“You don’t even fucking see it,” I laugh dryly. “You are losing their fucking respect acting on anger alone. Have they ever seen you smile? Ever? You are on a quick fucking trip to being alone and you don’t even care.”

“I would rather be alone than disrespected,” he says simply.

“Well, too fucking bad. You’re fucking stuck with me now,” I say. “You wanted this so badly? Well, buckle the fuck up because this is what you get. You get me trying to save your ass when all your goddamn people look disappointed. You know even Viper is scared of confronting you?”

“I was defending you!” he screams at me.

“If that is how you defend me, I don’t want any fucking part of you or that,” I snap. “The moment he said he would clean it up, you should have fucking walked away. Instead, you kept fucking arguing. Who gives a fuck if he has an attitude as long as he does what the fuck he is told. You didn’t have to start shit because you didn’t get the tone of voice you wanted.”

“And here I thought you’d appreciate someone trying to stick up for you,” he says dismissively.

“Oh, don’t give me that fucking bullshit, Talon. You humiliated the man, and I helped. Would you have done any differently? He was fucking embarrassed. Have some goddamn compassion for once in your goddamn life. Are you so goddamn heartless that you couldn’t fucking see that?”

“Yes,” he growls. “I told you that. I never fucking hid who I am.”

“I don’t know who you are,” I scream. “Right now, all I see is Logan.”

“And all I see is a needy bitch who has to be a brat if people don’t bend for her. Fucking newsflash, you are nothing to me,” he says louder. When my face drops, his brain catches up to his words, and regret fills his face. It’s too late though. The words have already taken root, and I know all I need to. This is how it starts. This shit right here. It wouldn’t take much for him to hit me.

“There it is,” I laugh and walk toward the bedroom door.

“Stop it and come here, Delaney,” Talon says with a scolding tone.

“Fuck you,” I turn and snap at him.

“Stop it,” he says through gritted teeth. “Stop pushing me.”

“What’s wrong? Don’t want to see who you really are?” I ask.

“Stop it,” he shouts and shoves me back against the wall.

“Go ahead, hit me. I know you want to,” I say harshly. “You lead with anger.”

“Don’t you fucking say it,” he warns.

“What’s wrong, Logan? Don’t like being called out?” I laugh. “Or should I call you Vince? You gonna just rage fuck me like Logan would?”

I gasp and press myself back against the wall when he suddenly slams his fist into the wall beside me. He is nose to nose with me and breathing heavily. The rage is radiating off of him, but he doesn’t touch me.

“Go ahead and be like every other man in my life,” I say tearfully. “Hit me, fuck me, take whatever you want. It doesn’t matter. I am nothing to you, remember?”

Without saying a word, Talon pulls his fist out of the wall and leaves the room. When the busted up and partially broken door slams behind him, I slide down the wall as tears roll down my face. I was so fucking convinced I could prove that he was just like the others, but all I did was hurt him. My first day as a wife and I am already a failure. Why do I do this? Why do I try and sabotage my first and probably only chance at actual happiness?

I stay where I am until I have cried myself dry. My face feels red and puffy, but I need to find Talon and apologize. I need to just accept my punishment for being a cunt to him and try to repair the damage I have done.