Page 32 of Wild Card (Men of Action #4)

“Jesus, woman, do you not think that we already know this? First time I met you, he was feeling you up in the pool,” Jewls announces.

“Oh my God, he was not. We were still getting to know each other.”

“With his hand under your suit and his tongue down your throat.”

“Can you stop?” I glance around, thankful for the little privacy the reserved section offers.

“She’s right, Wills, the man is a sex machine.”

My conversations with Bex are changing after tonight.

“We’re not nuns, Willow. We all know how these guys are. Ford is…” Rowan pauses, a blush splotching her cheeks. “Never mind.”

“Major got me pregnant the first weekend we had sex—in his parents’ house. And he fucking brags about it. Harley was a virgin and Ace loves that shit. And Ford took his sweet time but then didn’t let Rowan up for air for days. We all know how this story goes. No need to be shy,” Jewls belts out.

I knew Jewls was pregnant early in her relationship with Major but I had no idea the details. “You got pregnant in his parents’ house?”

“Yep, I lost the battle of wills, and the man has super sperm that outwitted my birth control.”

That makes sense.

“And Harley was a virgin?”

“One hundred percent. She saved herself. And it fucking thrills him. Men love that stuff.”

“I wish I was a virgin when I met Ford.” Rowan’s voice is wistful.

I swallow back my drink and let loose. “I was practically a virgin. My only experience was with Joseph, and we stopped having sex months before splitting up. Not that it was anything to boast about because it was very scripted and exact. Nighttime, clothes off, a short kiss, bing-bang, done. Then it was more than a year before Talon.”

Three sets of wide eyes are glued on me.

“Wow, Wills, never heard you so blunt before,” Bex regards.

“I can totally relate. My ex was the most selfish ever. He sucked in bed, which should have been a sign that he sucked at life. That’s why I love sex with Ford. He’s amazing.”

“Pretty much goes to say we all had shitty experiences.” Jewls shakes her head in disappointment. “Gotta go through the bad to appreciate the amazing.”

“Every single time!” Rowan bursts into laughter that becomes contagious.

I notice Bex agreeing with a headshake and my senses go on alert. There’s something about her smile that’s a little too expressive. Have I been so wrapped up in my life that I’ve missed the signs that she’s met someone?

That’s practically impossible. I know everything about her.

Oh my God, are she and Lucas hooking up?

My mind wrestles with the possibilities of Bex and Lucas. There’s no way. The man is a playboy. He’s open about his affliction to relationships. Bex is a relationship girl.

She’s not interested in a hook-up—is she?

“How do you feel about ink?” Jewls’ question pulls me out of my head.

“Ink?”

“Harley got a tattoo on Ace’s birthday. Rowan got inked as a surprise to Ford.”

I stare at Jewls and realize we’re back on Talon’s birthday. “I’m not opposed, but it would have to mean something.”

“That’s exactly why I did this.” Rowan points to her wrist where a Celtic cross covers the skin.

“I’ve always thought this was awesome.”

“Thanks, I love it.

“But ink is permanent, so you have to be sure,” Jewls points out lowly.

Her words drip with meaning. Permanent…

A symbol that would remind me of Talon forever.

“I’m not afraid of permanent,” I admit freely, liking the idea the more it simmers.

“You could also get pierced. I had my navel pierced as a surprise, too. Ford seems to like it,” Rowan offers another idea.

“Ooh, I like that.” I may not be brave enough for a tattoo, but a piercing sounds sexy.

“It was only sore for about a week. You have to be careful when you….”

“Have sex, screw, get it on, fuck like rabbits,” Jewls finishes her sentence.

I drop my chin to my chest and feel the heat crawling up my neck.

An idea strikes me and I bounce in my seat. Chase and my dad mentioned something a few months ago that would be perfect for my badass boyfriend. “Sex marathons, ink, and piercings are excellent, but I have another thought.”

“Let’s hear it.” Rowan mirrors my excitement.

“Let me see if I can make it happen, and then I’ll need some help.”

“Count us in.” Shayla stops in front of us, refilling our drinks. “Heads up, things are about to get crazy.” She tilts her head to the back where we entered.

Declan, Raven, Finn, Presley, Ember, Robbie, Cruz, Alex, and an older couple who have to be Harley’s parents all file in.

“Oh shit, here we go,” Tom grouses, stomping by. “Damn rockers, I’ll need more booze.”

“Declan’s band is likely on the way. It won’t take long for word to spread Sayge is here and it will be insane. Tom complains, but the whole time he’s funding his retirement. Buckle up, buttercups,” Jewls advises Bex and me.

The air in the room changes and I’m instantly searching the area. Talon steps in and his eyes find mine, holding me captive until he’s at my side, lifting me off of the stool.

It’s been less than twelve hours since I left him this morning, but he’s looking at me as if it’s been a lifetime.

I’ve never been into PDA, but the alcohol mixes with the feelings storming inside of me.

My legs wrap around his waist, my hands framing his cheeks.

The world around us fades away as I stare at his beautiful face, knowing without a doubt what has been on my mind since that first morning I woke up in his bed.

I’m in love.

Completely, over the moon, one-thousand-percent, insanely in love with Talon Simms.

His eyes widen, the ring around his pupils darkening while the gray-blue orbs crystalize.

My heart threatens to beat out of my chest at the recognition in his expression.

His hold on me tightens, his mouth crashing to mine.

I stroke my tongue with his, unable to keep up before giving over complete control.

Cheers and catcalls cut through the air, but he doesn’t let up, kissing me like a starving man.

Like he owns me.

A burning need ignites and I moan against his lips.

He tears away, his breath hot on my lips, his hands digging into my ass.

“Tonight, when I’m deep inside you, I want to hear the words, Princess.”

Yep, he totally read my mind.

I open my mouth, ready to tell him now until he jerks his head. “Tonight, with the taste of you still on my tongue, driving inside your sweet pussy, taking me deep, giving me everything that is mine, the words then.”

“Okay,” I breathe out, wondering how long I have to wait for that.

“One hour, we’re out.”

“Okay,” I repeat, my brain short-circuiting.

“You get that from me, too.”

At that, my heart stops. He loves me?

“Yeah, baby, and don’t ever doubt it.”

“Stop reading my mind.”

“Never.”

“I think we’re making a scene.”

“Don’t give a shit. If it wasn’t Jay’s last night, we’d be in my truck right now.”

“You have got to be fucking kidding me. Thought we ended that shit in my bar,” Tom hollers, breaking into my and Talon’s lust-filled haze.

I peer over to him and bite my tongue at the disapproval etched on his face.

“Missed my girl, Tommy,” Talon goads.

Tom closes his eyes and blows out a breath. When he opens them, they are loaded with amusement. “You are a pain in my ass.”

“And you love me.”

“Told you this place was magical,” Harley sing-songs, arching her hands in the shape of a heart. “Now would you like to meet my parents?”

Usually, this would mortify me, but being in Talon’s arms surrounded by this group of friends and family, the only thing I feel is delight.

“Put me down, honey, so I can meet Harley’s parents.”

“Not happening.”

I can’t stop the bubble that escapes my throat, sounding like a girly giggle.

I’m totally in love.