Talon (Uncompromising #1)(94)

Then her intent blue eyes focused on me and she leveled me with one sentence. “You’re always doing everything for me—I’d rather ask what you need from me.”

Just like that, the hard exterior I was trying to project crashed and burned. This Siren wasn’t asking to provoke, she wasn’t asking because she was obligated to, she was simply asking.

Because that was who she was.

And I was drawn to her like a ship needing a port in a storm. “Not sure I could’ve picked a more perfect nickname for you, darlin’.”

“I’m not trying to lure you to your death, Talon,” she said quietly.

I sucked in a breath and tried to let go of all my defensive bullshit. I took a step forward, cupped her face and leaned down to her. “I know. I’m sorry.” Then I gave her the honesty she deserved. “I want you to forgive me for taking you behind the pool shed. I want you to forgive me for his death and I want like hell to find your daughter and be the one to give her back to you.”

“I don’t blame you for Randy and I’m not upset about the sex. I was upset that you put up a wall afterward.”

I laughed uncomfortably and stood to my full height. “Yeah, well, I’m not used to that much…emotion.”

The tightness around her eyes softened and she let go of the mask she worn to protect herself. “Me neither,” she replied, showing me every ounce of the vulnerable, fragile, yet incredibly strong person she was.

Relief and warmth washed through me. “I think I’m glad ’bout that.”

She stepped into me and wrapped her arms around my waist. “I like you, Talon Talerco. You didn’t give me a chance to tell you that this morning.”

I was an asshole. My eyes closed for a heartbeat and I breathed her in. “Like you back, Miss Archer, a whole damn lot.”

“You matter to me. I don’t want there to be any tension between us.”

I pulled back just enough to give her a tired smile. “Siren, you’re hot as fuck. Even if I could, there’s nothin’ I’d change ’bout the sexual tension between us.”

The ghost of a smile I got out of her wasn’t much, but I’d take it.

I ran my thumb over her bottom lip then cupped her cheek. “No more secrets. We told each other we were playin’ it honest. You ready to finally give that a shot?”

She didn’t hide behind a closed-off expression. “Yes.”

“Good.” I kissed the top of her head and released her. “Now let’s go find your girl.” I grabbed her hand and took a step but she didn’t follow.

“Talon?”

The fear in her voice had me turning around.

Her face twisted with grief. “What if she’s not…”

I pulled her into my arms. “She’s alive, darlin’. Don’t go there.” Jesus. I hoped I wasn’t lying. “We just need to get to her before Stone makes his next move.”

She didn’t say anything.

I tipped her chin. “Siren?”

“I have nothing,” she whispered. “No home, no job, no money.”

Just when I thought she couldn’t crush my heart worse, she laid out her insecurities at my feet. I’d give her every damn one of those things if I thought she’d take comfort in them but she wouldn’t. She didn’t value material shit. I knew enough about her to know that. But there was something that I could give her.

I stroked her soft cheek. “You’ve got somethin’ better’n all of that.” I held her gaze and gave her what she’d already stolen. “You’ve got me.”

“But—”

I put my finger over her lips. I was done playing it low key. “You’re gonna stay with me and we’re bringin’ her back to my house. You’re not gonna worry ’bout working or money or any other bullshit except takin’ care of your daughter and gettin’ to know her again.” This second-guessing myself, pretending I wasn’t anything other than one hundred percent alpha, was bullshit. She may have stolen my heart but I was done being a pussy.

She started to shake her head.

Out of time, I turned hard-ass. “I’m takin’ care of the both of you, Siren, whether you like it or not. Quit arguin’ with me and go do what you gotta do to get ready. We’re rollin’ out in twenty.” I released her just as Kendall walked into the room.

“It’s for you,” Kendall said wryly, holding her phone out to me.

I kissed Siren’s cheek and took Kendall’s phone. There was only person it could’ve been. “Candle,” I stated.

“There’s too much heat now. You can’t bring her to Ocala, someone will spot her.”