Page 24 of Wild Card

My eyes ache.

I hate that I still get so emotional when I think of Thorne, but everything still feels so raw.

“If he leaves, you might never get the chance to clear the air.” He nods, running a finger over my cheek. “Got it. Either way, you need to warm up. You’re half frozen. Worry about the dipshit ex after you’re thawed.”

“I will,” I agree.

Rush finally steps back and heads out.

The room seems a whole lot colder once he’s gone.

Chapter Eight

Rush

“Tell me she’s safe,” Bear growls as soon as I answer the call.

“She is.” I toss the dish rag over my shoulder and mosey toward the back of the U-shaped bar.

That fucking dick who had his hands all over her is sitting at one of the tables, frantically watching the reception area. I’m sure he’ll pop up to try to chase her down as soon as he spots her.

“Lennox was half frozen when she got here.” I swipe a hand over my face. “I got a warm shower going for her before I left her room.”

“Did you help her into the shower?” he asks, and for once, he sounds intrigued rather than annoyed.

“No, but I did help her out of her soaked socks and your coat.” My teeth dig into my lower lip as I recall her scent in vivid detail. “I don’t know how you’ll ever bring yourself to wash your sheets.”

He grunts. “I told her to wake me up, and I would drive her over…”

I only got the highlights of their time together, but he specifically mentioned how sad she seemed.

“I get the feeling she doesn’t remember a whole lot,” I say, choosing my words carefully.

Bear can be a lot for anyone to handle, and the next time they see each other, I don’t want him to spend an hour lecturing her all over again.

She seemed especially defeated this morning.

“She needs a keeper,” he growls and curses under his breath.

“There’s something else.” I frown as the asshole shoves himself out of the booth he’s been sitting in. Stomping around the bar, I check for Lennox, but she’s nowhere to be seen.

“Rush!” Bear snarls so loud, it makes my ear ring.

“I’ll fill you in later, but it’s nothing we can’t handle,” I assure him, pulling my phone away and hanging up.

Malik Thorne checked in last night. He’s a little rough around the edges, but we live by the docks. Fishermen are a breed of their own. They don’t always look the fanciest, and they’re quick to throw down when it comes to it, but they’re hard workers and usually respectful.

It didn’t even click as strange that he showed up with no reservation. I assumed he was visiting friends or family on the island for the upcoming holiday.

“I think we got off on the wrong foot.” He extends a heavily tattooed hand over the bar, and I stare at it a little incredulously. “You can call me Thorne.”

“Rush, which you know.” I cross my arms over my chest to make it clear I’m not interested in shaking his hand.

“I can see it in your posture. You’re in full-blown alpha protector mode, but I can assure you, I’m not a threat to Lennox.” He sighs, swiping the hand I refused to shake through the dark hair on top of his head.

“The only reason I haven’t kicked you out is because she told me not to,” I tell him truthfully.

“Really?” His face breaks into a sly grin that I instantly hate.

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