Page 13 of Unruly Hearts

Should see the trap. Should know why he gives drinks, why he lets me win. But orcs are proud, and I am very proud that night.

"Deal," I growl, teeth bared in what I think is triumph.

One game later, I owe money to people worse than any I know. Romano smiles mean while his men grab me. "Pay in one day, Orc. Or we start taking pieces."

I leave everything in my hotel room—clothes, weapons, the few family heirlooms I haven't gambled away yet. I run with just the clothes on my back and shame burning in my gut.

"Brother?" Talon's voice cuts through the memory. "You're not here with me."

I blink. "Just thinking about Serenity," I lie, but the words taste like ash.

"No." Talon drives his axe into a stump with a thunk and turns to face me. His eyes, so like our father's, see right through me. "You're thinking about gambling. I know that haunted look."

The axe slips in my sweaty grip. "How did you—"

"Because I'm your brother." He grabs my shoulder. Makes me feel steady. "And you watch those woods like a hungry wolf. Tell me."

The words pour out like blood from a wound—the debts, the threats, the shameful running. My voice breaks when I speak of Serenity, so pure and good, trusting me without knowing the monster I truly am.

"I want to change," I say quietly, words harder than any bet. "For her. But the casino calls me. My hands want cards..."

"They say wanting never goes away," Talon says softly. "But it gets easier with help." He meets my gaze. "Let me help, brother."

"How?" My voice sounds small, like a baby. "How do I silence the call?"

"First, by telling Serenity the truth. She's your mate—she'll understand. The bond demands honesty."

I hit a log hard. It breaks like bones. "What if she doesn't? What if she looks at me like our people did? When they made me leave?"

"She will understand," Talon insists. "But she needs to hear it from you, not discover it on her own. That betrayal would be far worse."

He's right. I have to tell her. Soon. Before she finds out some other way. But first, I need to figure out how to save her center without gambling. There has to be another way.

"There is," Talon says, seeing how worried I am. "We'll find it together. Family helps family get better."

"Can't lose her," I say quietly. "Can't."

"Then fight for her," Talon says. "Not with cards. With truth. Be good mate."

I nod. For her, I can do this. For her, I must.

Serenity

Ijust had my first sip of coffee when Ethan's Mercedes pulls into the parking lot in front of my office. My stomach clenches as he strides toward the building, predatory grace wrapped in a designer suit.

"Looking lovely as ever, Serenity." Ethan doesn't wait for an invitation before he settles into the chair across from my desk. His cologne is too strong, and it smells artificial compared to the freshness of Agis's forest scent.

"What do you want?"

"Just checking on my investment." His smile doesn't reach his eyes. "Heard you've been spending time with an orc. Quite a step down from me, don't you think?"

I keep my voice steady. "My personal life isn't your business anymore."

"Everything about you is my business." He leans forward, dropping the fake charm. "You really think some monster canprotect you? Your parents thought they were untouchable too. Look how that worked out."

Ice spreads through my veins. "Get out."

"Only two weeks left on the loan, sweetheart." He stands and adjusts his cuffs. "Tick tock."

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