Page 41 of Outplayed

Chapter Eleven

Violet

Isat at my desk thumbing through some paperwork, trying to figure out where to start, when the front door opened.

“What the fuck do you want?” Warden boomed.

My head shot up and I spotted Travis standing just inside the door. Why Warden was so protective, I didn’t know. It wasn’t like we sat down for coffee and chatted about our misfortunes. He didn’t know Travis was a huge gaping arsehole. Though, I was sure he’d learn if Travis didn’t get out of my business.

“I’ve come to talk to Violet.”

“Not happening, motherfucker,” Warden warned. “You think I don’t know you’ve done something? She don’t talk about her life, but I fuckin’ know when she’s hurtin’, and I don’t fuckin’ like it or you. Back the fuck up and get out.”

“Violet, please listen to me.”

Warden started for Travis. He slipped through the small gated-off area to block off the front reception and shoved Travis.

“Violet. Just a quick word,” he pleaded, his eyes searching mine. I shook my head and looked back down at the paperwork.

I didn’t want to hear his words. Him begging for forgiveness. If I did, I would forgive him, and where would that leave me in the long run? We’d be out again, his women would see him, approach him, and fawn all over him, while I stood there like I was nothing.

Maybe he didn’t think to introduce me at the start because he just didn’t want me in that part of his life.

Fuck no. I wouldn’t make excuses for him.

In time, yeah, I would probably listen, but I was stubborn enough to not want it now.

The front door opened and Warden walked back in. I hadn’t even heard them leave, too lost in my own thoughts.

“Thanks,” I said, with a pathetic smile that wavered.

Warden grunted. He went to his desk and started to work again. That was it, no questions, nothing, but he had my back.

For that, I loved him like a brother.

When my phone rang, I glanced at the screen, ready to hit the Cancel button if I saw Travis’s name, but it wasn’t. Thinking of brothers, mine was calling.

“Talon.”

“Why haven’t we seen you? You’re back in my life, Violet, you’re not backin’ out now.”

Smiling, I told him, “I’ve been busy.”

He snorted. “Busy? But you can still call my woman to check in on her. So call your brother every now and then to let me know you’re doin’ okay. Got it?”

“Got it,” I whispered, my chest warming. My brother cared as much as I did for him, finally again.

After work, I decided to take my brother’s advice. Knowing he would be with Zara at the hospital, I headed there. On the way to her private room, I quickly bought some flowers and chocolates from the store.

Knocking, I heard, “Enter,” clipped. Shaking my head, I walked in. Talon stood beside Zara’s bed with his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face. Zara smiled warmly as Talon stalked towards me. He cupped the back of my head, leaned in and kissed my cheek. My heart stilled. “Good to see you. I’m goin’ for a fuckin’ coffee before I pull her outta that bed and tan her goddamn arse. Talk some sense into her.”

He walked out. I glanced back to Zara and watched her roll her eyes. I made my way over, placing the flowers and chocolates on the rollaway table in front of her. “What’s happening?” I asked.

Her arm came out, her fingers gesturing me closer.

Shit. Did she want a hug?

I didn’t hug people.

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