Page 15 of Wicked Oath

“No,” I say.

“No, what?”

“No. We need a prenup and a will.”

“No, we don’t.”

“Yes, we do.”

“Delaney, you’re really pushing—“

“What if he kills you and then takes me because I’m inheriting all your stupid assets, Talon? I can’t… I can’t do this again. I just…” Fuck, my heart is too fast. I gasp for air. “Fuck.”

“Laney? Laney, what’s wrong?”

“Ugh. T-Talon.”

“What’s wrong with her?” I hear someone ask, but they sound far away. All the eyes stare at me, like I’m in some nightmare. My body is too hot, my heart is racing. I meet Talon’s gaze and beg him with mine to save me from myself, but I can’t talk. He pulls me into his arms.

“Breathe with me, Little Flower.”

“What the fuck is wrong with her?”

“She’s having a panic attack. I used to have them all the time,” he answers. His palm brushes against my hair, tucking a piece behind my ear. “Shhh,” he whispers. It’s the best sound I’ve heard in years. There is a calmness in his voice that is soothing, yet still commanding. “We’re going to take a deep breath. Ready?” He takes one in, but I can’t take it that deep and minedoes nothing. Why is the world swirling? “Nothing bad is gonna happen, because I wont let it.”

“I’m sorry.” It’s barely a whisper. My temple is against his chest. As the oxygen fills my lungs, I become more aware of everyone’s worried and pitiful stares. My face heats with embarrassment. “Don’t look at them. Look at me.” Talon takes my chin between his thumb and forefinger, turning me to him again. His blue eyes are so clear, the lack of pity brings me comfort because he’s seeing me despite my outburst, despite this stupid panic attack.

“Just tell me what’s going on,” he says simply.

“This is going to make me a target,” I say. “He will—“

“He will do nothing to you, Delaney,” Talon says. “You are safe with me, okay?”

“Okay,” I sniff.

“Take a second to breathe,” he says, handing me the pen back. I turn back to the paper and take a deep breath. After a moment, I sign.

“Alright. I will get this filed,” James says, signing after me. “I’ll get her documents updated. Do you want her passport updated?”

“Please,” he says.

Hearing that brings panic over me. I can feel the panic boiling over and my hands start shaking. I know why I am panicked, butI keep my mouth shut as we walk out of the office and to the elevator. No one says a word until we are in the parking lot.

“Want to go to the clubhouse?” Viper asks.

“I’m going to get her some lunch first, and then we will meet everyone there,” Talon says.

“Alright. We will catch a ride with Torch so you two can be alone,” he says, glancing at me before walking away. Talon opens the passenger door but grabs my arm before I can get in. I yank my arm away again, but he turns me around me shoves me back against the vehicle.

“What?” I snap. “I signed the fucking paper. What the fuck do you want from me, Talon?”

“What has gotten into you?” he asks.

“Don’t act like you fucking know me,” I say. “Either punish me or let me sit down.”

“You are really pissing me off today, Laney,” he says with a frown.

“Welcome to our loveless marriage, Talon. Everything you’ve ever wanted, huh? Mommy would be proud,” I say with a mocking tone. He grabs me by the shoulders and slams me back against the SUV before walking away. I am in shock for a second, but by the time he gets into the driver’s seat, I am sad all over again. I get into the passenger’s seat and gently shut the doorbefore keeping myself pressed against it, staying as far away from Talon as I can.

---