Page 160 of Irresistibly Wild

“Like, on the level of life or death?”

“In a way, yes. Someone’s dreams were on the line.”

“You mean, mine?”

“No, Crown.” I kiss her forehead again. “I was already doing everything possible to ensure that you achieved yours.”

Silence.

“I’ll be mad at you about this for a while.” She gestures for me to pick up her memory journal. “But I’ll write a slight amendment about it for your apology, though.”

“Don’t,” I say. “I deserve your wrath on that.”

She sighs, holding her pen mid-air. “Who was on top of the podium in Chicago? I want to know.”

“They didn’t do a formal presentation,” I say. “A certain someone’s health and survival were far more important.”

“I’m sure they listed the standings on the website. I was the last one to skate, so I don’t see why they couldn’t at least do that. Can you pull them up on your phone?”

“Tatiana Brave won first,” I say, knowing she won’t let it rest. “Almost a perfect score.”

“Is she ranked number one in the world right now?”

“Yes.”

“How many competitions has she won since I’ve been in recovery?”

“I’ve lost count.”

“Well…” She sucks in a slow breath and exhales. “That’s good. Very good.”

“Good?” I raise my eyebrow. “Don’t you mean youhatethat?”

She shakes her head, staying silent for several moments.

“Can I tell you a secret, Travis?”

“Always.”

“I’ll never admit to saying this, but Tatiana skated better than me on several occasions and I never once worried about losing my ranking until she came along…” She looks wistful. “If I ever had to lose toanyone, she was the only person I could accept that from, because she always made my other competitors look like amateurs.”

“That’s very mature of you, Crown. I’m glad you came to that conclusion.”

“Thanks. She’s still a terrible cunt-faced bitch, though.”

Jesus.“Penelope…”

“And she’s not that pretty.” She shuts her eyes. “Her skating is mediocre at best.At. Best. Why don’t you ever agree with me on that?”

She drifts into a deep sleep, and I hit the lights.

ACT 16

BACK THEN

TRAVIS

Reno, Nevada

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