Page 74 of Rise Above

Rise Above

pushy with the people I care for. You’ve somehow wormed your way in.”

Once again, tears welled in my eyes. “You’re a

good man, Talon. I promise to open up one day. You just can’t push me before I’m ready.”

“I’ll try. Good night, Aife.”

“Night, night.”

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CHAPTER 11: NEW NORMAL

AIFE

My alarm blared, jolting me awake. Thursdays were

my long days, and last night had been rough. Popping my neck, I rolled out of my bed, trying to not wake the behemoth next to me. It was weird we had gotten so close over the last week. It felt like I’d known him for years. That really terrified me because he had the potential to destroy my heart. My heart was already so ruined, so fractured, which was part of the reason I was afraid to open up… to anyone. Vulnerability was not my strong suit. My throat constricted at the thought.

“Ugh.” Talon turned over, peeking a bright blue eye

at me. “Where are you going?” Curls fell in his eyes as he

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blinked sleep away. He was in only boxers, laying face down on my bed. His back tattoo and thighs were out.

God, those thighs. They made me stupid, so thick

that all I could keep picturing was riding his thigh as he guided my hips. I shook my head, remembering he had asked me a question.

“Work then school. I’ll leave a spare key. Stay as

long as you’d like.” I entered my bathroom to quickly brush my teeth and braid my hair, slapping on some mascara.

“Can I just stay here?” His voice was sleepy, a

yawn breaking up his words.

I peeked my head out. “Sure, I guess.” Walking to

my closet, I changed into pants, a top, and a cardigan. “You won’t get bored?”

He looked at me, curly hair falling across his

forehead again. “I might, but next week is Halloween, and you’re seriously lacking in decorations. I’m tempted to go buy some supplies.”

“As long as you rest your wrist, it’s fine. Make sure

you schedule an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon today. You’ll need to take your pain pills every six hours with food and water. Elevate your wrist and ice it every few hours for thirty minutes. No hockey!” I walked out of my closet and pulled on a pair of flats. “Text me if you need help.”

Talon blinked at me, brushing his hair out of his