She asks, "Do you realize how much drama this adds? We're barely getting the sponsors to stay open-minded."
Jax counters, "Drama sells, Willow. You know that. Besides, you know how to keep him in line."
She glances over at me. I know that look. She's reading me, searching for any sign that I might self-destruct and take her with me again.
"Wake up, Willow. He needs this.Weneed this," he pushes.
She snaps her head toward the phone, venom in her voice. "You know nothing about what I need."
"Then fill me in," Jax orders.
She declares, "I need to know my riders are focused."
"I am," I claim.
She continues, "They need to be sober, not out every night drinking until God knows what time."
"Seriously? You're holding me going out with Jagger over my head?" I hurl.
Jax states, "You're overreacting, darlin'."
Willow scoffs. "Don't even get me started on you, Jax."
"Meaning what?" he growls.
"I don't need my career to implode because some bull-headed cowboy thinks a rodeo slot will magically fix his life."
After a moment, I try again, this time softer. "Willow?—"
"No. You're not riding. Not under my name," she asserts, cutting me off before I can finish.
"I'll see you at practice tomorrow. You're riding," Jax states, then hangs up.
Willow's eyes flame.
I stare at her, splintering apart, piece by piece. My voice drops into something dark and bitter. "You're doing this to punish me."
She crosses her arms like a goddamn judge at sentencing. "No. I'm doing this to protect what matters. The only thing I care about right now is that my riders don't end up in a cell, the hospital, or the morgue."
"And what about me?" I ask, hating how hollow the question sounds as it leaves my mouth.
She meets my gaze. Hers is flat, cold, and unreadable. She spouts, "You? You're a complication I should've left behind a long time ago."
Her words sting, but hell if they're not fair. I deserve her doubt. I've given her every reason to question me. But this is my shot. And I'll be damned if I don't take it.
With certainty, I tell her, "I'm ready. I can do it." I look her right in the eye and add, "You may not trust that yet, but I do. And I'll prove it."
She exhales, her chest rising and falling. "Don't push me, Wyatt."
I warn, "Don't deny me my opportunity. I'll be ready, and you know it."
For the first time in too long, I see it. The flicker in her eyes. The part of her that still believes in me. Even if she doesn't want to.
She turns to leave. But I can't stop myself.
My next words chase her, smooth like silk, sliding straight through her defenses. "You can pretend all you want, Willow. But we both know neither one of us wants to be denied."
She freezes.
