Page 113 of Rise Above

on my dissertation anyway.”

He frowned deeply. “No, you need to rest. Are you

taking some time off at work?”

“Talon, I cannot afford to take time off. I am out of

PTO right now. I have medical and student debt. I have to go to work.”

“I can—”

“NO! Don’t you dare even suggest paying for my

debts.” I hated that. I never wanted to be a burden. Never. “I refuse to be a burden.”

Talon pulled the car into his garage. His frown

seemed to deepen. “You’re not a burden, Aife. I don’t care who told you that.”

He placed a hand on mine before exiting the truck

and helping me into his condo. “You can still decline my offer, but it’s on the table, okay?”

“While I appreciate it, I’m not going to accept it.” I

crossed my arms over my chest, anger settling in my jaw.

We were inside his condo now. Talon had picked up

my clothes and laptop. My heart fluttered just thinking of the kind actions. He sat me on the couch and brought me some water.

“Why don’t you like to accept help?” Talon asked,

crossing his strong arms over his broad chest. “It doesn’t make you weak.” He spoke firmly, words pointed.

It felt like I was in therapy. These were questions

my counselor usually asked me. Despite opening up to

243

Rise Above

Talon, there were still pieces of my life I didn’t like to share. The idea of being a burden weighed greatly on my mind. This was my albatross to carry, and it didn’t feel fair to ask my friends for help. This was my life, not theirs.

“You’re not my therapist, Walker.” My head rested

against the back of the couch. “Help is hard to ask for when you’re used to doing things on your own. Did you know I was alone during my brain surgery? Sure, my parents helped financially because I was still on their insurance, but no one visited me for the few days I was in the hospital. Not friends or family. I got sent home in a cab.”

Talon stared at me, open-mouthed. “What the actual

fuck?”

“My parents were so pissed off that I tried to kill

myself that they forced me into applying for jobs when I still had stiches in my head.” The words came out mangled, pained as if ripped from my soul.

“Darling,” Talon said slowly, sitting next to me on