“My father,” Talia whispered.
“Your father,” Curly confirmed with a nod. “You were young when I was arrested.”
“In my late teens. My father and I were never close. You weren’t the only one he screwed over. I followed your case because I just knew he wouldn’t do right by you. I never believed you were guilty. I even went to the cops to tell them my father was crooked. They pretty much patted my head and gave me a lollipop before sending me on my way.”
Her sad grin tugged at Pulse’s heart. This was the final string tethering Talia to her past. As soon as Curly cut it, she’d be free of the misplaced guilt that had plagued her for many years.
“You were a kid, and you tried to do more for me than most everyone I knew then. I can never tell you how much that means to me.”
“I worried if I told you who I was, you wouldn’t hire me to represent the club, and I wanted you to be represented by someone who truly had your back. I wanted to make up for my father’s betrayal. I’m sorry I withheld the information.”
Pulse pulled her back against his chest and splayed his hand across her stomach. He had to bite his tongue to keep from assuring her no one worried about her loyalty. He wasn’t the one to fix this. Curly had to ease that worry.
“I knew who you were before I ever agreed to hire you. You might not want to hear this, but you look like your old man.”
Talia winced. “I’ve been told that a time or two.”
“When I started digging, I saw you got a few of his clients’ convictions overturned.”
“He took a lot of bribes and did a shit job of defending so many of his clients because of them.”
“Your career has been the opposite. I also found an article in an obscure law journal where you commented on my trial and what a sham it was. How your father never tried to form a competent defense.”
She gasped. “You saw that?”
“I did. So, Talia, you never have to worry that I’ll question your loyalty. You’re good people. You’re family.”
Talia blinked rapidly. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Curly patted Judy on the head a final time before standing. “Merry Christmas,” he said.
“Merry Christmas, Prez,” Pulse said because Talia seemed too choked up.
“I can’t believe that,” she whispered as she faced him after Curly returned to his ol’ lady.
“Believe it, baby.” He hugged her close and kissed the side of her neck.
“I needed that from him.”
He knew she did. One more thing to be grateful to his club’s president for. “I’m glad you finally got that closure.”
She turned her head and met his gaze. “There’s something I need from you too.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really? And what could that be?”
“Why don’t you take me home, and I’ll show you?” she asked as her eyes deepened with lust.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a wink.
He wasn’t sure he deserved the gift the universe gave him when Talia walked into that interrogation room, but he was smart enough to recognize her for what she was—his entire damn world.
