Page 47 of Broken

Liam

As I sat up in bed, the first thing I did was crack my neck. Last night had been pretty damn good. Weeks of pent up aggression taken out on the very one that had caused it. Nova had felt like heaven. Looking over my shoulder, I wasn't surprised to find the bed empty.

No.

Nova would have decided to sneak out. It was in her nature, especially due to her occupation. However, I knew she wouldn't have wandered far due to her siblings and the need for safety right now. She would have wanted them to feel secure.

I took a shower and came downstairs to hear laughter in the kitchen. It seemed to bounce off the windows and walls, ringing loud and clear. It was such a nice sound, that I found it pleasant and thought I could get use to hearing it more.

I peeked in slightly to see Nova’s siblings sitting and talking, but Nova was nowhere in sight. She couldn't have been far though, so I checked the gym and found her on the treadmill, sweat pouring down her body. She was wearing fresh clothes that I had ordered Valentin to get for her the night before.

The tv was on above the treadmill, a cartoon was playing. Leaning against the door, I watched her continue to run. Her perspiration had left trails down her gray shirt. Flashes of last night and the pleasure I had gleaned from her body bounced around in my head. Finally, I had to shake the thoughts away as my cellphone started to ring.

Nova glanced over at me and threw me a smile, which I returned upon answering the phone. It was Valentin calling.

"Good morning," I said.

"Probably not as good of a morning as last night was for you," he replied.

I sighed. "Don't be crass, cousin."

"Crass?" he questioned. "You stalked the poor girl for months...but I'm crass."

I looked at Nova.

I had indeed stalked her.

Shrugging, "She had to be punished."

"And now that she's been punished....what's next?"

"That's a good question," I said. "Now that you have questioned my motives....how is business."

"That's why I was calling," Val sighed. "I just found out my father was released from prison almost three days ago. He's calling in favors....there are rumblings, Liam."

I sighed. "He's going to try and take the throne."

"Yes," my cousin replied.

"Arrange a meeting with him."

It was Val's turn to sigh, and he was quiet for a few moments. "Do you think that's wise? My father is a pit viper and he'll kill you to take over. He was scared of your father, but he doesn't fear you."

"Just make the meeting," I snapped and hung up.

This weekend had gone to hell and the only thing good to come out of it was finally being with Nova. She had stopped running on the treadmill and was making her way over to me. She had a towel wiping her face and neck, which she tossed into a bin by the door.

"Good morning," I said and quirked an eyebrow.

She blushed under my gaze. "Don't look at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like you're still thinking of punishing me."

I leaned in. "I am."

She chuckled nervously. "We will be out of your hair today. Thank you for your hospitality."