Page 19

Colt

An unknown number flashes across my screen, and I debate on answering it.

Usually I don’t, but something tells me to.

“Yeah?”

“Everly.” The voice says and my shoulders tense.

“Who is this?”

“Frederick Morrison Jr.”

What the fuck? “What do you want Junior?”

“You killed my father.” He states plainly.

“He was disrespectful.”

A chuckle comes through the line. “You did me a favor, Devil. He was a greedy bastard causing problems everywhere. The business should’ve gone to me years ago. But that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Spit it out Morrison.”

“You killed one of my men.”

“He killed two of mine and stole my shipment. He was caught loading it onto your fucking trucks. You’re lucky I didn’t kill your entire crew and you.” My tone is cold, already deciding to slit his fucking throat.

The balls on this guy.

“That was some left-over shit from my father’s rule. I didn’t know it was your guns or I would’ve returned them.”

Barking out a laugh, I stand from my chair, imagining the blood I’ll be covered in when I see him. “I’m sure you would’ve.”

“Look, I’m calling to give you some information. We may be competition, but there’s no need to be enemies. I’m not my father. I don’t need to destroy everyone around me in order to be successful.”

I don’t trust this motherfucker as far as I could throw him, but I’ll bite. He wants to be the good guy? I’ll play his game.

For now.

“What information?”

“Daniel was following orders when he killed your men and stole your guns.”

“No shit. Your fucking father’s.” I snarl.

“No. He came to me after it happened. He didn’t know anything about it, but he knew some of his guys were in on it. Did he care? No. He hated you after you stopped doing business with him. And before you start, I know he was stealing from you.”

My blood boils with the confirmation. “So, you expect me to believe a thief’s denial?”

“It’s someone in your circle, man.” He explains and my shoulders tense.

“You’re fucking lying.” I grit out.

“No, I’m not. I’m giving you a heads up. I can’t fucking stand a rat, and you have one.”

The line is silent as I mull over his words. I don’t put much stock in them, but the seed has been planted. I’ve never questioned the loyalty of my men. I’ve never had a reason to.

But…

What would Junior gain from lying to me? Payback for killing his father and Daniel? He doesn’t seem to give a shit. I need to give this some thought because I don’t see any of my men doing something like this. I’ve always taken care of them and their families. I’ve never given any of them a reason to cross me.

I may be Devil to everyone else, but my crew always looked at me like their savior.

Why would they betray me?

Why did your parents betray you? There doesn’t have to be a reason.

The thought creeps to the forefront of my mind, reminding me why I don’t get close to people.

“I’ll take your information under advisement.” I end the call.

I’m fucking livid, throwing my phone across the room. It crashes against the wall, the shattered pieces raining down onto the floor.

I don’t trust people, I never have.

Except Nova.

I’ve given these men the closest thing to trust that I have. I’ve let my guard down with them. The thought they would betray me and have their own brothers killed, sends me spiraling into a dark hole.

I’ll kill any disloyal motherfucker I find. I’ll start from scratch and rebuild my crew.

My instinct is to call Max, but I don’t. I have to keep this to myself. I need to dig around and see what I can find out.

Delicate arms wrap around me from behind, Nova’s scent enveloping me. She calms my racing thoughts for a moment. She’s the only one who can. “Why did your phone explode?”

Spinning around in her arms, I sigh. “Saw that, did you?”

“More like I heard it.” She reaches up, cupping my face in her hands. “What happened?”

Sitting at the kitchen table, I pull her onto my lap, telling her everything that was said. She listens closely, without interrupting until I’m finished. I see the gears turning in her head. “Thoughts?”

“I think you need to keep an open mind. I know they’re your guys, but we both know, people you care about will fuck you over faster than anyone.”

“Why would they betray me, Nova? I took them from being fucking street thugs to reputable businessmen. They make more money. I keep them out of jail. Why the fuck would they do this?” My voice rises, but she doesn’t shy away.

She gives me a sympathetic smile. “Because people fucking suck, Colt. You can do everything in the world for them and they’ll still spit in your face.” She runs her fingers through my hair, effectively bringing me down a few levels. “Other than you, I hate them all. I prefer animals.”

Gripping her hips, she squeals as I stand from the chair, holding her against me. Walking to the island, I sit her on the counter, my arms wrapping around her. “What’s your animal of choice?”

She giggles and the sound brings a lightness to my chest. “I want a raccoon.”

A laugh bursts out of me. “Why?”

“What do you mean, why? They’re cute and squishy. Oh! And their little fingers!”

Pulling her into my chest, I hold her tightly.

This woman is my only thread to sanity.

I may have been young, but I knew the moment I saw her, she would be my life.

“I wanted to talk to you about something.” She whispers against my neck, and I push her back a little to see her face.

“I’m listening.”

She swallows slowly, looking nervous. “Your parents.”

My brows furrow. “Okay?”

“I think it’s time you get your revenge.”

That puts a little pep in my step. “What did you have in mind?”

She reaches into her back pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. “I’ve made a list.”

Stifling a laugh, I watch her unfold it carefully, handing it over. I have to say, not only is my little demon a psychopath, but she’s also quite creative.

After reading her extremely detailed list, I meet her gaze and she almost looks shy, peeking at me from under her lashes. Fisting her hair, I crash our lips together, pouring every part of myself into the woman I love.

It’s pain and pleasure.

Chaos and peace.

Fight and surrender.

Nova Bradley has brought the devil to his knees.

I’ll fucking worship her as I kneel, until I’m aching and bloody.

She pulls away, panting. “I take it you like my ideas?”

“I love everything that comes out of your beautifully depraved mind.”

A sinister smile tugs at her lips. “I get your mother.”

“You can have the incubator, baby. I want the sperm donor.”

She claps excitedly, bouncing on the countertop.

“You’re turning into quite the little killer. Am I a bad influence?” I grin.

She winks. “Maybe.”

I help her off the counter, her body slowly sliding down mine. “Are you hungry?”

Her eyes darken as she grips my hand, pulling me towards the bedroom. “Famished.”