Page 24

Colt

There’s something about getting rid of dead weight that makes you feel lighter.

Since killing my parents a week ago, I feel better, like the past no longer has a hold on me.

Even though she didn’t need to, Nova proved herself that night. She’s an avenging angel, shrouded in darkness reserved only for me.

I’ve never had anyone in my corner. I’ve had to fight and kill for everything I have. To be on the receiving end of her love and loyalty, it’s more than anything I could’ve asked for. She gives it to me willingly and I’ll never take it for granted.

I pull up to the bar, parking my truck next to her car. Heading inside, she’s laughing with an old timer, I think I’ve heard her call him Joe.

She glances up, her laughter shifting into a soft smile. I feel like a fucking king when she looks at me that way. She only needs to say the word and I’d fall to my knees before her or burn everything around us to ash.

Whatever she’s in the mood for.

She walks around the bar, coming to meet me as I reach her. “Hey.”

Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, I pull her into my chest, kissing the top of her head. “Hey, baby.”

“You staying for a while or heading home?”

“I’m staying.” I smirk. “And I’ll imagine everything I’m going to do to you when I get you home.”

She swats my chest. “Go to your table.”

“What if I want to sit at the bar?”

She shakes her head. “No. You’ll distract me.”

Kissing her soundly, I swat her ass before I go and take my seat in my usual spot. Pulling out my phone, I check my messages, looking for anything that will point me in the direction of a rat within my organization. I still don’t know if I believe what Junior told me. He’s his father’s son and that alone makes me doubtful. But his lack of anger or hostility blindsided me.

Something isn’t right.

A cold beer appears on the table in front of me and I look up to see my girl. “Here you go, Daddy. How’s our boy?”

Taking a swig, the cool liquid feels good sliding down my throat. “He was hanging upside down on the swing when I left.”

She giggles. “You didn’t take a picture?”

“Check your phone.” She pulls her phone from her back pocket, laughing at the picture I sent her.

I never saw myself having a raccoon, but if it makes Nova happy, I’ll get her as many as she wants. Besides, the little fucker is entertaining. But those noises he makes; some of that shit sounds creepy as hell in the middle of the night.

Glancing past her, I catch Lacey staring at us with a frown. She’s never been a fan of mine, but I find her expression odd. Nova catches my gaze, looking behind her to see what caught my attention. As soon as Lacey sees her, she puts on a fake smile.

Oh well. Fuck her.

Nova turns her attention back to me. “We’re dead tonight. Want me to see if I can leave early?”

“Yep.” I quip and she spins on her heel, heading to the bar.

She says something to Lacey, and she nods. Nova grabs her purse, and waves for me to follow. I stand up, tossing a few bills on the table. As I head towards the door, the bitch gives me a look, telling me to eat shit and die, but I give her my award-winning smile which makes her frown deepen more.

Once outside, I meet Nova at her car, hugging her tightly. “Be careful.”

Her hands find my ass and she squeezes. “You too.”

Shaking my head, we get in our vehicles, hitting the road as I stay behind her car. Her little beater is a death trap. I’ve talked to her about getting a new one, but she’s attached to the damn thing for some reason. I’ve thought about just buying her a car, but knowing her, it’d probably piss her off.

That’s a battle for another day.

We pull into the driveway, and I hop out of the truck as she meets me halfway and we head towards the house. Unlocking the door, we take two steps inside before we both stop. Nova’s entire body shakes with laughter, and I just stare, shaking my damn head.

Bandit’s bad ass is creeping through the house on his hind legs, carrying a jar of fucking peanut butter.

We step further inside, closing the door behind us. Nova follows the furball into his room, her giggles becoming louder. I join them, finding the little shit twisting off the lid of the jar with his creepy little fingers.

“You’re so smart, buddy. You almost have it.” She coos, clapping her hands.

I love this woman with every fiber of my being and seeing her happy is the only fucking reason there’s a racoon eating peanut butter in our spare bedroom.

He removes the lid, dunking his paw into the jar. He brings it back out, smacking loudly as he licks his fingers clean.

“Aw. Look at him Colt. He’s such a big boy now. He doesn’t need the spoon anymore.” She kneels in front of him, fascinated by the little thief.

“I see that.” I say flatly.

She side-eyes me, before returning her attention back to Bandit. “Daddy loves you, baby boy. He’s just an asshole.”

I chuckle at that, coming up beside her, running my fingers through her hair. She leans into my touch with a content smile on her face. “I’m going to make us something to eat.”

“Okay. I’ll be in there in a minute.”