Page 30

Nova

I felt him slip out of bed.

I listened as he got dressed.

Knowing what he was about to do, I didn’t stop him.

He needs this.

I hope I didn’t make a mistake by letting him go out there alone. He thinks the pain killers knock me out, but they have the opposite effect. They make me itch like crazy and keep me awake.

I knew he was watching me before he left. He was quiet and Bandit’s tail started twitching before he burrowed himself deeper into my side. When I heard the front door close, my heart sank. I’m too fucked up to help him and I know he has to do this before he implodes.

Please don’t let him get hurt.

Colt is the only person I’ve ever known who isn’t scared of anyone or anything. His confidence is enough to make people run screaming in the other direction. His wrath rivals Satan himself.

I’m not na?ve enough to think he’d wait until I’m healed so we could do this together. It doesn’t stop me from worrying. He’s my heart and soul. If anything happens to him, there won’t be any moving on or starting over. There’ll be nothing left of me. I’ll die with him. We’re tethered together, our souls bonded where we’re no longer two separate people, but one being.

A series of beeps went off after he left, and I knew he locked down the house like a fortress.

My protector.

My head has finally eased up some, and I reach for Bandit. He makes an adorable purring noise, curling into my chest. Running my nails through his fur, he lifts his ass in the air, swaying from side to side. I move my fingers to the base of his tail, scratching him as his purrs get louder. He stretches his body like a cat, yawning and licking his lips.

“You want some peanut butter, buddy?” I coo and he perks up at the sound of his favorite words. I sit up slowly, propping myself against the headboard. He jumps into my lap, waiting patiently as I grab the jar off the nightstand, unscrewing the lid.

Offering it to him, he scoops some out with his paw. I smile as he licks it off each of his little fingers. He looks up at me and I nod. He reaches in for another helping before I replace the lid, putting it back on the table. “Good boy.”

He hops off my lap, racing back and forth on the mattress. Moving my fingers across the sheets, he chases them, chittering as he reaches for my hand, but I pull it away before he catches me.

We play like this until he finally plops down, rolling onto his back. “Poor buddy. You’re exhausted.” I scratch his belly and chest as he paws his face, looking too damn adorable.

All of a sudden, he shoots to his feet, his body tensing as his ears perk up. He usually does this when Colt comes home, but I doubt he’s had enough time to dole out his revenge.

Slowly, I slide out of bed, gripping the edge of the nightstand for balance. A wave of dizziness hits and I squeeze my eyes closed, waiting for it to pass. Once I feel centered again, I open my eyes as I hear gravel crunching in the driveway. Headlights stream through the curtains, and I know immediately it’s not Colt.

A knot forms in my stomach.

What if the alarm doesn’t stop them? I’m useless at the moment, how am I supposed to fight?

I reach for my phone on the edge of the nightstand, but my trembling fingers knock it off, and it skids across the hardwood floor, under the bed.

Fuck!

I begin to spiral, staring around the room as the lights get brighter, the vehicle getting closer. My eyes dart all over the place, trying to think of something. I catch sight of Bandit, and I move to the bed, scooping him into my arms and carrying him into the bathroom. “You’ll be safe in here, baby boy. I’ll be back.”

Closing the door behind me, I see the jeep come to a stop in front of the house, the lights disappearing from the window. Anxiety seeps into my bones, a plan still not yet clear. My gaze lands on the nightstand and I make my way over to it, pulling open the drawer. To my surprise, there’s a nine-millimeter laying inside.

Fucking, Colt.

Always a step ahead.

I take the gun, popping in the magazine.

Sixteen bullets.

Sixteen opportunities to save my ass when they come through the front door.

My head is pounding again, moving around proving too much for my fucking skull. Trying to ignore the pain, I rush into the closet, sliding on a pair of leggings since I’m only wearing one of his t-shirts.

It’s not ladylike to fight with your pussy on display.

Leaving the closet, I quietly make my way through the house, reaching the front door and looking through the peephole.

Max and Lacey are climbing the steps, guns in hand, smiling like they’ve already won.

Cunts.

He knocks on the door, setting off an incessant beeping noise from the security system. Glancing at the keypad, multiple lights blink in unison, no doubt alerting Colt.

“Nova!” I take a few steps back, preparing myself for him to kick the door in. “I know you’re here. All alone.” He taunts and I grit my teeth.

He bangs on the door again, the sound going straight to my head. Anger overshadows the pain. These motherfuckers think they can come to our home and end my life? On their terms? They’re about to find out I’ve dealt with worse than the likes of them.

“Nova, please. We only want to talk.” Lacey chimes in and I roll my eyes, deciding to shoot her in the pussy as soon as I get the chance.

“Fuck you, traitorous bitch!” I yell, immediately regretting it. My head throbs, but I block it out again, refusing to give them the upper hand.

Shots ring out, the door vibrating from the spray of gunfire. I move back until I’m in the kitchen, bullets coming through the door at the jam, lodging into the floor. Seeking cover behind the kitchen island, the front door bursts open, Max and Lacey both peeking inside before rushing in.

“Where’s your Devil now?” Max shouts and I aim my gun at Lacey.

My vision is fuzzy, and I can’t seem to focus. It feels like my head is being smashed into a wall over and over. Blinking rapidly, I try to clear my eyes. As I find my target, a loud rumble from outside catches my attention. Relief like I’ve never felt floods my chest.

My calvary has arrived.

Sneaking a peek around the corner, Max and Lacey take off running down the hall and I gasp. Colt barrels up the driveway, no sign of stopping.

He’s going to drive into the fucking house!

The beast of a truck speeds towards the cabin, skidding sideways, slamming into the porch before coming to a stop. I waste no time getting to my feet and running as fast as I can, hoping I don’t catch a bullet in the back.

Colt appears in the doorway, gun drawn, his eyes darting around looking for the assholes trying to kill us. Before I can reach him, he lunges forward, picking me up and running to the driver’s side. He tosses me in the truck, and I move quickly for him to jump inside.

He spins out in the yard, speeding down the driveway, neither of us speaking a word until we’re on the main road.

“Are you hurt?”

I shake my head. “Nothing new anyways.”

He reaches over, gripping my wrist, pulling me closer. “You’re okay.” He murmurs more to himself.

I kiss his cheek. “I’m okay.”

He glances in the rear-view mirror, lights appearing, a vehicle gaining on us. “It’s them.”

“Just keep going, Colt.” I urge.

His blue eyes find mine and I see how dark and tortured they are in the gleam of the streetlights. He didn’t think he’d get to me in time and it’s obvious he’s reeling from it.

“I don’t run, Nova. Neither do you. We fucking fight.” He growls.

I nod, knowing he’s right. Max’s surprise attack fucked me up but it’s time to put my big girl panties back on.

It doesn’t matter if we make it through this night or not. We’re together and that’s everything we need. In this life or the next, we belong to each other. “I’ll lean out of the window and shoot at them.”

“No. We’re about to turn the tables.” He grins and I realize Colt isn’t here right now. The man beside me is the devil incarnate. “Hold on, little demon. Shit is about to get rough.”