Page 6

Nova

It’s been a few days since I’ve seen Devil.

My mood has been in the dumps and it’s unnerving how a stranger can affect me like this. Is it him or the fact he reminds me of Colt?

Who the fuck knows?

I’ve thought about Colt a lot lately.

Our friendship was different. It was soul binding, a connection we both needed. The night he left made me realize, even though I had nothing for reference, I truly cared for him. His kiss changed everything, and the sound of his voice touched every part of me.

He stayed true to his word. He was around and saved me from Mr. Lancaster’s temper one last time. He set the house on fire to ensure none of us would have to endure it again. But I never saw him again after that night. It shattered me to the core, not realizing my feelings until it was too late.

I can’t know it was him for sure, but I like to think it was.

Sadness is soon replaced by an emotion I’ve never felt towards him.

Anger.

Why hasn’t he found me? Why didn’t he come back? Was I just some poor girl he needed to save to feel good about himself? After all the time we spent together and the way he protected me, I thought I was important to him.

Fuck Colt Everly.

I don’t need him. I don’t need anyone. I’m fine on my own.

Just as the thought passes through my mind, the door swings open and in walks the fucking devil himself.

Great.

Another protective, blue-eyed man I can’t figure out.

Before his ass hits the chair, I’ve poured his beer, marching towards his table. He watches me, his head tilted to the side as I slam the mug on the tabletop, beer sloshing over the rim.

“Here’s your beer, mystery man.” I snap, turning to walk away. Looks like he’ll be my outlet for all this shit I’m feeling.

A large, warm hand wraps around my wrist, preventing me from leaving. The contact sends my heart racing, tingles shooting up my arm.

I catch a glimpse of Lacey, her eyes wide, her mouth hanging open.

Shit.

I’ll never hear the end of this. I shake my head to let her know it’s okay, before turning back to Devil. His grip is firm, but he’s not hurting me. As I meet his eyes, my irritation wanes.

“Sit.” His deep voice reaches a submissive part of me I didn’t know existed.

Pulling out the chair across from him, I sit down slowly. He doesn’t speak. We hold each other’s gaze as thunder rumbles outside, the bar patrons hurrying to leave before the storm hits.

He continues holding my wrist, and my skin burns where his touch lingers. He’s wearing his usual black hoodie and I’m dying to rip it off his head.

“Tell me what’s bothering you.” He demands, his voice smooth as whiskey.

“I don’t know you.” I quip, pulling my wrist from his grip.

“Do you need to know me to have a conversation?”

I scoff. “You expect me to tell a stranger my personal business?”

“Isn’t that why people come to bars?”

“Is that why you’re here, Devil?” While I can’t see his face, his eyes crinkle around the edges and I’d give anything to see his smile.

“I’m here for you, little demon.” He says, leaning forward, trailing his finger down my forearm.

“Why?” I croak, his touch fucking with my head.

“Because you’re mine, Nova.”

Thunder booms around us, the walls of the bar shaking. His declaration surprises me, and I glance around the suddenly quiet room. There’s no one left except the two of us. I’m sure Lacey is watching our interaction from the kitchen.

Nosey ass.

I find his gaze. “How am I yours? We don’t know each other.”

“You’re not ready for the answer.” He says flatly and my earlier anger resurfaces, a blind rage filling my vision.

I’m sick to fucking death of all the mysterious bullshit. Between Colt’s memory and this hooded jackass, I’m ready to punch something.

Or someone.

“Fuck you.” I grit out, the chair making a horrible screeching noise as I bolt out of my seat. “It’s time for you to go.”

He doesn’t stop me as I walk away, grabbing my purse from behind the bar, heading towards the door. “Lacey, I’m out!” I call, hoping she heard me. The door whines as I push it open, the wall of rain making it difficult to see my car.

Fuck.

Gritting my teeth, I take off running, the ice-cold rain drops feeling like bee stings as they assault my skin. Gripping the handle, the car door barely opens before it’s pushed closed and I’m spun around.

A tall figure towers over me, holding an umbrella. Before I can retort it’s too late because I’m already soaking wet, my breath catches in my lungs and my knees threaten to buckle. His piercing blue eyes belong to the same person who abandoned me so long ago.

Colt.

Devil is Colt.

Or Colt is Devil?

What the fuck?

I don’t know which way is up or down and he doesn’t give me a chance to work my way through it before he wraps his arms around me. My mind is broken, and my limbs won’t move. Every emotion a human being could possibly feel is warring inside me right now.

Is this why people faint?

I feel like I’m about to faint.

“Did you think I left you? I’ve always been here.” He murmurs against my ear. “Put your arms around me, Nova. Fucking hug me back.”

I’ve slowly regained control of my limbs, but instead of wrapping them around him, I slip my hands between our bodies, pushing him away. “You motherfucker!”

“Nova.” He warns and I lose my shit.

“Don’t you fucking dare! You have no idea what it’s been like. You fucking left me. You said you’d be around, and I haven’t seen you in almost two years!”

“I’ve been here. How else would I have known you were attacked the other night? I fucking killed him to protect you!” He roars and I’m fucking done.

“Leave me alone, Devil. ” I snarl and jump inside my car.

He steps back, the umbrella hanging by his side. His dark clothes absorb the rainfall as he watches me back out of the parking spot. He takes a step forward, but I flip him off before speeding out of the parking lot.

Fuck Colt Everly for leaving me.

Fuck the devil, too.