Page 7

Nova

I slept like shit last night.

Not only did the storm have my old camper swaying with the strong winds, but Colt has literally turned my life upside down. My curiosity finally bit me in the ass. I got more than I ever expected and I almost regret asking.

Almost.

He revealed himself to me, but I could only just make out who he was because the rain was coming down so hard. I wish I could see him again since the shock has worn off and really look at him.

I’ve missed him so much.

But I’m so fucking angry.

He made me believe he left me when he was here the entire time. I know he told me he would be, but why hide it? He could’ve come to me at any time, and I would’ve welcomed him back into my life with open arms.

You didn’t last night.

Fuck.

I’ve spent all this time second guessing the way he felt about me. It made me feel like shit. Like I wasn’t good enough. Now, I’m supposed to forget all of it and be happy?

A knock on the door startles me and I flinch. No one knows where I live.

Peeping through the blinds, I see the object of my frustration waiting on the other side. My heart flutters, while my mind tells me to ignore him. Stepping away from the window, I give in to my stupid fucking heart. I swing open the door, cursing myself for not putting on pants first.

His gaze travels down my body, his tongue darting out, licking his bottom lip. My thighs clench together as warmth heats my face at his appraisal. His eyes slowly lift to mine, a knowing smirk playing across his lips.

“How do you know where I live?” I snap.

He doesn’t answer as he climbs the steps. I move out of the way as he pushes his way inside, closing the door behind him. “I watched you the day you moved in.”

My jaw drops.

He has been around the entire time.

Emotions I’ve never felt before swirl around in my chest and I’m on the verge of crying. I can’t let him see me break down. He can’t know how much he affects me. Schooling my face, I let my attitude do the talking. “Thanks for the help moving boxes, asshole.”

He smiles and it steals my breath. I finally see him for the first time in what seems like forever.

He’s young, but he looks older, wise beyond his years. He could easily pass for thirty with his distinguished features and dark hair. He’s at least six foot two, has a sharp jaw, perfect white teeth and those piercing blue eyes that penetrate my soul when he looks at me. His thin t-shirt shows off his muscular arms covered in gray and black ink, matching his hands and neck. His broad chest, toned stomach and thick thighs have me lusting after him in a way I didn’t think was possible given what I’ve been through.

Bottom line, he’s fucking gorgeous, and it pisses me off. I missed the time in his life when he aged too soon and became the man standing in front of me.

“What are you doing here?” I snarl and his smile widens.

Damn him.

My body reacts to the smug bastard when I just want him to leave. I need to work this shit out in my head. He moves closer and I retreat until my back hits the door. He doesn’t stop until our chests are touching, his palms planted on either side of my head. He leans down, his full lips a breath away from mine.

God, he smells good.

Sandalwood.

“No more watching you from the shadows, little demon. I’m here to stay.” He whispers, and I want to punch him in the throat.

“Fuck. You.” I grit out, pushing him away, only because his big ass allows me to.

His hand shoots out, curling his strong fingers around my throat. “What did you say to me?”

My air is restricted, but my panties are soaked from the darkness in his eyes. “Fuck you.”

His fingers flex around my throat, tightening his grip. I should be terrified, but I want this fight. He smirks like a cocky asshole, igniting a fire in my blood, and I raise my hand, slapping him across the face.

His shock only lasts a moment before he slams his lips to mine. It’s hard and brutal, but I want more. Parting them a fraction, he mistakes it for an invitation. Before he slides his tongue inside my mouth, I bite the hell out of his bottom lip.

The copper tang of blood hits my tongue and he growls. That sound alone diminishes every inhibition I have. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pull him closer, demanding more. His warm tongue slides between my parted lips, and I give in to the feelings I’ve had for him since he burned the house of horrors to the ground.

His strong hands grip the back of my thighs, lifting me in the air. I wrap my legs around his waist as he presses my back against the door.

“Fuck, Nova.” He groans as he trails his lips across my jaw, sucking and licking his way down my throat. His hard length presses against my clit and I feel like a caged animal, fresh meat dangling just on the other side. I’ve never felt like this before. Every shred of sexual attention I’ve received in the past was unwanted and forced. To want someone so badly is new. It makes me feel out of control.

Crazed.

His lips meet mine again and our tongues go to war, demanding what we’ve been denied for far too long. I moan into his mouth as he squeezes my ass, his fingers so close to where I need him.

I’m glad I didn’t put pants on after all.

He pulls away, gazing into my eyes. We’re both panting, our bodies trembling, our souls on fire.

“Colt.” I whisper, worried I’ll break the spell if I speak too loudly.

He rests his forehead against mine. “Not yet, baby.”

We stay like this, lost in a new reality where we can be together without someone trying to tear us apart. It’s all I’ve wanted for so long and it’s surreal now that it’s happening.

He kisses my forehead gently, lowering me to the floor. “We need to talk.”

And that’s just the bucket of ice water I needed.

“Talk.” I quip, heading over to the couch to sit down.

He follows behind me, sitting on the other side, which is only a couple of feet away in this small camper.

“Ask me.”

I know exactly what he means. “Why do they call you Devil?”

“Because I’m a bad fucking man, Nova.”