Promising today, p.30
Promising Today, page 30
“Mine to make suffer and punish.” He palmed her breast again only this time more gently. His words were at odds with his touch. “Mine to protect.”
She held her breath as he locked eyes with her. Jude leaned in, his hand collaring her neck once more. Hesitation flashed in his hazel eyes but then it was gone, replaced by a grim determination that made her skin prickle and her pussy clench around his fingers.
“Mine to love.” His lips collided with hers as he pinched her clit.
And just like that, with a creak and shudder, those walls blew up as a tortured scream scraped from her throat. He swallowed it with his mouth, taking everything from her. Her orgasm exploded, shattering her into a million little pieces shooting from the earthly plane. She was riding her pleasure like a rocket shooting towards the stars and burning just as hot. A supernova spun around her in blinking lights and swirling euphoria.
The corners of her vision dimmed until the room around her disappeared and she sunk into the darkness.
But she wasn’t afraid, because despite everything that had happened, she trusted Jude would be there to guide her way back.
41
JUDE
Jude’s chest heaved as he balanced his weight over Nova’s sweat-slicked body. Those hazy eyes of hers blinked lazily up at him, uncertainty creeping in at the edges. He wanted to keep her in the moment just a little longer.
Jude leaned down and pressed a single kiss to her forehead. “You did so good.”
He untied her wrists first, massaging the reddened skin. She’d given him one hell of a fight. A small smile curved his mouth. He wouldn’t expect anything less from his little brat. God, his dick was hard as a fucking rock. But this was about her and what she needed.
Jude reluctantly rolled off her and sat up to untie her ankles. He repeated the same gentle massage from her heels to Nova’s calves. “How do they feel?”
“Fine.” Her breath evened out, slowing as her eyes drooped.
“Come on. I’ll help you to the bathroom.” Jude climbed out of bed.
Nova rolled to her side and closed her eyes. She would be asleep in less than a minute but she’d regret not going to the bathroom first.
A soft little snore came from Nova as she curled into herself. He hated to disturb her finally getting some rest, but he also understood the importance for her to pee after he’d had his fingers and toys inside her; it was part of their agreed-upon aftercare.
Jude slipped his hands under her body, picking her up and cradling her against his chest. She clung tighter to him as he moved into the bathroom.
He gently set her on the toilet. She gave a little mewl of protest. He bit back another smile. His ferocious little brat who took the world head-on seemed so much more fragile asleep. It reminded him of the quote he’d found and painted on one of Salem’s childhood bedroom walls—something about letting her sleep because when she woke up, she would move mountains. That fit Nova to a tee.
“Come on, little one.”
“Tired.”
“I know. You’ll get to sleep after you go the bathroom.”
She sighed, her head leaning against him. A moment later, she relieved herself. Jude helped her back to the bed and handed her the glass of water on her side table.
“Take a few sips.”
Nova grumbled, but did as he asked before lying back down. Jude covered her with the soft comforter. He returned to the bathroom to clean the toy before drying it and returning the vibrator to her drawer.
He climbed into the bed, pulling her into his arms. She snuggled into him, her head on his shoulder and palm over his chest. Jude didn’t dare close his eyes. He savored this moment, her closeness. He’d taken a chance, having a scene with her with everything going on between them. He’d checked in with her and she’d never safe-worded. That was progress.
He'd gotten to know Nova quite a bit over the last couple weeks. She pushed people away for a reason. He just hoped she’d see he wasn’t going anywhere, not when she needed him.
“I’m sorry I lied. That I hurt you so deeply.” He pressed a kiss to her head and dragged his fingers up and down her hip. “I let my past experiences cloud my judgment.” He took a deep breath and let it out. “I won’t let it happen again.”
Nova’s hand coasted across his chest, her thumb brushing over his nipple in soothing strokes.
“I believe you.” Nova’s voice was barely above a whisper.
He froze. He’d thought her asleep, but this was good. “You do?”
She tilted her head, honey-brown eyes locking with his like a sucker punch. He held his breath, praying to whatever higher power that would listen to give him one more chance with this amazing woman.
“If something happened to one of my brothers, I would do anything to find them. The fact that you would go to these great lengths for your sister shows what a good brother you are.”
Shame thrashed inside of him, rejecting the notion. “I wasn’t. But I’m trying to be. I want to be better. For Sal . . . for you . . . and for me.”
Her gaze dropped to his chest. “I don’t know if I can trust you again.”
Nova’s words pierced his chest like a spear, ripping and shredding everything in its path to reach his heart. His eyes burned and his grip tightened on her hip as if his will alone would keep her with him.
“Do you want to?” he asked.
She looked at him, her gaze conflicted. “Honestly, a big part of me does. But then there’s this other piece that says you’re just going to hurt me again.”
So there was still a chance? A small coal of hope lit inside Jude, and he breathed life into it, stoking the ember to a flame. As long as there was a possibility, he would do whatever it took to show the woman he loved that he was a safe place for her to land. He’d never lie or omit parts of the truth from her again. And he’d keep her safe from harm.
Jude just needed to show her what he already knew to be true. Nova belonged to him as much as Jude belonged to her.
He cupped the side of her face and tipped their foreheads together. “I fucked up and, because of that, you were hurt, and I will do everything in my power to fix this between us and show you that no matter what happens, I’m gonna be the one person you can count on above all others.”
“That’s a pretty high ambition.”
He chuckled and tucked her against his chest once more. “Good thing I’ve got some experience in perseverance and patience.”
A small puff of air left her nose in a sleepy laugh.
“You nervous about meeting the women tomorrow?”
She nodded, curling tighter into his embrace. His chest puffed up a little at that, warm hope glowing brighter inside him. She might not think she could trust him, but the very fact that she was snuggled up to him, turning to him for comfort amidst her anxieties? Well, that spoke much louder than her words.
Jude held her tighter. “I’ll be with you every step of the way, Freckles.”
“I was thinking . . . if I’m who the killer wants, maybe we could use that to find out where Salem is—”
“Absolutely not. We’re not putting you in danger of this psycho.”
“But—”
“I said no.”
She huffed and pushed him away to roll to her side. Jude curled around her, his front to her back, wrapping her protectively in his arms.
“We’re dealing with someone who gets joy from other people’s pain. Losing one woman I love to this psycho is enough to make me lose my mind with grief. I can’t lose you too.”
Maybe that makes me a terrible brother.
“But it’s not your choice.” Her voice rose.
This was not how he’d wanted to end their night. He’d wanted her to drift off to dreamland without worries or stress, riding the high from their scene, not argue with him over putting herself in danger.
“You’re right; it’s not.” The words scraped from his throat.
Nova turned to face him, surprise lighting her features.
“I just want you safe, baby girl. So much so that the thought of you in danger for even a second lights my blood on fire and calls to every primal instinct inside me to protect you . . . but if that’s your choice, when the time comes, I’ll have your six.”
Nova blinked at him through watery eyes, her lips parting as if she was going to say something, but they pressed together instead. Doubt shuttered her expression before she rolled back over, facing away from him. Nova snuggled tighter into his arm, tucking it over her chest. His palm rested on her belly. At least this was progress.
They had a long road ahead of them to rebuild trust, but he’d hold out hope. When she was ready, he’d be there for her. He wouldn’t run. He wouldn’t abandon her. And as strong as his need to protect her was, he would never try and control her. Nova’s free spirit and headstrong willpower were some of the beautiful things that made her who she was. And Jude would never diminish her identity—not even if it meant he had to let Nova go.
42
JUDE
Jude opened the passenger-side door, offering his hand to Nova. But she ignored it and climbed out of the vehicle on her own. He moved to her left, on the sidewalk by the row of cars. Things weren’t fixed between them. But at least she seemed open to forgiving him. He just needed to show her he wasn’t running away, no matter how hard she pushed. Nova and he were not so different—both fearing abandonment from anyone who really, truly got to know them. But maybe there was someone equally fucked up for everyone. I sound like a cheesy romantic. Jude snorted aloud.
Nova turned to him as they walked down Main Street.
“Still nervous?” he asked, not wanting to share where his thoughts had strayed.
“Yes,” she answered.
Jude slipped his fingers through hers, and when she pulled away, it was half-hearted. He gripped her tighter and she gave in, holding his hand.
“I’m still mad at you.” Nova looked through the large bay window of the Stardust Café as they stopped outside.
“I know. But we will find a way to work through this together.” Jude dragged his knuckle down the side of her face. “I’m not going anywhere, Freckles.”
Nova gave a quick nod, as if acknowledging his words but not yet able to let herself agree. That’s okay, baby. I’ll convince you.
“Ready?” He gave her hand a squeeze.
Nova released a loud exhale and headed for the door. Jude grabbed the handle and opened it for her, his right hand settling at her waist to guide her in.
The bell above the entrance chimed as they entered. The scent of fresh-roasted coffee and sweet baked goods enveloped them and made his mouth water. His skin prickled in the air-conditioning as he scanned the room. A few tables to their right were filled with people working on laptops. Nova walked to the main counter in front to a smiling barista with a young teenage girl next to her behind the counter. The two looked too much alike to not be related.
“Well, hello, my favorite people.” Nova smiled warmly at them.
“Hey, Aunt Nova. Can I get you something?” the young girl asked as the barista studied him over Nova’s shoulder.
“You sure can, Lyra. I’ll have my usual and the big guy here likes his coffee as black as his soul,” Nova teased.
Jude chuckled, sliding his arm around her shoulders and tucking her to him as his attention wandered to the tables on the left side of the counter. Amanda and Carrie sat in the corner. Carrie scowled, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Jude?” Nova elbowed him in the gut.
“Hmm?”
“I was introducing you to my cousin Remy. She owns the café and this is her daughter, Lyra,” Nova said.
“Sorry. It’s nice to meet you.” Jude pulled out his wallet and dropped some cash on the counter.
“Thought you passed through town. Haven’t seen you here in a while.” Remy filled a cup with coffee as her daughter busied herself, cashing him out.
Jude glanced at Nova. “Nah. I plan on sticking around.”
Remy’s eyes volleyed between him and Nova as she bit back a smile. “I’m sure Aunt Renita is in heaven.”
Nova snorted and grabbed the iced drink she ordered, topped with whipped cream and speckles of red. She closed her eyes and sipped from the straw. “Perfection.”
“I’m glad you talked me into iced spicy hot chocolate for the summer. It’s been a hit,” Remy said to Nova, wiping down the counter as Lyra pulled out his change.
Jude waved his hand. “Keep it.”
Lyra’s smile lit up her face. “Thanks.”
“As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I’m meeting a couple of people.” Nova tipped her head to the back corner where the ladies sat, still not seeming to talk to one another.
“Oh, don’t let us keep you. We’re thinking of coming to next week’s cookout at your mom’s. It would be great to catch up.” Remy glanced at Jude again, her intention clear.
“That sounds fun.” Nova waved as she headed towards the table where two people from her past waited.
Nova stopped abruptly.
Jude balanced his cup of hot coffee so it didn’t spill. “You okay?”
She didn’t answer. He gripped the back of her neck, stepping in front of her. She looked up at him.
“What if they hate me?” Her voice trembled.
“You think it’s your fault their lives are being upturned?” he asked.
She nodded, her chin wobbling. A couple of men by the table next to them glanced up and then resumed their conversation in the mostly quiet café.
He gently squeezed her nape. “It’s not your fault. It’s whoever’s behind this. They’re the ones to blame. You’re a victim as much as the other girls are.”
She blew out a breath. “I never wanted to be a victim again.”
“And you won’t be. Because you’re going to go over to that table and share the information you have with those women to help them be prepared while you take your power back. This fucker thinks you’re all easy prey? Prove him wrong.”
Nova’s eyes flashed. There she was—the fighter he loved so much.
“Jude?”
“Yeah, Freckles?”
“Thank you.”
He swallowed, his throat thick with emotion. “I’m the one who owes you gratitude.” Jude kissed her forehead and then they both faced the waiting women whose gazes were aimed at them.
“Here goes everything,” she said under her breath before walking the rest of the way to the table.
Amanda’s lips curved up in a smile, but the warmth wasn’t there as it had been with Remy. Though she didn’t have much to be happy about these days, with a killer gunning for them.
Carrie’s scowl didn’t change. If anything, her frown deepened. She eyed Jude warily, stiffening.
There wasn’t much he could do to make himself less imposing as a six-foot-nine man. So he grabbed an unused chair and set it at the end of the table, not trying to crowd anyone’s personal space.
Nova took a seat next to a hostile-looking Carrie.
“Wow.” Amanda blinked, her eyes growing watery. “It’s so weird seeing you both after all these years.”
“I’d rather this reunion didn’t happen. Can we just get it over with?” Carrie asked. “And who’s the bodyguard?”
Nova straightened, her shoulders back. Pride swelled in Jude’s chest at her courage.
“This is Jude. He’s Salem’s brother.”
I’m more than that to you. He almost growled, but this was not the time to get possessive.
“I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. She was special. A fighter,” Amanda said, swiping at her eyes with her left hand. A sparkling ring caught in the light of the café. “I’m sorry. This is really hard, to bring this all up after so long. It probably doesn’t help I just found out I’m pregnant too.” She smiled.
“Oh wow.” Nova’s eyes widened. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Amanda lifted up the same hand, showing off the large square diamond. “And I just got engaged. So this killer thing is really ruining the vibe.” She laughed.
Carrie rolled her eyes. “Yes, because only you would see missing and murdered people as an inconvenience.”
Amanda’s expression shuttered. “You’re right. That was selfish of me. I just . . .” She sniffed, tears dripping down her cheeks. “Sometimes I laugh so I don’t cry, you know?”
Nova handed her a napkin from the table.
“Thanks.” Amanda cleaned up her face, facing them once again with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m just overwhelmed and terrified that now that I've finally found my happiness, it will all be ripped away from me.”
“Well, I’m grateful to both of you for meeting me here. We”—Nova motioned to Jude, including him in the conversation—“thought it would be best to come together so we can share information to make sure we’re all being as safe as possible. Has the FBI been to visit you?”
“They sent some lackey to ask me a few questions. But I don’t know fuck about anything. After I left that house, I never looked back. Life hasn’t been all roses, but I’m not looking for any more trouble. I don’t want to be involved in any of this. And if that piece of shit comes after me, he’s gonna get his balls ripped off,” Carrie seethed, glaring at Amanda. “No one got anywhere sniveling and whining like a little baby.”
Amanda’s pale cheeks flushed pink. Anger flashed in her blue eyes before it was gone. “How dare you judge me for how I survived? I—I did my best to keep—” Amanda glanced at Jude.
“He knows about your uncle,” Nova said.
“Unfortunately, we can’t choose our blood relations,” Amanda said, sitting back, but she didn’t drop eye contact with Nova.
“No, we can’t.” Nova shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Did Amanda know how close her words had hit for Nova?
“Can we just get this over with?” Carrie griped.
“I think that’s for the best.” Nova agreed. “I’ll start.” Jude studied the other two women as Nova relayed the information she had, keeping nothing back. Carrie sipped her coffee, staring out the window as if disinterested, but her fingers tapped nervously on the table and her reflection in the glass remained focused on the two other women at the table.
She held her breath as he locked eyes with her. Jude leaned in, his hand collaring her neck once more. Hesitation flashed in his hazel eyes but then it was gone, replaced by a grim determination that made her skin prickle and her pussy clench around his fingers.
“Mine to love.” His lips collided with hers as he pinched her clit.
And just like that, with a creak and shudder, those walls blew up as a tortured scream scraped from her throat. He swallowed it with his mouth, taking everything from her. Her orgasm exploded, shattering her into a million little pieces shooting from the earthly plane. She was riding her pleasure like a rocket shooting towards the stars and burning just as hot. A supernova spun around her in blinking lights and swirling euphoria.
The corners of her vision dimmed until the room around her disappeared and she sunk into the darkness.
But she wasn’t afraid, because despite everything that had happened, she trusted Jude would be there to guide her way back.
41
JUDE
Jude’s chest heaved as he balanced his weight over Nova’s sweat-slicked body. Those hazy eyes of hers blinked lazily up at him, uncertainty creeping in at the edges. He wanted to keep her in the moment just a little longer.
Jude leaned down and pressed a single kiss to her forehead. “You did so good.”
He untied her wrists first, massaging the reddened skin. She’d given him one hell of a fight. A small smile curved his mouth. He wouldn’t expect anything less from his little brat. God, his dick was hard as a fucking rock. But this was about her and what she needed.
Jude reluctantly rolled off her and sat up to untie her ankles. He repeated the same gentle massage from her heels to Nova’s calves. “How do they feel?”
“Fine.” Her breath evened out, slowing as her eyes drooped.
“Come on. I’ll help you to the bathroom.” Jude climbed out of bed.
Nova rolled to her side and closed her eyes. She would be asleep in less than a minute but she’d regret not going to the bathroom first.
A soft little snore came from Nova as she curled into herself. He hated to disturb her finally getting some rest, but he also understood the importance for her to pee after he’d had his fingers and toys inside her; it was part of their agreed-upon aftercare.
Jude slipped his hands under her body, picking her up and cradling her against his chest. She clung tighter to him as he moved into the bathroom.
He gently set her on the toilet. She gave a little mewl of protest. He bit back another smile. His ferocious little brat who took the world head-on seemed so much more fragile asleep. It reminded him of the quote he’d found and painted on one of Salem’s childhood bedroom walls—something about letting her sleep because when she woke up, she would move mountains. That fit Nova to a tee.
“Come on, little one.”
“Tired.”
“I know. You’ll get to sleep after you go the bathroom.”
She sighed, her head leaning against him. A moment later, she relieved herself. Jude helped her back to the bed and handed her the glass of water on her side table.
“Take a few sips.”
Nova grumbled, but did as he asked before lying back down. Jude covered her with the soft comforter. He returned to the bathroom to clean the toy before drying it and returning the vibrator to her drawer.
He climbed into the bed, pulling her into his arms. She snuggled into him, her head on his shoulder and palm over his chest. Jude didn’t dare close his eyes. He savored this moment, her closeness. He’d taken a chance, having a scene with her with everything going on between them. He’d checked in with her and she’d never safe-worded. That was progress.
He'd gotten to know Nova quite a bit over the last couple weeks. She pushed people away for a reason. He just hoped she’d see he wasn’t going anywhere, not when she needed him.
“I’m sorry I lied. That I hurt you so deeply.” He pressed a kiss to her head and dragged his fingers up and down her hip. “I let my past experiences cloud my judgment.” He took a deep breath and let it out. “I won’t let it happen again.”
Nova’s hand coasted across his chest, her thumb brushing over his nipple in soothing strokes.
“I believe you.” Nova’s voice was barely above a whisper.
He froze. He’d thought her asleep, but this was good. “You do?”
She tilted her head, honey-brown eyes locking with his like a sucker punch. He held his breath, praying to whatever higher power that would listen to give him one more chance with this amazing woman.
“If something happened to one of my brothers, I would do anything to find them. The fact that you would go to these great lengths for your sister shows what a good brother you are.”
Shame thrashed inside of him, rejecting the notion. “I wasn’t. But I’m trying to be. I want to be better. For Sal . . . for you . . . and for me.”
Her gaze dropped to his chest. “I don’t know if I can trust you again.”
Nova’s words pierced his chest like a spear, ripping and shredding everything in its path to reach his heart. His eyes burned and his grip tightened on her hip as if his will alone would keep her with him.
“Do you want to?” he asked.
She looked at him, her gaze conflicted. “Honestly, a big part of me does. But then there’s this other piece that says you’re just going to hurt me again.”
So there was still a chance? A small coal of hope lit inside Jude, and he breathed life into it, stoking the ember to a flame. As long as there was a possibility, he would do whatever it took to show the woman he loved that he was a safe place for her to land. He’d never lie or omit parts of the truth from her again. And he’d keep her safe from harm.
Jude just needed to show her what he already knew to be true. Nova belonged to him as much as Jude belonged to her.
He cupped the side of her face and tipped their foreheads together. “I fucked up and, because of that, you were hurt, and I will do everything in my power to fix this between us and show you that no matter what happens, I’m gonna be the one person you can count on above all others.”
“That’s a pretty high ambition.”
He chuckled and tucked her against his chest once more. “Good thing I’ve got some experience in perseverance and patience.”
A small puff of air left her nose in a sleepy laugh.
“You nervous about meeting the women tomorrow?”
She nodded, curling tighter into his embrace. His chest puffed up a little at that, warm hope glowing brighter inside him. She might not think she could trust him, but the very fact that she was snuggled up to him, turning to him for comfort amidst her anxieties? Well, that spoke much louder than her words.
Jude held her tighter. “I’ll be with you every step of the way, Freckles.”
“I was thinking . . . if I’m who the killer wants, maybe we could use that to find out where Salem is—”
“Absolutely not. We’re not putting you in danger of this psycho.”
“But—”
“I said no.”
She huffed and pushed him away to roll to her side. Jude curled around her, his front to her back, wrapping her protectively in his arms.
“We’re dealing with someone who gets joy from other people’s pain. Losing one woman I love to this psycho is enough to make me lose my mind with grief. I can’t lose you too.”
Maybe that makes me a terrible brother.
“But it’s not your choice.” Her voice rose.
This was not how he’d wanted to end their night. He’d wanted her to drift off to dreamland without worries or stress, riding the high from their scene, not argue with him over putting herself in danger.
“You’re right; it’s not.” The words scraped from his throat.
Nova turned to face him, surprise lighting her features.
“I just want you safe, baby girl. So much so that the thought of you in danger for even a second lights my blood on fire and calls to every primal instinct inside me to protect you . . . but if that’s your choice, when the time comes, I’ll have your six.”
Nova blinked at him through watery eyes, her lips parting as if she was going to say something, but they pressed together instead. Doubt shuttered her expression before she rolled back over, facing away from him. Nova snuggled tighter into his arm, tucking it over her chest. His palm rested on her belly. At least this was progress.
They had a long road ahead of them to rebuild trust, but he’d hold out hope. When she was ready, he’d be there for her. He wouldn’t run. He wouldn’t abandon her. And as strong as his need to protect her was, he would never try and control her. Nova’s free spirit and headstrong willpower were some of the beautiful things that made her who she was. And Jude would never diminish her identity—not even if it meant he had to let Nova go.
42
JUDE
Jude opened the passenger-side door, offering his hand to Nova. But she ignored it and climbed out of the vehicle on her own. He moved to her left, on the sidewalk by the row of cars. Things weren’t fixed between them. But at least she seemed open to forgiving him. He just needed to show her he wasn’t running away, no matter how hard she pushed. Nova and he were not so different—both fearing abandonment from anyone who really, truly got to know them. But maybe there was someone equally fucked up for everyone. I sound like a cheesy romantic. Jude snorted aloud.
Nova turned to him as they walked down Main Street.
“Still nervous?” he asked, not wanting to share where his thoughts had strayed.
“Yes,” she answered.
Jude slipped his fingers through hers, and when she pulled away, it was half-hearted. He gripped her tighter and she gave in, holding his hand.
“I’m still mad at you.” Nova looked through the large bay window of the Stardust Café as they stopped outside.
“I know. But we will find a way to work through this together.” Jude dragged his knuckle down the side of her face. “I’m not going anywhere, Freckles.”
Nova gave a quick nod, as if acknowledging his words but not yet able to let herself agree. That’s okay, baby. I’ll convince you.
“Ready?” He gave her hand a squeeze.
Nova released a loud exhale and headed for the door. Jude grabbed the handle and opened it for her, his right hand settling at her waist to guide her in.
The bell above the entrance chimed as they entered. The scent of fresh-roasted coffee and sweet baked goods enveloped them and made his mouth water. His skin prickled in the air-conditioning as he scanned the room. A few tables to their right were filled with people working on laptops. Nova walked to the main counter in front to a smiling barista with a young teenage girl next to her behind the counter. The two looked too much alike to not be related.
“Well, hello, my favorite people.” Nova smiled warmly at them.
“Hey, Aunt Nova. Can I get you something?” the young girl asked as the barista studied him over Nova’s shoulder.
“You sure can, Lyra. I’ll have my usual and the big guy here likes his coffee as black as his soul,” Nova teased.
Jude chuckled, sliding his arm around her shoulders and tucking her to him as his attention wandered to the tables on the left side of the counter. Amanda and Carrie sat in the corner. Carrie scowled, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Jude?” Nova elbowed him in the gut.
“Hmm?”
“I was introducing you to my cousin Remy. She owns the café and this is her daughter, Lyra,” Nova said.
“Sorry. It’s nice to meet you.” Jude pulled out his wallet and dropped some cash on the counter.
“Thought you passed through town. Haven’t seen you here in a while.” Remy filled a cup with coffee as her daughter busied herself, cashing him out.
Jude glanced at Nova. “Nah. I plan on sticking around.”
Remy’s eyes volleyed between him and Nova as she bit back a smile. “I’m sure Aunt Renita is in heaven.”
Nova snorted and grabbed the iced drink she ordered, topped with whipped cream and speckles of red. She closed her eyes and sipped from the straw. “Perfection.”
“I’m glad you talked me into iced spicy hot chocolate for the summer. It’s been a hit,” Remy said to Nova, wiping down the counter as Lyra pulled out his change.
Jude waved his hand. “Keep it.”
Lyra’s smile lit up her face. “Thanks.”
“As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I’m meeting a couple of people.” Nova tipped her head to the back corner where the ladies sat, still not seeming to talk to one another.
“Oh, don’t let us keep you. We’re thinking of coming to next week’s cookout at your mom’s. It would be great to catch up.” Remy glanced at Jude again, her intention clear.
“That sounds fun.” Nova waved as she headed towards the table where two people from her past waited.
Nova stopped abruptly.
Jude balanced his cup of hot coffee so it didn’t spill. “You okay?”
She didn’t answer. He gripped the back of her neck, stepping in front of her. She looked up at him.
“What if they hate me?” Her voice trembled.
“You think it’s your fault their lives are being upturned?” he asked.
She nodded, her chin wobbling. A couple of men by the table next to them glanced up and then resumed their conversation in the mostly quiet café.
He gently squeezed her nape. “It’s not your fault. It’s whoever’s behind this. They’re the ones to blame. You’re a victim as much as the other girls are.”
She blew out a breath. “I never wanted to be a victim again.”
“And you won’t be. Because you’re going to go over to that table and share the information you have with those women to help them be prepared while you take your power back. This fucker thinks you’re all easy prey? Prove him wrong.”
Nova’s eyes flashed. There she was—the fighter he loved so much.
“Jude?”
“Yeah, Freckles?”
“Thank you.”
He swallowed, his throat thick with emotion. “I’m the one who owes you gratitude.” Jude kissed her forehead and then they both faced the waiting women whose gazes were aimed at them.
“Here goes everything,” she said under her breath before walking the rest of the way to the table.
Amanda’s lips curved up in a smile, but the warmth wasn’t there as it had been with Remy. Though she didn’t have much to be happy about these days, with a killer gunning for them.
Carrie’s scowl didn’t change. If anything, her frown deepened. She eyed Jude warily, stiffening.
There wasn’t much he could do to make himself less imposing as a six-foot-nine man. So he grabbed an unused chair and set it at the end of the table, not trying to crowd anyone’s personal space.
Nova took a seat next to a hostile-looking Carrie.
“Wow.” Amanda blinked, her eyes growing watery. “It’s so weird seeing you both after all these years.”
“I’d rather this reunion didn’t happen. Can we just get it over with?” Carrie asked. “And who’s the bodyguard?”
Nova straightened, her shoulders back. Pride swelled in Jude’s chest at her courage.
“This is Jude. He’s Salem’s brother.”
I’m more than that to you. He almost growled, but this was not the time to get possessive.
“I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. She was special. A fighter,” Amanda said, swiping at her eyes with her left hand. A sparkling ring caught in the light of the café. “I’m sorry. This is really hard, to bring this all up after so long. It probably doesn’t help I just found out I’m pregnant too.” She smiled.
“Oh wow.” Nova’s eyes widened. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Amanda lifted up the same hand, showing off the large square diamond. “And I just got engaged. So this killer thing is really ruining the vibe.” She laughed.
Carrie rolled her eyes. “Yes, because only you would see missing and murdered people as an inconvenience.”
Amanda’s expression shuttered. “You’re right. That was selfish of me. I just . . .” She sniffed, tears dripping down her cheeks. “Sometimes I laugh so I don’t cry, you know?”
Nova handed her a napkin from the table.
“Thanks.” Amanda cleaned up her face, facing them once again with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m just overwhelmed and terrified that now that I've finally found my happiness, it will all be ripped away from me.”
“Well, I’m grateful to both of you for meeting me here. We”—Nova motioned to Jude, including him in the conversation—“thought it would be best to come together so we can share information to make sure we’re all being as safe as possible. Has the FBI been to visit you?”
“They sent some lackey to ask me a few questions. But I don’t know fuck about anything. After I left that house, I never looked back. Life hasn’t been all roses, but I’m not looking for any more trouble. I don’t want to be involved in any of this. And if that piece of shit comes after me, he’s gonna get his balls ripped off,” Carrie seethed, glaring at Amanda. “No one got anywhere sniveling and whining like a little baby.”
Amanda’s pale cheeks flushed pink. Anger flashed in her blue eyes before it was gone. “How dare you judge me for how I survived? I—I did my best to keep—” Amanda glanced at Jude.
“He knows about your uncle,” Nova said.
“Unfortunately, we can’t choose our blood relations,” Amanda said, sitting back, but she didn’t drop eye contact with Nova.
“No, we can’t.” Nova shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Did Amanda know how close her words had hit for Nova?
“Can we just get this over with?” Carrie griped.
“I think that’s for the best.” Nova agreed. “I’ll start.” Jude studied the other two women as Nova relayed the information she had, keeping nothing back. Carrie sipped her coffee, staring out the window as if disinterested, but her fingers tapped nervously on the table and her reflection in the glass remained focused on the two other women at the table.
