Page 17 of One Night with the Biker

Nova snapped her fingers in front of me. Her fake nails were polished blue and decorated with silver stars and moons.

“You have to eat something,” she chided. “Roman will be home soon. One look at you and the game is up. He’ll know something more than a nightmare went on and, frankly, I don’t want to be on the receiving end of his fucking accusations.”

I looked at the bowl of soup. Curlicues of steam rose up, wafting a delicious scent into the air. Tears slid down my cheeks again. I wasn’t sure why I called Roman yesterday morning. After all the subterfuge, I’d nearly blown my cover. But my brother loved me. We were each other’s only family and he knew the right words to make me feel better.

“I’m marrying Dayton and moving to New York like Roman wants,” I said hoarsely. “The entire reason I went on the date was to have agency over my first time. It’s done. I slept with a guy I chose and now I can move forward with my plans.”

That thought only made me feel worse.

Scowling, Nova put her hands on her hips. “I’m sorry the guy walked out after he promised to call you or whatever, but it isn’t the end of the fucking world. Whether you marry Dayton or not, you can have any dick you want.”

Swiping my cheeks and sniffling, I glared at her. “What are we doing with Roman while I pitch pussy?”

“The same fucking thing we would’ve done with him if Reese had kept in contact. Deceive your sainted brother.”

“My sheltered existence has me so upset,” I lied morosely. I couldn’t admit to deep disappointment. I’d awakened, expecting to find Reese next to me. My plan had been to cook him a huge breakfast, soak in a hot bubble bath to ease the soreness between my legs and possibly make love with him again. “Where am I going to meet another guy before I marry Dayton and move to New York? I don’t think Roman’s going on a run anytime soon.”

“What’s wrong with you? It was supposed to beone night. Now, you’re talking about finding another dick because some old dude jetted on you?”

“Lou Lou’s older than Reese,” I said stiffly.

“Roman’s older than Reese.”

“What are you talking about?” I cried in confusion. Nova was jumping from one subject to the next that had no bearing on the Reese situation. “Didn’tyoutell me I could have another dick? And what does Roman have to do with anything?”

“Nothing, Ains,” she huffed. “Just forget it. As usual, your spoiled brattiness is driving me insane. Luckily, Roman and I adore you and would do anything for you.”

“I know. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I trust you with my life. With everything.”

“It’s nothing, babe. I promise, although sometimes I wish I had someone like me to lean on. My mother walked away and never looked back.”

Whenever Nova brought up her mom, guilt surged into me thanks to Roman’s role in that situation.

“She should’ve stayed until Daddy straightened up or beat her to death if it meant staying for me.”

“You don’t mean that, Nova,” I said gently. “You were an adult. You could’ve left with her.”

“I think not. Leave with her and give up my place here? Are you insane? Why would I give up my life and status as Boom Boom’s baby girl to hide and struggle with her?”

That was all kinds of fucked-up. “You might’ve had to struggle and hide, but you would’ve been with your mom.”

“And you would’ve been alone,” Nova replied.

“You shouldn’t have sacrificed yourself because of me.”

“I didn’t. I stayed for the most important person in my life.Me. If I hadn’t stayed, I would never have met my sexy Cajun daddy.”

“Your sexy Cajun…” An image of Louisiana rose in my head. He had pretty turquoise eyes, even though they always seemed a little wild. His dark hair and dark beard were okay but couldn’t compare to Reese’s panty melting good looks.

Nova was becoming someone I didn’t recognize. Whatever was going on, I hoped we got past it soon. I missed my good friend. Perhaps, though, I’d overlooked the reason why she’d gotten so attached to Louisiana. She still felt as if her mother deserted her. Maybe, if she healed that deep damage, she’d put everything else into perspective.

“Why don’t you seek out Carol and try to repair your relationship? The last time Boom Boom beat her, she almost died. I know it hurt when she left, but you’re older. Surely, you understand why she did it.”

“There’s no greater love than a man who sacrifices himself for another,” Nova spat. “And a mother’s love is supposed to be all-consuming and unparalleled.”

“I wish I knew the right words to make you feel better—”

She glared at me. “You wouldn’t know shit. Roman spends his fucking life protecting you. Before that, Nicolette and Mac did. You can’t relate.”

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