Page 38 of Snagged By Hook

She let go of the breath she’d been holding to stave off another panic attack.

“Now, let’s get out there and celebrate your little girl.”

It wasn’t the answer she wanted, but it was enough.

HOOK

Nova had been acting strange for the majority of the party, and Hook couldn’t put his finger on it. He knew the revelations around Brent had her rattled, but she seemed eerily calm now.

“I ate way too much pink frosting,” Santa complained quietly while June snoozed on the couch with her head in his lap.

“I can’t thank you guys enough,” Nova said again as she picked up paper plates smeared with said pink frosting. “I can’t believe how much stuff you guys got her. You do realize she is just a kid and can’t really use half that stuff for at least five years.”

Nova continued to clean even though they’d all told her not to. Hook was getting a little miffed with her. Nova was acting like a maid. Hook knew she wouldn’t stop until every crumb was gone, every dish was clean, and all traces of the party were a memory.

He always knew when she’d had a bad day because his apartment would be clean as a whistle when he showed up to watch June.

Nova was having a very bad day.

Hook wanted to take her by the throat and make love to her over and over again until she was having nothing but good days to the point their apartment became a health hazard.

Nova finally came back from the kitchen and scooped June into her arms. “I’m going to put her to bed. Is it okay if we just sleep here tonight? I’m beat.”

“Yeah, babe.” Hook stood. “Well, fellows, that’s my cue.”

“No, don’t let us end your night. It looks like the adult party’s just getting started.” She gave him a kiss and turned to go.

“I’ll get you settled in then.” Hook couldn’t explain it, but it felt like a goodbye, and he didn’t like the distance in her kiss.

They tucked June in together.

Hook sat on the small couch in his room and watched Nova watch June.

“Is it weird that she looks older just from the time she woke up this morning? Is that how birthdays are going to seem from now on?” She sniffled and caressed her daughter’s cheek.

Hook took a mental snapshot of the moment. They were his, and he needed to come clean about who he really was.

“Nova, I need to tell you some things about me. Things you won’t like, and I’ll understand if you don’t want me around your daughter or you anymore. It’ll kill me, but I’ll stay away. Just don’t let me scare you away from the club. They’ll protect you both at all costs, no matter what.”

She stood and came to stand in front of him. Hook pulled her down onto his lap. It was a small room, so the couch wasn’t very far away from sleeping ears, but it would do. He had to tell her now, or he would chicken out. As it was, she might not forgive him.

“Whatever it is, Hook, I would never look at you differently, nor would I take June out of your life.” She was staring into his eyes so intently, but it didn’t make him uncomfortable as he’dexpected. For the first time, he wanted someone to see him, see the truth in all its ugliness. She deserved it.

“Well, that’s good to hear because there’s a lot.” He tried for a moment of humor. “Since I claimed you both at church today.”

“Claimed us?”

“Yeah. You’re my ol’ lady, and June’s my daughter as far as the club’s concerned.”

Nova’s smile was sweet and settled his soul. Her reaction was unexpected, considering that earlier she was freaking out about her choices being stolen.

“That’s not so bad. I do kinda like you.” She nipped his lip until he opened for her. Letting her take charge, she invaded his mouth. Hook liked it when she took control on occasion. As long as he didn’t let it go too far, he didn’t panic.

When she ended the kiss, he quipped. “Like me?” he teased. “I thought you said you lo?—”

She placed her finger over his mouth before he could finish. He wanted to hear it again, craved it.

“Moving on.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “I sense that’s not all?”

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