Page 37 of Nova

My feelings for him are complicated. There is plenty of lust and a ton of frustration, for sure. But love? I’m not sure I know what that feeling really is.

“Close your eyes.” I glance up at him, and his smiling face nods at me.

I take a deep breath and shut them.

“Think about your future. Five years from now. You’re living your dream life. You are on vacation, relaxing, and having the time of your life. You look to your left at the one person in the world you’d want to share all of that with.” I nod as the picture starts to form.

We’re in the mountains. It’s cold, so the fireplace is going. I’ve got a hot cocoa in my hand and an open book in my lap. I’m watching the snow falling outside and the steam from a hot tub that is calling my name. I smile at the image.

“Can you see it?” Maddox’s soft whisper floats through my fantasy.

I nod.

“Are you alone?” I shake my head.

I can feel a presence with me, but I haven’t seen them yet.

“Who’s with you, Simone?” I turn in my fantasy and watch as Maddox pulls cookies out of the oven and shoos Felix off the counter.

I open my eyes.

“My husband.” I grin up at the real Maddox, who is still here with me, even though any sane person would have run away from me, my crazy family, and the animals he’s clearly allergic to.

“Good answer.” He draws me in and kisses me thoroughly.

“Go pack. I’ll book our flight. Don’t forget a white dress.” He slaps my ass, and I rush out of the kitchen to do exactly as he said.

There’sa wait at the Chapel.

Since we had to wait two hours before we could get married and were both starving, we decided to walk over to one of Maddox’s favorite restaurants.

“You know, my uncle could marry us quicker, but I really don’t want to bother him with this.” We’re standing in a crowded bar with one of those hand buzzers.

“So, will your family be as surprised as mine?” Maddox frowns and then chuckles.

“Nope, they’ll think this is typical behavior for me. It’s why they gave me the road name Nova.” I shake my head.

He told me about the bikers and how he couldn’t wait for me to meet them all. I’m still not sure what the appeal is, but according to him, riding a Harley will change my life. I guess I’ll see when we get to New Orleans.

“Tell me more about your siblings.” We talked about them briefly, but it’s my turn to learn more about his life.

“We’re triplets.” I freeze.

“Relax, Dove. I know that might be triggering, so I was hesitant to tell you, but you should know since you’ll be meeting them soon.” His hands caress my bare shoulders.

“Am I cursed or something?” I mumble.

“Hey, look at me.” He turns me so I’m facing him.

He takes my chin between his fingers like he did the night before, and my whole world narrows to him.

“I am nothing like Tyler. You are safe with me always. Repeat it.” His voice has that command I am helpless to ignore.

“I am safe with you always.” He nods.

“Now add that to your mantras.” He kisses my forehead.

“Ah fuck no. Not now.” His words make me look up at him, but his eyes are across the bar.

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