Page 45 of Nova

Everyone starts yelling over each other, so I lift Simone off my lap and pat Abels’s shoulder.

“I’m out. My place is secure now, right?” He nods at me while trying to fend off the others.

“Let’s get out of here before they burn him at the stake.” Simone rushes for the front door like her ass is on fire.

“Someone’s eager to start the honeymoon,” I laugh as she stops at the limo door.

“Your family is terrible!” She says the words, but she’s smiling.

“They grow on you.”

Chapter

Eighteen

SIMONE

Not only did the hotel not hold our room because of our impromptu visit at that biker house, but then the airline bumped us from business to economy, separating us on the flight to New Orleans.

By the time we landed, I’d convinced myself that this marriage was doomed. The universe was cock blocking our way too hard for it to work.

“I want an annulment.” Maddox stops, bent over to pick up his bag at the carousel, and just stares at me.

The family beside us gasps at my announcement that clearly wasn’t as low as I wanted it to be.

“You missed your bag,” I state the obvious, trying to snap him out of his shock, but he continues looking at me from his position.

“I’m aware. I beg your fucking pardon?” He stands back up and faces me fully.

“We aren’t supposed to be together. We’ve been married less than twenty-four hours, and your business was already in jeopardy.

“Ok, I’m going to grab our bags, and then we’re going to our house, where I’m going to fuck you unconscious because clearly, you’ve lost your damn mind.” The lady right next to us covers her child’s ears and hisses at Maddox.

“Watch your language!” He grabs my arm and pulls me away from the mother, throwing daggers at us.

“Dove, talk to me. Where is this coming from?” I rub my forehead, feeling bone tired.

“I don’t know, but maybe you’re probably right. I’m tired, horny, and really want a shower.” He smiles and kisses me.

“How about a nice relaxing bath, orgasm, and nap before we have dinner with my parents?” I weakly nod, and he rushes off to grab the bag he missed because of my outburst.

“Honey, you’d be a fool to leave him. Anyone can see how much that man loves you.” I turn to the elderly woman sitting alone in a wheelchair, forgotten in the corner.

“Really? How?” Her mouth tilts up, making her wrinkles crease more around her eyes.

“I was married to my Lenny for sixty-five years. Men only get that mad over two things. Love and money. Neither of you looks like you’re lacking in funds. If you try to take away what a man loves, he’s liable to kill for it.” She winks at me and points behind me to where Maddox is approaching us.

I think over her words on the taxi ride to my new home.

While I admire the front of the cute little house, I drop my bags on the front porch and grab his arm before he opens the door. He looks at me nervously, and I can’t blame him.

“Something wrong, Dove?” I cup his cheek.

“Yes, I love you.” He frowns, making me chuckle.

“And I hadn’t said it. You’ve been showing me this entire time. I’m telling you, I see it.” I kiss him, then turn him, pushing him to the door before he ruins the moment.

“Hurry up, I want that bath.” He looks over his shoulder at me like I’ve truly lost my mind.

---