Page 50 of Nova

“Simone!” Fuck, that’s my mother’s voice.

“Stop yelling I’m not deaf,” I say into the mouthpiece as I try to keep my hand steady.

“Are you drunk?” I roll my eyes at her judgemental tone.

“I’m on my honeymoon. I can drink my husband’s beer if I want.” I nod at the phone.

I told her.

Even my inner voice is drunk. I look around for Maddox and see him watching me from across the bar. He’s been talking to his brother, who arrived a few hours ago. I wave my phone over my head.

“It’s my mother!” I call over to him.

“What do you want?” I bring the phone back to my ear.

“I wanted to apologize for my actions at the baby shower.” Sure she does.

“Ok.” I’m still waiting for her to ask my forgiveness.

“That’s all.” Is she kidding?

“You have to ask if you want me to forgive you. You suck at this.” I giggle as Maddox takes a seat next to me.

“Let me talk to her, Dove.” I shake my head a little too fast, and the room spins.

“Nope, she has to ask. She can’t be such a cunt and then only offer to apologize without saying sorry.” He pries the phone out of my hand with a grin on his face.

“Dove, did you just say cunt?” I nod and get even more dizzy.

“I’m a biker’s wife, now. It’s required.” The ladies around me laugh, but my eyes stay on Maddox’s face.

“You’re way too good for me.” He leans in and kisses me, which brings the phone closer, where I hear my mother yelling about bikers being no good.

“Hang up on her,” I say on his lips.

“Oh, hello, Mrs. Gauthier. We’ll be returning to Toronto in a few days to pack up Simone’s townhouse and the cats,” Simone brightens up.

“My pussies!” The entire bar cheers her unexpected outburst.

“Yes, Dove, your pussies. As I was saying. My wife will be here in New Orleans should you need anything from her. However, consider this her two-week notice. I’ll be taking care of here from now on. Your presence in her life solely depends on whether Simone wants to see you.” The silence coming from my phone makes me think she hung up.

“No one has ever had the gull to speak to me like that.” He nods at her statement.

“Well, respect is earned, and you don’t deserve any from us. Have a good evening.” He hangs up.

“You are my fucking hero.” I kiss him and somehow end up straddling him on the couch with everyone whistling and calling for us to get a room.

“Dove, I will protect you with everything I have for the rest of our lives.” I lay my head on his shoulder and must doze off because I wake to Seer passing Maddox a phone.

“Hey Roger…WHAT? No, hold him. I’m on my way.” I sit up and look over his angry face.

“We need to head to my club.” I nod at the urgency in his voice.

“Need backup?” Maverick comes over to his brother, ready to help in any way he can.

“Always appreciate your assistance. Her ex is at the brothel causing problems.” He what?

“Tyler is here?” Maddox sighs as he helps me off his lap.

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