Page 22 of Nova

The sound of Brad's voice greeting Nova is what finally snaps me out of my stupor, and I quickly dive into the role of attorney. ''Mr. LeBlanc, my name is Brad Davis and this is Promise Bailey.''

At our introductions, Nova, who is still staring at me, smiles that smile, the one that once again makes my knees weak. ''Promise Bailey.'' Nova lets my name roll off his tongue. ''I have to say I like it, but I think I like Sugar better.''

My face heats, and I have a hard time hiding the effect Nova has on me. Brad starts looking back and forth between Nova and me again. ''I'm sorry but do you two know each other?''

I ignore his question and decide it's time to get down to business. I clear my throat and take a seat. Unfortunately, Brad doesn't follow my lead and continues to dig. ''Promise, do you know this man?''

I peer up at Brad. ''Now is not the time or place,'' I say dismissing him. I don't miss the way Nova tilts his head to the side and studies Brad and me. It is not lost on me how Brad is acting a tad jealous and it looks as though Nova has picked up on it too.

''You could say Promise, and I know each other pretty well,'' Nova smirks and I close my eyes.

''That's enough,'' I snap at both men—Nova doesn't waver, but Brad's face has turned red. ''Can we get on with what we came here for?'' I look down at my watch. ''We only have thirty minutes before we go before the judge, and I'd like to cover as much ground as possible before then.'' I go to move on but suddenly the sight of a bandage on Nova's arm causes me to gasp and on instinct, I lean over the table and gently touch his hand. "Oh my, God. What happened?"

"Just a little stab wound," Nova shrugs. "Nothin' to worry your beautiful head about. But I have to say. I like your concern, Sugar."

Nova's words hit me hard and I realize how inappropriate I'm acting. Composing myself I clear my throat and lean back in my seat. To say this situation is uncomfortable would be an understatement. Nevertheless, I still have a job to do. ''As you know, Mr. LeBlanc, you have been charged with battery, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.''

''He got what he deserved. The rest of those are trumped-up charges.'' Nova's harsh words and the venom in his tone shocks me.

''I will advise you not to admit that in front of the judge this morning. Our goal is to get you out of here, not keep you in.''

Nova's back goes straight, and his tone turns deadly. ''The motherfucker put his hands on my seventeen-year-old daughter and was going to rape her had I not stepped in. Fuck what the judge thinks. He should be worried about releasing the other asshole.''

My eyes snap away from my note-taking and I look at Nova.He has a daughter.''Are you saying your daughter was assaulted?''Why in the hell wasn't I informed of these details before I arrived?At Nova's nod my gut clenches. He was defending his child. I can't say I blame him for what he did. ''I'm going to present this information to the judge and claim self-defense. Judge Brickman is not only a fair man, but he has three daughters himself.'' I look Nova in the eyes when I make my last statement.

Forty minutes later, Nova's bond was set, paid, and he was free to go. Just like I imagined Judge Brickman sided with Nova when I laid out what happened to his daughter. And once the judge exits the courtroom, I turn to Nova who is standing between Brad and me. ''We want you to come down to the office first thing in the morning so we can get to work on getting these charges taken care of."

Nova peers over his shoulder, and I follow his gaze. Sitting in the courtroom are three men. All are wearing the same leather vest Nova had on the other night. One of the men is a guy who looks to be in his twenties with blond hair, another is a man with brown hair and the third is a big black man and sitting next to him is a strikingly beautiful black woman who has a look on her face that saysdon't fuck with me.These are the same men who followed Brad and me from the police station to the courthouse. And though introductions have yet to be made, I'm assuming they belong to the same club as Nova, The Kings of Retribution.

A few minutes later, we exit the courthouse. Nova's blond friend whistles, gaining his attention. Nova touches my arm. ''Hang back. I want to talk to you.'' I don't say anything as Nova jogs down the courthouse steps to his friends. I watch as he speaks to them and then watch as four sets of eyes land on me.

''Are you going to tell me what the deal is between you and that man?'' Brad asks with an annoyed bite to his tone, stepping in front of me blocking my sight of them.

''Seeing as you no longer have a right to know jack shit about me, no, I'm not going to tell you a damn thing.'' Deciding that waiting on Nova is probably a bad idea and having enough of being in the same vicinity as Brad, I take my leave and head toward my car. Just as I go to open the door a large hand appears in front of me, stopping it from opening and Nova's gruff voice fills my ear, making me shiver.

''I told you to wait.'' Nova is standing so close; I can feel his heat on my back. Slowly I turn to face him.

''I didn't think it was a good idea.''

''And why is that, babe?''

I swallow. ''I'm your attorney now, Nov…I mean Mr. LeBlanc,'' I correct myself.

Nova steps closer into my space, his nose nearly touching mine. It takes all my strength not to close my eyes and take in his scent.Did I just whimper?

''Call me Cain. Not Nova and not Mr. LeBlanc. Cain,'' he growls his nostrils flaring.

''Cain, I…I don't…''Oh, God. This man has my tongue tied in knots.

''Who's the fuckwit that came with you today?''

My brow scrunches at his rapid change of topic. ''You mean Brad?'' I debate whether to answer him, then cave. ''Brad is an attorney that was assigned to help with your case.''

''You two have a history?''

''Yes,'' I answer truthfully. ''But it's just that; history.''

''He know that?''

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