Page 32 of Nova

I call out. ''No! No, police!'' I say in a rush, remembering the man's threat.

''What! Are you crazy, Promise? You were assaulted.''

''No police,'' I say again, adamantly. ''Find my phone and call Cain.''

''Cain?" her face falls. "Promise…''

I cut her off. ''Please, Lon. I need you to call Cain.'' I slump against the back of the sofa, bringing my hand up to my cheek when I feel wetness trickling down the side of my face. When I pull my hand back, I note my fingers are covered in blood. The sight makes me queasy.

''Shit. Okay, I'll call him.''

I watch as London shuffles over to where my purse is and retrieves my cell. I listen as she places the phone to her ear and starts talking to who I assume in Cain.

''No, it's London.''

''We need you to come to our apartment. I just came home and found Promise on the floor. She's been attacked.'' London delivers the news with a shaky voice.

Seconds later, I hear Cain's deep voice ring out as London's eyes go big, and she looks at me with a worried expression. She hangs up the phone and swallows. ''He's on his way.''

I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing Cain is coming. Just the thought of having him near makes me feel safe.

''I'm going to get something for your face. It's swelling pretty badly.'' London goes to the freezer and pulls out a bag of frozen peas. Sitting down next to me, she places the bag against my cheek, and I wince. ''Sorry,'' she whispers.

Ten minutes later, London and I look at each other when we hear the rumble of a bike. A few seconds later, the door to the apartment bursts open, nearly breaking from its hinges. Nova's large frame fills the doorframe, with a look that can only be described as murder marring his face. His eyes appraise every inch of my body. He takes in my disheveled clothes and ratty hair. Then when I drop the ice pack from my face, he growls. ''The motherfucker is dead.''

In two strides, Cain is in front of me taking my battered face in his hands. I close my eyes and rest my face against his warm palms.

''Brother.'' Everest steps into the apartment and takes in the scene. His face hardens when he gets a look at me. He then turns his attention back to Cain.

''You see anything?'' Cain asks Everest.

''Nothin,' man.''

Cain grits his teeth. His eyes never leave mine. ''Tell me?''

I know what he is asking, so I tell him everything. I tell him about the uneasy feeling I got when I thought I was being followed. I tell him about the man sneaking up on me when I arrived, and how he shoved me into the apartment, pinned me down on the floor and punched me in the face. I told him what the man said about Piper and his club. I didn't leave a single detail out. And by the time I'm done, the fury coming off Cain is palpable but somehow, he manages to tamp it down and gain control of the situation.

Palming the uninjured side of my face, Cain brushes his lips against mine. ''You're safe now, babe. I'm going to take care of this shit.'' Cain stands, facing Everest. "Get on the phone with Kiwi. Check on him and Piper. Give him the low down on what happened here, so he knows to be vigilant. Then call Fender and have him bring the cage. He can bring my bike back to the clubhouse. Also, have Doc meet us there. I want her to check Promise over.''

''You got it, brother,'' Everest nods.

Next, Cain addresses London. ''I want you to pack some shit. You two will not be stayin' here tonight.''

''Where are we going?'' I interject.

''London will go back to the clubhouse with Everest. She'll be set up in a room. You'll be coming home with me,'' he states.

''Cain, I…''

He holds up his hand, cutting me off. ''Some motherfucker comes up in my woman's place, putting his filthy fuckin' hands on her, making threats against my daughter and my club. You will be comin' home with me where I can keep my eyes on you. End of fuckin' discussion.''

Too tired to argue and sensing Cain is hanging on by a very thin thread, I relent. ''Okay.''

Thirty minutes later, I'm woken up by Cain sliding his arms under me and pulling me from his truck. I must have fallen asleep. ''Where are we?''

''Clubhouse. Doc is here to check on you, and then I'm taking you home.''

I start to wiggle in his arms. ''I can walk, Cain.''

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