Page 33 of Nova

''Nope. Not lettin' you go, Sugar.''

Lifting my head from Cain's shoulder, I take in my surroundings. The Kings clubhouse sits on a large lot, next to an old paper mill, no longer in use. The building itself looks like an old two-level warehouse, and just behind the building runs the Mississippi River.

When Cain steps through the doors of the clubhouse, we are met by London and Everest, who arrived just before us. Cain strides across the room to a large leather sofa and sets me down. London walks over and sits beside me, studying my face. ''You okay?'' she asks me.

I nod. ''I think so. What about you? Will you be okay staying here? Would you rather call Ruby or Sadie and stay with one of them?''

''Naw. It's late. Let's not worry them with all that's happened tonight.''

The sound of the clubhouse door opening and heels clicking on the floor draws my attention to a beautiful woman walking in. She has long blonde hair and is wearing a black knee-length pencil skirt and a beige satin blouse, paired with black four-inch heels. Her eyes land on Cain first with a look of warmth and familiarity as she smiles. An unwelcome reaction settles over me—jealousy.

''Nova,'' the woman greets him.

''Doc,'' Cain nods, not moving from his place beside me. ''I need you to check on my woman.''

The moment Cain says the words‘my woman,'the lady snaps her gaze away from him over to me. The woman studies me for a moment. She is quiet as her eyes move between me and Cain. There is no missing the possessive arm Cain has wrapped around my waist. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it. Finally, the woman in front of us smiles and her face lights up. ''I'm happy for you, Nova.'' Something passes between Cain and the woman before she turns her attention back to me. ''Hi. I'm Doctor Teagan. Are you okay with me looking at those marks on your face?''

''Sure. And I'm Promise.''

''It's good to meet you, Promise.'' Over the next fifteen minutes, Doctor Teagan examines my face and asks a series of questions. ''Well, the good news is the cut to your cheek doesn't need stitches. The bad news is you will most likely wake tomorrow with a black eye and be sporting a bruised face for a few days. I recommend some over the counter pain reliever for the discomfort. If any other problems arise, I want you to call me. Okay?''

''I will. Thanks, Doctor.''

''You're welcome, Promise.'' Teagan gathers her things, then turns to Cain. ''Take care of her.''

''I will.''

Thirty minutes later, after making sure London was settled in the clubhouse, we arrive at Cain's house. The moment we pull up, his daughter Piper comes flying out of the front door with Kiwi behind her. The two of them stand on the porch and watch as Cain helps me from the truck. When we step up on the porch, I take in how upset Piper looks. ''Daddy?''

''She's okay, Bean. Come on, let's get inside.''

I give Piper a reassuring smile. My heart melts at how sweet this girl is to be concerned about me.

''Let's get you upstairs, babe,'' Cain murmurs. ''Kiwi, thanks for hangin' with Piper. You can head out.''

Kiwi nods. ''No worries, brother. Call if you need anything.''

Once Kiwi leaves, Cain places his palm on my lower back and guides me toward the stairs.

I stop. ''Um…maybe I should sleep on the sofa.''

''Not happenin'.''

''Cain,'' I argue. ''I think I should sleep downstairs.'' I lift a brow and nod toward Piper.

Piper and Cain are both looking at me with amused grins. ''Bean, you don't have a problem with my woman sleepin' upstairs, do ya?''

Piper rolls her eyes and giggles. "You two are cute.'' Lifting on her tiptoes, she kisses her dad's cheek. ''I'm going to go to the kitchen and make Promise some warm tea while you get her settled. I'll bring it up in a few minutes.''

''Appreciate that. You're the best, baby girl.'' Piper disappears around the corner into the kitchen, and Cain brings his attention back to me. ''Come on, Sugar.''

''So bossy,'' I huff as I make my way up the stairs and to his bedroom. When we step through the door, Cain kicks it shut with his booted foot. Next, he strides over to the dresser, pulling out a t-shirt. He then turns and makes his way back to me. ''Arms up, babe.''

Once I'm standing in nothing but my bra and panties, Cain reaches behind me and unclasps my bra then tosses it to the growing pile on the floor. Reaching over to the bed beside us, he grabs the t-shirt he retrieved from the dresser and slides it over my head and waits for me to thread my arms through. The shirt smells of laundry detergent and hangs down to the tops of my knees.

''I like you in my shirt, babe,'' Cain says, his voice husky. Reaching up between us, I fist the front of his shirt while tilting my head back and getting lost in the depth of his heated gaze.

''Cain.''

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