Page 34 of Nova

Leaning down, his lips brush lightly over my bruised and swollen cheek. He then trails kisses down my jaw and neck—eventually, his lips capture mine. I waste no time opening my mouth, allowing his tongue to tangle with mine. Seconds later, our connection is interrupted by a knock at the bedroom door.

''Get in the bed, babe, while I let Piper in.''

Snapping out of my lust-filled daze, I round the corner of the bed, pull back the blanket and climb in just as Cain lets Piper in. She smiles as she carries a steaming cup of tea toward me. ''I wasn't sure how you liked it, so I made it how I normally do, with honey and lemon.''

''That's perfect. Thank you, Piper.''

''You're welcome.''

Walking back over to her father, Piper hugs Cain. ''I'm going to bed. You need anything else, Daddy?''

''No, Bean. We're good. Go on and get some sleep.''

''Okay. Goodnight.'' Piper gives me a little wave over her shoulder.

''Goodnight, sweetie.''

Once Piper is gone, I smile over at Cain. ''You have an amazing daughter. You're fortunate.''

His face goes soft. ''Yeah. The best thing to ever happen to me.'' I take a few sips of my tea before setting the cup on the nightstand and settling back against the pillow.

''You going to be okay while I jump in the shower?''

I let out a deep sigh. ''I'm good, Cain. I promise. Just tired.'' When he disappears into the bathroom, I turn on my side and settle deeper into the blanket. Before I know it, my eyes grow heavy, and I'm out.

* * *

The next morning,I wake to an empty bed. When I reach over and feel Cain's side, it's cold. Sitting up, I stretch my arms above my head and work out the soreness in my back. Wondering what time it is, I scan the bedroom for my purse which holds my phone but don't see it. It must be downstairs.

Climbing out of bed, I make my way into the bathroom where I get the first glimpse at my face and I gasp. ''Holy shit.'' The swelling has gone down, but I have one hell of a shiner and my cheek is black and blue. No amount of concealer is going to cover this up. Shaking my head, I sigh. What I need is a shower. Turning, my eyes get big when I finally take time to admire Cain's bathroom. Holy shit! I take in the size of the shower stall, and the digital keypad on the wall that must operate it. You could fit six people in there and still have room. His bathroom is a dream.

Deciding I need to take time to enjoy a proper bath in that exquisite tub, I opt for a quick shower instead. After turning the water on and letting it heat, I rummage through Cain's drawer coming across a hair tie and fix my hair in a messy bun at the top of my head. I strip out of Cain's shirt and my panties, then step inside the tiled stall and close my eyes as the hot water beats down on my body.

I spot a bottle of body wash, flick the top open and realize I have found the source of one of Cain's many scents. Pouring a generous amount onto a sponge, I lather my body from head to toe, liking the fact I now smell like him. When I'm done, I cut the water off, step out of the stall and wrap a towel around my body. Opening the bathroom door, I pad over to the dresser, pull it open, finding a pair of Cain's boxers and another t-shirt to wear until I can ask him where he put the bag London packed for me. Now that I'm showered and feeling somewhat human again, I decide to head downstairs in search of some coffee. As I'm descending the stairs, I hear murmured voices. When I walk into the kitchen, I'm met by Piper who is standing at the stove cooking what looks like pancakes and Kiwi who is sitting at the table watching her while he drinks coffee.

''Morning,'' I announce.

Piper looks over at me and smiles. ''Morning, Promise. Are you hungry? I can make you something else if you don't want pancakes.''

''I'm good, sweetie. I could use some coffee, though.''

''Sure. I have a fresh pot made. The cream and sugar are on the table.''

''Where is Cain?'' I ask as I shuffle over to the counter and pour a cup of coffee.

Kiwi is the first to answer. ''He had some club shit to take care of. He should be back any minute, though.''

I nod, taking my cup over to the table and sitting down just as Kiwi stands and takes his empty plate to the sink. ''I'll be on the porch havin' a smoke.''

I don't miss the way he leans in toward Piper and says something in her ear. And whatever he says has her blushing.Hmm. Interesting.

When Piper takes a seat at the table across from me, I lift a brow but say nothing, which causes her to turn redder. After several awkward moments, Piper is the first to break the silence. ''My dad likes you.''

Her admission makes me smile. ''I like him too.''

''No, I mean he REALLY likes you. Dad has never brought a woman home before. He's never even had a girlfriend.'' I stare at Piper, stunned. ''It's true. Dad is a man whore.'' Piper says her last statement the same moment I take a sip of coffee, and I choke. ''Oh, crap! Are you okay, Promise?'' Piper hands me a paper towel to dry my face and the little bit of coffee I spilled on the table.

''It's okay, Piper. You just caught me off guard with that one.''

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