Page 71 of Nova

"Okay." I feel her smile against my skin.

My hold on her tightens. "Damn. Where have you been all my life?"

"Waiting for you," Promise's whispers.

A moment later, Promise is softly snoring. It doesn't take long before I'm drifting off to sleep myself.

The following morning,I wake to an empty bed and the smells of bacon and something sweet wafting through the air. How the hell did she slip out of bed without waking me? My body feels stiff as I move from the bed. Damn, I roll my shoulders on the way to the bathroom. I don't think I moved a muscle the entire night.Fuck. I rub my neck, then turn the faucet on. I splash cold water on my face to aid in waking my tired ass up. After doing a little grooming and brushing my teeth, I walk to the dresser, grabbing some clean clothes from the drawers. Dressed, I sit on the side of the bed, and lace up my boots, then grab my cut before exiting the bedroom. Heading down the hall, I shrug my cut on and listen to the voices coming from downstairs.

I find everyone gathered around the tables that have been pushed together, and the women carrying platters of food from the kitchen. Promise smiles as she walks toward me, holding a plate stacked with pancakes. "Good morning." She kisses me, and I deepen it.

"You snuck out again," I smirk, gripping her ass, and pulling her closer.

"Only to help cook breakfast. You were sleeping so well. I hated to disturb you."

I press my mouth to her ear, for only her to hear my next words. "Too bad. Because I woke up hungry—for you." Promise's breathing hitches. "As far as I'm concerned, the taste of your sweet pussy is all I need to start my day off right." My mouth lingers against her neck, and I feel her pulse against my lips.

"Jesus, Cain." Promise's airy whisper, as she tilts her head to the side, makes my cock twitch.

"You two lovebirds get your asses over here, I'm fuckin' starvin', and I'd like us to eat together this mornin'," my brother yells from across the room. Making him wait, I grab the back of my woman's head, and claim her mouth with a deep passionate kiss, while giving Riggs the middle finger.

The room fills with laughter, and Promise's lips lift in a smile at the end of our kiss. "I love your family," she says with her lips still touching mine.

"Your family, babe." I pull back. "And they fuckin' love you too."

"Damn right we do," Kiwi speaks above the others chattering amongst themselves. "I'll love you even more if you bring those pancakes over here." The others laugh at his banter, and I chuckle.

"Come on." I walk with my woman to the tables, joining the family.

"Good morning, Daddy," Piper hugs my neck once I've settled in the chair beside her.

"How you feelin', Bean?" I kiss her temple.

Piper pours syrup over her pancakes, before locking eyes with me. "I'm good, Daddy." Then she drops her voice, low enough so only I can hear what she says. "I know I don't have to worry about that terrible man anymore." My daughter searches my eyes. Without me saying it aloud, she sees the truth behind them. She knows I'll do anything to keep her safe and is not naive to what the club does to make sure it stays that way.

I lovingly smile at my daughter, then pull her to me for a quick side hug. We say nothing more about the subject, letting it die right along with the motherfucker who did her wrong.

As we sit around the table, enjoying food and family, I can't help but be grateful for all that I have. At the head of the table, I watch my brother's interaction with his daughter. Riggs lifts her pink shirt, blowing raspberries on Aria's tummy, causing her to go into a fit of giggles. The way his face lights up with her laughter is contagious, and I find myself smiling too. Luna sits to the side, her face just as bright with happiness as she watches her husband.

I notice Promise watching them as well when I look at her. Leaning into her, I whisper in her ear. "Should we tell them?"

Promise tears her eyes away from my brother. "You sure?"

"Yeah, babe."

Promise looks past me, watching Piper as she heads toward the kitchen. My woman's eyes are filled with so much love for my daughter.Our daughter, I correct myself.Ours. God, I fuckin love the way that sounds.

Promise tells me, "I'd like Piper to be the first to know."

Just when I thought my heart couldn't be any fuller, my woman proves otherwise. Though I'd like to be there when she tells her, I feel this could be another bonding opportunity for the two. I rub her thigh, where my hand is resting. "Go tell her."

Promise's eyes water. "Me?"

"Yeah, babe. Your mine. That makes Piper yours too." I continue to keep my voice low, not wanting the others to hear our conversation. "Go tell our girl she's going to be a big sister, and that we're getting hitched."

Promise struggles to keep her emotions at bay and lightly brushes my lips with hers before standing. I watch her walk away. Looking around the table, I catch Riggs' gaze fixed on me. He says nothing, but I feel that he knows. It's just a connection we have. Call it twin intuition if you want. Some people don't believe it's a thing, but I'd have no qualms telling anyone they don't know what the fuck they are talking about. The connection exists. It's been there our entire lives.

Just then, Piper burst through the kitchen door. Pushing my chair from the table, I stand, just before she barrels into me, hitting my chest like a linebacker. Her arms wrap around my waist, squeezing with all she has. Her action causes all talking to stop, and the room stills with silence. I don't have to look to know every eye is fixed on us. Tilting her head back, Piper looks at me, tears pooling in her eyes. "Does this mean you're happy?" I grin.

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