Page 117 of In Death, Love Survives
“Have they heard about Nova yet?”
Caleb finally smiles like I’ve told a joke.
“Yeah, some of them have. You know Diedra can’t keep her mouth shut. It’s probably all around fucking town.”
I scratch the back of my neck.
“Well, better Diedra telling everyone than me needing to. A bunch of gossips.”
Caleb chuckles as he stands and runs his hands down his jeans.
“I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Where you going now?”
“Back to The Lodge. Get a beer.”
“You can get one here,” I say, confused.
“Go be with your woman. I’ll see your ass tomorrow.”
“Right.”
I get up, and we walk to the door.
“She’ll be fine. Life isn’t always like this.”
“She doesn’t know that.”
“Nova left her life behind for you. She met you in prison. That woman knows what she’s getting into. I wouldn’t be worried about it. Go check on her.”
SIXTEEN
Nova
The door slowly opens,almost as if the person on the other side is nervous to come in. I know it’s Wolfe, so I’m not sure why he’s being overly cautious.
Well, that’s not entirely true. So far, our life outside of Roper State has been a whirlwind adventure. The past twelve hours of my life have been going at warp speed.
My entire life has changed, and nothing feels like it did.
I want to say it doesn’t feel safe, but that’s what the problem was before. I was locked into a life where safety and the mundane were all that carried me through, and that was no way to live.
At least with Wolfe by my side, I feel wanted, needed, protected—even safer than I ever have.
“Nova?” he whispers.
“Yeah?” I croak.
It comes out strained and not at all what I intended.
He pushes the door wide and sees me sitting cross-legged on the bed, with wet hair and wearing his big T-shirt.
“What’s wrong, angel?” he asks as he sits down next to me.
“Nothing. I promise. I’m just tired.”
Wolfe rubs my back soothingly.
