Page 129 of Heat & Deceit
“You deserved better too, you know that?” he asks, reminding me of what I told him in the car all those nights ago.
“I’m starting to realize that,” I whisper. The guys are a big part of that. I think I’d gotten so used to being treated like shit, I’d grown to expect it. It’s part of why I didn’t want another pack. My heart had already been broken so many times. Another letdown would have shattered it beyond repair.
“Hey,” Javi murmurs, pulling me on top of him and cupping my face. “You are wonderful. You’re smart and funny and sassy. You have a big heart, even though you try to hide it from the world, and I’m honored that you wanted my mark.” His eyes bounce between mine. “I will do everything in my power to keep it safe.”
My eyes mist. “You’re going to make me cry.”
He shrugs. “Then, cry. I mean it, Nova. You. Are. Worthy.”
“Stop, please,” I beg, lying on top of him and burying my face in the crook of his neck. “I don’t want to cry today, okay? I want to be happy.”
“Happy tears are a real thing.”
“Javi,” I groan.
“Okay, okay. But don’t think I’m going to stop telling you how amazing you are. It’s my job.”
“Fine,” I say with a huff. “But there should be limits.”
“What?” he asks, chest rumbling with a laugh. “Absolutely not. I’m going to praise you when and how I want.” He swats my ass. “Understood?”
I grumble anokayand snuggle closer, smiling against his neck.
“Good girl,” he purrs.
Thirty-Four
NOVA
The security company’s arrival bursts the bubble of safety with Javi. We get out of bed and get dressed, heading down to figure out the plan. Rome and Lycus are talking with the employee, but both of them stop paying attention as soon as I enter the room. Their gazes swing to me, and I miss a step, squealing as I fall.
Javi catches me and pulls me against his chest, much like the first time he rescued me. “Careful.”
I tip my head back, a heady sense of déjà vu washing over me as I study the starbursts around his pupils. Three very distinct and very horny scents flood the room. I greedily breathe them in and smile at Javi, loving the way his nostrils flare as my own desire rises in the air.
“Right...I’ll get started outside,” the security guy says before making a quick escape.
Oh, god. I basically just let the whole world know I’m ready to be railed. I scrunch my face and pull out of Javi’s intoxicating hold, sending a firm look at each of the guys. “If you try to get frisky with the security company here, I might lose it.”
“Not a fan of an audience?” Ly asks with a grin.
“Not anymore.”
His smile falters. “Shit, I’m—”
“Don’t. It’s okay. I know you were joking.” He doesn’t come to me like I anticipate, and I try not to appear disappointed.
He searches my face, then nods. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving,” I admit.
“Good. Rome was about to make breakfast.”
“Who the fuck said that?” Rome asks with an incredulous laugh.
Lycus sends him a bored look. “Would you rather I burn the bacon or Javi overcook the eggs?”
“All right, all right, but ask next time, dude.” Rome moves toward me. I plant my feet to keep from running, slowly tipping my head back as he approaches, maintaining eye contact. These guys are all so tall.
