Page 74 of Villainous Greed

“You’re not eating.” Nova pulled me from my thoughts.

“I was waiting until you finished.” Before taking the first bite, I waited until she had enough to eat. Nova had gone long enough without food.

“There’s no way I can eat this myself.” Nova shoved a bowl toward me. “Besides, I never see you eat, and it worries me.”

Taking the bowl and a spoon, I ate some of the soup. “I didn’t mean to worry you. Just want you to eat to your heart’s content. I can’t give you peace yet, but at least I can fill you up with delicious food.”

Nova lowered her spoon, shoulders straightening. “Every second with you is like a dream, August. I must constantly convince myself this is real. That you’re not some sort of trick created by Harvest.”

Reaching across the table, I caressed her hand. “I’m here with you. This is me.”

“I know.” Nova smiled. “Our timing’s not great. Harvest started the apocalypse. While your family tried to stop him, I’vebeen a pawn on the other side. This is terrible for you and your family, I get that. But this moment, these tiny seconds here with you, they’re the best I’ve had. I need you to know this is peaceful for me. I’m okay with sitting here together in between the killings and waiting for the next attack. While I have so much hatred for Harvest and Derrick, just being near you again has silenced a century of hatred.”

She wiped her eyes, but the tears fell down her cheeks.

I swallowed. “Thank you for trusting me enough to stay here with me.”

She gestured toward my food. “Now eat, please, then I want you to rest.”

“Thank you for being here,” I said again.

Her dark eyes roamed over my face, searching for something.

“Existingis probably the better word,” I added. “Thank you for surviving hell, so my selfish ass can be here with you right now.”

The corner of Nova’s mouth curved as she leaned back into her chair, shoulders loosening. “I spent a lot of time in my head while locked away. I used to imagine all the ways I could ruin you if I ever got the chance. But what I never admitted was the times I imagined you saving me instead. Sometimes, I’d see you at my cell door, there to free me, and it would be the best thing. Then I’d jerk awake, and the illusion would melt away. Even then, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t let you go, but I supposed it was my heart’s way of telling me the truth. You weren’t my enemy.”

Tears glistened, but her face continued to soften. “You are the only person who ever cared about me and the others.”

I stood abruptly. “I’m going to shower.”

She frowned. “Right now?”

“Yes, right now. Or else I’ll shove this table to the side and kiss you like I want.”

I didn’t wait for her response as I strode to the bathroom and shut the door. My blood was pumping. I wanted to kiss and hold her as much as I wanted to cry. I went to the mirror and stared at my reflection. Letting my head fall backward, I sighed and studied the stone ceiling. For the first time in my life, I talked to God like some humans did.“Please.Give us the strength to save everything you’ve created. I can’t lose her.”

Lowering my head, I rubbed my face before removing my clothes.

I didn’t expect an answer. Reapers had always lived as we wanted while doing our duties. Even my pleading had everything to do with my mate and nothing to do with the worlds. Yes, I wanted to protect people, but I wanted to save Nova more.

How could I be the happiest and most terrified of my life at the same time?

I let the shower heat a minute before I got in. The water felt good on my tired muscles. I could sleep for two days and would likely still be exhausted. Determination kept my body going. Besides, I slept too deeply when I rested. What if Derrick kidnapped Nova while we slept?

The warlock was cowardly, so I saw that as a possibility. Great. As if I needed another reason to run on fumes.

The shower door swooshed open. Turning my head, I saw Nova stepping inside the tub with me. Within seconds, water drenched her clothes. I closed the door back. “What are you doing?” I asked as fire rushed through my veins.

She glanced up as the water soaked her lovely curls. “I think I’d rather be in here instead of waiting for you.”

Did she want me to lose my fucking mind and devour her?

My cock stiffened at her brazenness, but I still tried to be a gentleman. “You’re drenched.” I ran my hand over her shoulder. “You can wait outside the shower for me.” Nova lowered her head, like she was inspecting me, and I knew she’d see my cock. I wouldn’t hide what she did to me. I wanted her to see my desire for her, but I didn’t want to scare her.

She swallowed, and her arousal coated the air. “Are you trying to dismiss me?”

In a husky voice, I said, “You can’t shower with your clothes on.”

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