Page 7 of The Devil's Dream

His hand landed on Nova's shoulder, completing our circle.

“Won't let them hurt you,” I promised her, the words rough.

“They hurt you because of me.” She sniffled, tears welling up in her eyes.

She didn't need to cry for me. I would die if it meant keeping her safe.

“I heal fast.”

Banner cleared his throat. “Nova, know you weren't happy about being grounded here, but, darlin', gonna need you to stay here until this is handled. Can't have my woman upset.”

I grunted in agreement. No way in hell was she leaving our sight.

“But my apartment—” Nova started to protest.

“No,” I growled, tightening my hold.

She huffed, her arms crossing over her chest, but she didn't pull away.

Smart girl.

“Rest,” Banner ordered. “We'll figure out our next move in the morning.”

As he turned to leave, Pop stepped in to check my vitals.

“Holy shit. She's touching you.” The old man almost fell on his ass.

I didn't reply. There was no need. It was clear that she was.

Kane chuckled. There was a reason he and I shared the women we fucked. Everyone knew it was dangerous for someone to put their hands on me, but with Nova, everything was different.

“Pain meds wearing off?” Doc asked, shaking off his surprise.

I shook my head.

I didn't want anything clouding my mind right now.

Pop frowned but didn't argue. “Stubborn ass.” He finished his check and headed for the door. “Try to actually sleep, yeah?”

Kane claimed the chair beside the bed. “I'll keep watch, brother. Get some rest.”

Nova's warmth seeped into my side, her gentle breathing slowly syncing with mine.

The need to protect her, to keep her close, overwhelmed everything else.

“Thank you,” she murmured against my chest. “For looking out for me.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

If she only knew how long Kane and I had been watching over her from afar. How many nights we'd circled her apartment building, making sure she got home safe.

I grunted.

She lifted her head, those blue eyes searching my face. “Why?”

Because you're ours. Because watching you smile calms the monster inside me.

I didn’t say the words, though. I'd never been good with them.

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