Page 4 of The Devil's Dream

Pop's eyes met mine over her head. Everyone in the club knew how Haze and I operated, and it was clear that we'd set our sights on Nova. We wanted her, and once Haze was back to one hundred percent, we'd have her.

He gave a slight nod.

“Come on.” I stood, keeping Nova steady against me.

As we passed Banner, he stopped us. “You need to stay here tonight, Nova.”

Nova opened her mouth to protest but I cut her off. “It's not up for debate, Kitten. Someone's sending messages. You're not leaving until we figure out who. It's not safe.”

Her shoulders slumped in defeat, but I felt the way she pressed closer.

Good girl.

Nova's eyes locked onto Haze when we entered the Medi-room. “No,” she whimpered as she moved toward him, her small hand reaching for his.

“Careful of the IV,” Pop warned gently.

She nodded, her fingers ghosting over Haze's bruised knuckles, proof that he'd fought back.

“You should get some rest, Kitten. It's been a long night.”

“Can I stay in here with him?” she whispered, not taking her eyes off Haze. “Please?”

Fuck.

That 'please' did things to me.

Made me want to give her anything she asked for.

But more than that, watching her concern for my brother confirmed what I already knew—she was perfect for us.

“Alright.” I grabbed a chair and pulled it close to the bed. “Come here.”

She hesitated for a moment before settling onto my lap again. I wrapped my arms around her waist, letting her lean back against my chest as we both watched over Haze.

“Sleep if you can, Kitten,” I murmured. “I've got you.”

The door creaked open, and Sophia peeked in, her petite frame dwarfed by Banner's massive presence behind her. Her eyes were red-rimmed, worry etched across her face.

“Nova?” she whispered, wringing her hands. “I'm so sorry I left you alone at the shop. If I'd stayed?—”

“Mouse,” Banner's deep voice rumbled as his large hand splayed protectively over her belly. “Don't. I'm fucking glad you weren't there.”

Nova's lips curved into a soft smile as she watched Banner pull Sophia back against his chest. The way our Prez treated his old lady always threw me for a loop.

He was the goddamn Butcher for crying out loud. The most feared man in New York because of his brutality. But I was starting to see that he shielded his wife from that side of himself.

“He's right,” I agreed, tightening my hold on Nova. “If something had happened to you or the baby...” I let the words hang.

The thought alone sent a prickle down my spine. The Prez would paint the streets in blood if anything ever happened to Sophia or their child.

“Still.” Sophia's voice quavered. “Nova could have been hurt.”

“But I wasn't,” Nova assured her friend. “I'm okay.”

Banner's eyes narrowed as they swept over Nova in my lap, then moved to Haze's unconscious form. A silent understanding passed between us. He knew exactly what was happening here.

“Mouse, you need rest,” Banner murmured against Sophia's ear, his thumb stroking circles over where their child grew. “Doc says stress isn't good for the baby.”

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