Page 21 of Nova

8

Promise

As I pull up to work this morning, my stomach is in knots. My life has been turned upside down the past few days. Not only did I catch my fiancé fucking my stepsister on his desk, but I immediately went out and celebrated my newly single status by jumping into bed with a sexy as sin, yet possibly dangerous biker—a member of The Kings of Retribution. God, I didn't even recognize the woman I was in that bar or the woman I had become when he took me back to his house. Even now, just thinking about Nova makes my tummy flutter and my sex clench. I ended up spending the remainder of the weekend thinking about Nova and whether I should have given him my name or at least left my number at his house. We agreed to one night, but the truth is I want to see him again.

Deep down, I know it's not possible. Nova isn't the type of man who settles down with one woman. I get the feeling going home with random women is something he often does. I'm sure he had a new body warming his bed the next night and I'm nothing more than an afterthought.

Sighing, I cut the engine to my car, lean my head back on the headrest, and rub my temples. My fantasy weekend is over and it's time to face the real world again, and that includes dealing with Brad. I'm a big girl. I can walk in that office and do my job without letting mine and Brad's drama affect it.

"We need to talk," Brad, who is waiting for me in my office, urges the second I step foot through the door. I sidestep him and ignore his demand as I set my briefcase down on my desk and fire up the computer. ''Promise, I said we need to talk. I have been calling and texting you for days.''

''Yes, Brad, I know,'' I say, not bothering to look at him. ''I have been ignoring you for a reason. You should take the hint.''

''Promise, you can't throw away three years over a little mistake.'' His words hit a nerve and my gaze slowly meets his.

''A little mistake?'' I clench my teeth. ''You fucking Avery is not something I'd refer to as a little mistake, Brad. Forgetting a birthday or an anniversary is a little mistake. Repeatedly buying whole milk instead of soy because after three years together you still can't remember I'm lactose intolerant, is a little mistake. But fucking my stepsister on your desk at a place where I work is not a little fucking mistake!'' I nearly shout.

''Will you keep your voice down for Christ's sake, Promise.'' Brad looks over his shoulder toward the hallway.

''Why? It's not like Jackson doesn't already know, and Thomas is bound to find out anyway since we are no longer together. Not that he will care.''

''That's what we need to talk about, Promise. We can get past this, sweetheart.''

I hold my hand up. ''I'm not your sweetheart, and there is no working it out. We are done, Brad. You fucked up and there is no way I can or even want to forgive what you did.'' I look at him for a second, allowing my words to sink in before I continue. ''You know what Avery put me through and how much she has hurt me, yet you still did what you did.'' I shake my head. Brad's shoulders slump and remorse crosses his face. The damage is done, and he knows it. ''You can leave the same way you came in,'' I dismiss him and sit down at my desk.

Just as Brad gives up the fight and turns to leave, Thomas comes strolling into my office. ''I'm glad I caught you two together. We have a new client, and I want both of you to head down to the police station over in Jefferson to talk with him and make sure he bonds out.''

I stand from my chair. ''What's his name, and what has he been charged with?''

''Cain LeBlanc. He was involved in an altercation and charged with battery, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace. His brother was here first thing this morning. Mr. LeBlanc is due to see the judge in an hour.''

''Do we know the judge we are seeing?'' I question as I grab my bag and start to make my way out of the office.

''Judge Brickman,'' Thomas answers.

I nod. Judge Brickman is a decent man. ''Alright. I'll let you know how it goes.'' As I walk down the hall, Brad calls out from behind me.

''Why don't we ride together.''

''No," I answer and continue walking toward the elevator. I don't bother holding the door for him either.

I pull up to the police station ten minutes later, and Brad parks his car beside mine. To my left, I notice two motorcycles. Shaking off the memories of a particular biker, I make my way inside the station with Brad on my heels. A receptionist greets us. ''Can I help you?''

''Yes. My name is Promise Bailey, and this is Brad Davis. We're here to speak with our client, Cain LeBlanc.''

''Sure. Let me notify the Chief.'' The receptionist stands and disappears down the hallway. A minute later, she returns with the Chief of police in tow.

''Miss Bailey, Mr. Davis, if you'll follow me, I will take you to a room so you can talk with your client.''

After Brad and I are led into a room with a table and four chairs, the Chief addresses us again. "Hang tight while I get him.''

''Thank you." The door closes while Brad and I take a seat on one side of the table.

Five minutes later, I hear the door open. I stand alongside Brad and go to introduce myself to our client when suddenly all the air around me turns electric and I'm rendered speechless at sight before me. That's because walking into the room with handcuffs on his wrist, accompanied by Jefferson's Chief of police is Nova.

Nova stops in his tracks, carrying the same stunned look as mine before his face breaks out in a huge grin.

''Well, hey there, Sugar.'' Nova continues to saunter into the room and sits down at the table across from us. The whole time his eyes never leave mine. I also don't miss the confused look on Brad's face as his eyes dart back forth between me and Nova.

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