Page 31 of Nova

I hear him exhale over the phone. ''That's good. I've been worried about you. You didn't return my call yesterday.''

''I'm sorry about that. Yesterday was…'' I let my sentence hang as I blow out a breath. Yesterday I was still reeling from what went down with Thomas and Avery.

''I know, Promise. You don't have to tell me. I will say I am fucking proud of you, though. I love my dad and my sister, but they deserved the verbal ass-kicking you gave them. I'm just sorry I missed it.'' I can hear the smirk behind his tone when he says that, and I smile.

''It was pretty epic. It felt so damn good too. Not just saying what I said but choosing to finally walk away. I meant what I said. I'm done with them.'' I'm silent for a beat and my smile drops from my face. ''I hope what happened doesn't affect you and me. You're the closest thing I have to a brother and I'd hate to lose that. But I will understand if things have to change between us. Thomas and Avery are your family.''

''Stop!'' Jackson cuts me off. ''You're my family, too, Promise. I'll always be there for you. Always.''

''Thanks, Jackson.''

''Uh…one more thing before I let you go. Mr. LeBlanc came into the office the other morning. I told him where he could find you. I hope you don't mind.''

''Of course not. And he found me. I'll be handling his case.''

''You're a great attorney, Promise. I'm not surprised he was adamant you be his lawyer. His visit to the office was quite entertaining."

''Oh, I bet it was. I can't imagine Thomas taking the fact one of his clients chose me over him, well.''

''You are one of the best attorney's in New Orleans, Promise. I mean that.''

''That means a lot coming from you, Jackson.''

''I only speak the truth.''

Stopping at a red light, I cover my mouth and yawn.

''Look, you sound beat. I'm going to let you go.''

''Okay. Is it okay if I call you and we meet up for lunch soon?''

''You better.''

''Great. I'll talk with you later, Jackson.''

''Sounds good,'' he tells me.

''Bye.''

Hanging up with Jackson, I drop the phone in the cupholder just as the light turns green. Peering over in the rear-view mirror, I notice a truck trailing behind me, and for some strange reason, I get an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I drive another mile while keeping my attention on the truck but let out a sigh of relief when the person makes a left turn and is no longer behind me. I shake my head. ''Get a grip, Promise.'' It's been a strange week, and now my head is playing tricks on me.

Pulling up to the apartment, I don't see London's car. She texted me earlier saying she would be a little late getting home. Grabbing my things from the passenger seat, I climb out of my vehicle then press the key fob, locking it. Climbing the stairs, I let out another yawn just as I reach the door. With my keys still in hand, I unlock the door. Just as I push it open, something heavy crashes into me from behind, or someone, which sends me flying to the floor, landing hard on my knees, and I cry out. Next, I'm grabbed by my hair and flipped over on my back. Everything happens so fast I am not prepared for the fist that strikes my left cheek, making my teeth clatter. A hand clamps down over my mouth muffling my screams.

''Shut the fuck up, bitch.'' Hot, rancid breath fills my nostrils, making me gag.

Somewhat recovering from the punch, my senses come back to me, and I blink my eyes open. Crouched over me on the floor is a man with dark hair and even darker eyes. His face is twisted into a sneer as he keeps his grip on my hair.

''Listen to me, cunt. I have a message for your boyfriend. You tell him and his club they better watch their backs. You tell him if they don't quit snooping around, my men and I are going to finish what I started with that bitch daughter of his. My club will have fun passing her around and turning her into our whore. He's going to pay for what he did to me.'' My hair is yanked on once again, causing my head to snap back. ''Do you understand me, bitch?''

My body starts shaking with fear, and I struggle to find my words. My lack of an answer earns me another blow to my face making my cheek feel like it's going to explode. ''I said do you fuckin' understand?''

''Yes,'' I rasp. ''Yes, I understand.''

The man raises off of me. ''And don't even think about calling the police, or I'll be back to finish you off.''

When he turns and exits the apartment, I see he is wearing a leather vest. One similar to what Cain and his club wear. Only the one this man is sporting has Hell's Punishers MC on it.

I don't know how many minutes pass as I slowly try to pick myself up off the floor when I hear London's shocked voice ring out and the lights to the apartment flicker on. ''Oh my God! Promise! What happened? My best friend drops to the floor beside me and starts helping me up. My knees are weak, and my legs feel like lead as she guides me over to the sofa. "Are you okay? I'm calling the police.'' London hurries across the living room to where she dropped her purse on the floor by the door.

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