Page 51 of Ashes

“Sensible,” the guy says. “But in this instance, I can assure you that you’re in safe hands.”

* * *

It’s nearly dark when I return to Merv’s place. I find Nova sleeping. She doesn’t wake when I walk in. Her phone is next to her, screen unlocked. I glance at it and see Tanner’s name. Tilting my head, I scan the message for anything important.

Tanner:I’m okay, little star. Don’t worry about me.

Nova:Will you explain it to me when I get back? The jumping? How it works? I feel like there’s this huge part of you I don’t’ understand.

Tanner:I promise. Now, go find your brother.

Tanner:Just don’t have too much fun tonight.

Nova:With Luther? Chance would be a fine thing.

Tanner:Well, when all this is over, how about you and I head back to Spine for a date night?

Nova:Only if Kole and Daddy come too.

Tanner:Deal.

I step back from the bed and bite down a growl of annoyance. Daddy? Mack is into that shit? I dump the bag hard on the end of the bed. The movement jolts her awake, but when she sees me, she smiles.

“Luther, you’re back.” She searches for a window to check whether it’s light out, remembers there isn’t one, then says, “What’s the time?”

“Late. Time to eat.” Next to the bag, I set down a large takeout pizza. Nova opens the box and grabs a slice without hesitation.

I linger for a moment, standing, then she pats the bed for me to sit down. She sits up, cross-legged, and nudges the box in my direction. Looking at the bag, she asks, “Successful trip?”

“I think so.”

“Should I be scared?” she smiles cheekily at me.

“Depends how much you like leather,” I reply, biting into my slice and letting the molten cheese scald my tongue.

Nova pauses, pizza halfway to her mouth.

“You don’t like it?” I ask, frowning.

“No, I do. It’s just…” She flattens her hand on her stomach. “Not sure I should eat a tray full of carbs before squeezing into somethingfetishy.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” I jerk my head at the pizza. “You’ll be fine. Eat up.”

“Wow.” She rolls her eyes and mutters, “You sure know how to flatter a girl.”

I open my mouth to reply but decide there’s no good way to answer her. Instead, I hand her a bottle of beer from the minibar and flick the cap off with my thumb.

“Thanks.” She takes it from me and swigs down a large mouthful. I catch myself watching her throat as she swallows. Get a hold of yourself, Luther. It’s not the time.

“No problem.”

We finish the rest of the pizza in silence. Nova is texting—Kole this time—while I check for information aboutSpine…dress code, etiquette, rules. Finally, it’s time to get ready.

“You can change in the bathroom. I’ll wait out here.” I take my outfit from the bag, then hand the rest of the contents to Nova.

“You have something too?” She tilts her head, trying to make out what I’m holding.

“Fraid so.” My jaw twitches.

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