Page 68 of We End With Us

Eyeing him before Bass shoves free of King’s hold.

“I’ll let you guys catch up on the news, meanwhile,” he looks down at Grant, lying on the ground with a hole in his head, blood pooling around him, “Thanks for the heavy lifting, bro.” Tugging Nova behind him, she fights him the entire way while we all give chase.

We reach the door as Miller is tossing Nova into a blacked out car.

“Motherfucker,” Cass hisses, clenching his jaw as he reefs his hands through his hair. Placing my hands on top of my head, I watch as the car speeds away.

Cass turns, shoving King hard, knocking him to the ground. “We shouldn't have left her, I fucking told you.”

Bass steps in front of King protecting him from Cass. “Back of, Cass,” he growls, shoving Cass in the chest forcing him back a few steps.

“Fuck you, Bass. I’ll get her back on my own.” Cass storms away leaving me standing a few feet away from King and Bass as he helps him to his feet.

“Whatever it is Miller meant, you bet he’ll tell her, Bass, so just spill it,” I say, crossing my arms across my chest.

Bass has the nerve to look away, dropping his gaze from mine.

“Tell us,” I shout, finally having had enough of his nonsense.

“We’re cousins,” he shouts.

My eyes widen as shock rolls through me, not ready for that piece of news.

“What?” King growls. Grabbing Bass’ arm, he forces him to turn and face him.

He gestures with his chin toward the house.

Taking a seat on the steps, Bass sighs. “It's why I know her from when we were kids. When she came through and they realized who she was I was tasked to guard her, she was precious. But when Santonio made a deal they couldn’t refuse they accepted it, then the idea formed in my father’s head for me to always have a way to watch her, hence why when King came to me with a deal about The Sinners, Santonio couldn't refuse me.

“Wait, Santonio knew who you were the whole time?” I ask the obvious question. Bass just nods.

Fuck.

“I’m sorry I never told you the truth,” Bass murmurs, glancing over at King as he takes the spot next to him.

“We worry about Nova first. God knows what Carter and Miller plan on doing with her.”

King grabs Bass’ chin, surprising him with a chaste kiss on his lips.

“I’ll deal with you later.” King stands moving inside. Bass works his jaw to the side as he runs his fingers through his hair, pulling on the ends before dropping his hand.

“Do you love her?” Bass lifts his head, his gaze burning through mine as I ask him.

Nodding, he gulps. “I do.”

“How related are you?” Because even I have limits.

“Carter’s only my uncle through marriage. My aunt was his wife.”

“The one Santonio murdered?” I ask as he nods.

“Nova’s mom?” I ask.

“She’s my aunt’s sister, my father was their brother,” Bass confirms.

“So what I don't get is why does Carter want to kill Nova?”

Bass shakes his head. “He doesn't, he just wants her to think he does. He’s giving Miller what he wants.”

---