Chapter Two
H aze
Pain.
Fucking everywhere.
My head throbbed with each beat of my heart as consciousness crept back.
Images flashed behind my eyelids. The alley behind the flower shop, men in suits, something connecting with the back of my head, then nothing.
Nova.
My eyes snapped open, panic clawing at my chest.
Had to find her. Had to keep her safe.
“Easy,” a soft voice soothed. “You're okay.”
Golden hair filled my vision as Nova leaned over me, her blue eyes full of concern.
The panic clawing inside my chest eased instantly, replaced by an unfamiliar warmth.
“Nova, get back!” Banner barked. “He doesn't like to be?—”
My hand shot out, catching her small fingers before she could retreat. Her touch didn't make my skin crawl like everyone else's did.
“Holy fuck,” Kane breathed from somewhere behind her.
Banner stared at Nova like she was some kind of miracle, his eyes wide. The longer his gaze lingered on her, the more my chest tightened.
A possessive growl rumbled up my throat before I could stop it.
Mine.
The thought hit hard and fast.
Didn't matter that Banner was happily married to Sophia.
I didn't like him looking at what was mine.
Ours , my brain corrected, eyes finding Kane.
“Come here, baby,” I rasped, tugging Nova closer. She didn't hesitate at all; she moved carefully, settling beside me on the narrow bed.
I grunted.
That was better.
“Haze?” Banner's voice pulled my attention back. “Do you remember what happened?”
Memories crashed over me like ice water.
“Three men. Suits,” I clipped. “Military training.”
Nova's fingers tightened around mine. The gentle pressure kept me grounded as more details surfaced.
“Ambush behind the shop,” I continued. “Professionals.”
“The cop?” Kane growled.
I gave a sharp nod, wincing at the movement. “Wanted information. Club business.”
Banner's jaw clenched. “What exactly?”
“Warehouse locations. Shipment schedules.” My free hand fisted in the sheets. “Didn't give 'em shit.”
Nova made a small sound of distress. Without thinking, I pulled her closer, tucking her against my side. The contact should have set my teeth on edge, but it didn't. There was something about Nova that settled the monster inside me.
“Anything else?” Banner pressed.
“Message for you.” I met his eyes, and Banner lifted a brow for me to continue. “Said congrats on the baby.”
The implication hung heavy in the air. Banner's face darkened as his hand unconsciously moved toward the blades we all knew he kept tucked inside his cut.
“Knew about Nova, too,” I growled. The memory of them describing her daily routine made my blood boil. “Been watching her.”
Kane's curse echoed my sentiment as he moved closer to the bed.
His hand landed on Nova's shoulder, completing our circle.
“Won't let them hurt you,” I promised her, the words rough.
“They hurt you because of me.” She sniffled, tears welling up in her eyes.
She didn't need to cry for me. I would die if it meant keeping her safe.
“I heal fast.”
Banner cleared his throat. “Nova, know you weren't happy about being grounded here, but, darlin', gonna need you to stay here until this is handled. Can't have my woman upset.”
I grunted in agreement. No way in hell was she leaving our sight.
“But my apartment—” Nova started to protest.
“No,” I growled, tightening my hold.
She huffed, her arms crossing over her chest, but she didn't pull away.
Smart girl.
“Rest,” Banner ordered. “We'll figure out our next move in the morning.”
As he turned to leave, Pop stepped in to check my vitals.
“Holy shit. She's touching you.” The old man almost fell on his ass.
I didn't reply. There was no need. It was clear that she was.
Kane chuckled. There was a reason he and I shared the women we fucked. Everyone knew it was dangerous for someone to put their hands on me, but with Nova, everything was different.
“Pain meds wearing off?” Doc asked, shaking off his surprise.
I shook my head.
I didn't want anything clouding my mind right now.
Pop frowned but didn't argue. “Stubborn ass.” He finished his check and headed for the door. “Try to actually sleep, yeah?”
Kane claimed the chair beside the bed. “I'll keep watch, brother. Get some rest.”
Nova's warmth seeped into my side, her gentle breathing slowly syncing with mine.
The need to protect her, to keep her close, overwhelmed everything else.
“Thank you,” she murmured against my chest. “For looking out for me.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
If she only knew how long Kane and I had been watching over her from afar. How many nights we'd circled her apartment building, making sure she got home safe.
I grunted.
She lifted her head, those blue eyes searching my face. “Why?”
Because you're ours. Because watching you smile calms the monster inside me.
I didn’t say the words, though. I'd never been good with them.
“Sleep, Kitten,” Kane answered for me.
Nova's eyes drooped, exhaustion finally winning out.
As her breathing deepened, I caught Kane's knowing look.
“We can't wait anymore, brother,” he said quietly. “Almost lost you today. Almost lost our chance with her.”
I nodded.
He was right.
We'd been holding back, watching from a distance, telling ourselves the timing wasn't right. Not with everything that was happening around us.
But feeling Nova's warmth against me, knowing those bastards had been watching her...
The time for waiting was over.
She was ours.
And once I was out of this fucking bed, we'd make damn sure she knew it.