"I'm okay.” She blinks up at me, and I let out a small chuckle.
"Don't lie. You're exhausted. Come on." I grab her hand and pull her out of the room and through to the main room. She tries to pull her hand from mine, but I grip it tighter, stopping to turn and look at her. "I don't want to hide whatever this is, Dragonfly."
"But what if your brothers don't like it, or the girls?" she asks, her tone laced with worry.
I turn all the way so can has a clear view of my face. "I don't give a shit what people think. Besides, my brothers aren't like that. And the club girls don't get a fucking say." I grab her face with both of my hands. "I like you, Nova, and I'd like to see where this goes, but if you don't want it or you’re not sure, then you just need to tell me."
I see her swallow, she drops her head and takes a deep breath, then looks up at me. "I just don't want to upset anyone or make anyone mad," she says quietly.
"Baby, the only people that matter here are you and me. And Mason. ‘Cos if he ain’t happy then I wouldn’t want to upset him," I tell her. I know I'd need to have this, whatever this is okayed by the committee, but I know they won't have an issue. Or I hope they don't. The only other person that we need to think about is Mason. The kid has been through enough, I don't want to upset him anymore than he has been.
"Mason loves you, and the others. I don't think he'll have an issue. I just don't want to upset your brothers, not after they said they would help us. I don't want to do anything that might piss them off."
"Helping you is not conditional, baby. You and I starting something would not piss them off, nor would it change them wanting to help you. Look, why don't you get some rest and we can talk in the morning?" I say as I lead her toward the main room. "But I ain’t letting go of this," I state, keeping her hand in mine. I'm relieved when she grips it back and follows me without any more hesitation.
I open her bedroom door and lead her inside, then close it behind us. I watch as she kicks off her converse and then pulls the blankets back before climbing into bed. I love that she's about to sleep in my clothes. "Are you going to sit in the chair and watch me sleep again?" she asks.
Fuck. "What?" I ask, fucking shitting myself. I can't believe she knew.
"I know you sit in here and watch me sleep," she tells me.
"How?" I ask.
"Because sometimes I'm awake when you come in, and sometimes you leaving wakes me up," she says with a smile.
"Fuck, Dragonfly, I’m sorry, I just want to make sure you're okay. I just want to be here for you in case you needed someone, neededme," I tell her, trying to justify my actions.
She lets out a tired laugh. "Will you just lay with me instead of sitting in the chair, please?"
I don't fucking hesitate. I'm completely surprised by her response, but I won't question it. I climb onto the bed next to her and pull her to me. She places her head on my chest, and I look down, watching her eyes flutter several times before she falls into a light slumber. "Sweet dreams, Dragonfly," I whisper as I link my fingers through her hand that is resting on my stomach.
As I watch her sleep, it suddenly hits me.She is everything that I didn't know I wanted, everything that I didn't know I needed, and everything that I didn't know I was looking for.
Chapter Thirty
I sigh as my phone vibrates in my pocket. I gently lift my body and slide my hand in my back pocket, pulling it out. I freeze as Nova stirs in my arms. Holding my breath, I wait until she settles back down before unlocking my phone and checking my message.
Wrath - Brother, I'm in the mood to end this fucker tonight. Come have some fun.
Wrath - Unless of course you’re having fun with your girl ;)
Me - Fuck you. Give me fifteen minutes. She's sleeping I don't want to disturb her.
Wrath - No worries. I'll be in the bar.
I lock my phone and tuck it back in my pocket. Placing a kiss on the top of her head, I slide my arm out from under her, making sure not to move her about too much. As I sit up, she stirs, and I place my large hand on her cheek and lean in, my mouth millimetres from her ear as I whisper, "Shhh, it's okay, Dragonfly. I'll be back soon, I promise." She seems to settle back down, and I kiss her cheek before leaving her there to sleep alone.
"Brother," Wrath calls as I walk into the room. "You tire your girl out?" He laughs.
"Fuck off, you prick. Nothing happened," I tell him.
He raises his eyebrow. "Really? Can't seal the deal?"
I let out a sigh. "As my VP, I respect you. As my friend, I will knock you the fuck out if you don't stop talking about her like that."
He smirks at me as he holds out a finger to the Prospect, indicating for him to bring us a beer. "You've got it bad for her. I didn't realise that you liked her so much."
I take the bottle Prospect just placed on the bar in front of me and down half of it before turning to Wrath. "Fuck, brother." I blow out a breath. "I think she's beautiful, and I can't explain it, but I just want to be with her, I want to save her." I down the other half of my bottle.
