She opens her mouth to counter what I’ve said, I’m sure, but I’m pulling into the parking area by her apartment.
“Nova, I need to tell you that Oscar knows just how involved you are. He was watching or had someone watching.” I close my eyes and wish it wasn’t fact, but she also needs to know.
“Okay … Okay,” she mutters.
Then it’s silence until—
“Come up.”
“What?”
“Come up to my place. Tonight. Or today, I suppose.” She looks out at the sunrise.
“Nova …”
“Can we just have a couple of hours where we don’t have to think about any of this? Where we aren’t in danger or doing stupid illegal shit?”
Right this second, I realize I’ll do pretty much anything this woman asks of me. Whether it’s to save her or because I’m wildly attracted to everything she is doesn’t really matter at the end of the day.
“Let’s go,” I say.
Chapter 14
Nova
Well, this is not the turn of events I thought would happen.
Kissing Chris some more? Sure.
Cano knowing about my more invasive involvement? Absolutely not.
It’s fine. Everything is totally fine.
Once we’re in my apartment, I park it on the couch, and my mind starts flying.
“Nova.”
I’m spiraling. It won’t take much for Cano to deem me a liability.
Shit.I shouldn’t have pushed to be involved. Or hell, I should’ve at least stayed in the fucking shadows, just giving a stupid signal. I know how dangerous the man is. This isn’t a surprise. And yet, somehow, I thought I would be immune? The non-humorous laugh that eeks out startles me.
“Nova.”
What a fucking idiot I am. I flew too close to the sun.
“Nova!”
“What?” I yell back, facing Chris. My eyes finally clear from the haze.
“Everything will be okay. I’ve got you, okay?”
The sincerity in his words does nothing to belay my concerns.
“It’s not like you can promise my safety. We both know Cano has tools and people everywhere. It’ll get to a point where I know too much, and he’ll get rid of me.” The truth of my words sinks deep into my bones.
I’ll die at Cano’s hand, just like Charlie did. I just hope I’m able to take Cano down with me in the process.
I nod to myself. It’ll be worth it if I can do some damage. My life for the cause, if you will.
