Nova (MorningStar MC Novels, New Orleans Chapter #2)

Chapter 6

Chapter

Six

SIMONE

“ I ’m going to freshen up,” I smile at Maddox as I point toward the bathrooms.

“Of course. I’ll wait here.” I nod, head down the hall, and sigh in relief when the door is closed on my back.

I dampen some paper towels and place them on my neck as I take some long, deep breaths.

I can still feel the creeper’s fingers on my arm. The area is cold, and my skin is raised with goosebumps. I curl my hands around the sink and struggle not to puke at the look in that guy’s eyes as he spoke to me in the Chapel.

A loud bang outside the door makes me jump.

“What the hell?” I reach for the door tentatively and peak through a sliver of a crack.

My eyes widen at the scene.

“Johnny boy, was I unclear before?” Maddox has the man up against the wall by his neck.

The man sputters as he tries to answer but can’t get enough air.

“See, I promised your brother I wouldn’t hurt you.” Maddox pulls him away from the wall, and I clutch my stomach, thanking the universe that he’s letting him go.

“But then you went and followed her down this dark corridor.” Maddox shoves him back suddenly, making the man’s head bang against the wall.

I yelp and quickly cover my mouth to try and hide the noise.

“Simone is a beautiful woman, but if you touch what’s mine again,” Maddox punches him hard before slamming his head into the wall again and then turns his eyes to the door right where I’m watching him.

“I’ll break every bone in your hand,” he hisses the last part right before he throws the man on the floor, where he crumbles in on himself, gasping for air.

“Clean yourself up, and don’t forget to pick up your teeth.” He drops a business card on the floor next to him.

So that was the white I saw fly past after the punch.

“Send me the bill.” I watch, stunned, as he adjusts his suit jacket and tie.

Who is this man?

Maddox watches me closely for a moment, then slowly raises his hand for me to take.

The waves of violence still coming off him freeze me to the spot.

I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with Maddox’s cologne. My legs start to shake, and it’s not from fear. I’m aroused. Dripping down my thighs, turned on by what I had just watched.

Apparently, the overprotective type does it for me.

Who knew?

I met his eyes and searched for any sign of anger but found him looking at me passively. Patient even. All trace of his fury is now gone until the man coughs and his jaw ticks.

“Simone, you’re safe with me, Dove.” Another cough has him kicking out and nailing the man in the balls who was trying to stand behind him.

“I’m yours?” It’s all I can think of to ask about the whole scenario, and my brain takes a hike at the sheer lunacy of my body’s reaction.

A giggle pops free, and my eyes widen at the brazen sound. My hands fly up to my mouth to stop it from happening again.

“Come on, let’s say goodbye to the newlyweds. I’m ready to get our weekend started.” He winks at me, and I finally place my hand in his outstretched one.

“I’m not sure it’s going to be any better than this.” The words slip out before I can stop them.

“Your family can’t be that awful.” His voice is soft, and it makes me snort.

“The family blackmailing me?” That makes him pause for just a moment and look down at me.

“Touche,” he chuckles as we approach the couple.

“Hey Jack, your brother may need ice for his balls and a dentist. Gladys, it’s a pleasure, as always. I wish you both the very best, but we’ve got a flight to catch.” He kisses the bride on the cheek and shakes the groom’s hand.

“I’m so sorry for my brother’s actions,” Jack says as he reaches for my free hand, but Maddox stops him.

“My control isn’t infinite, Jack.” The groom nods and slaps Maddox’s shoulder.

‘Thanks for not killing him.” Maddox nods at him.

“It was close. His face was purple.” My off-hand comment makes them all stare.

“What the fuck did he do?” Jack finally asks, but Maddox doesn’t answer him.

He places his hand low on my back, slipping a finger below the material of my dress, making me gasp.

“Ready?” I glance up into his blue eyes and get lost in their depths.

“No,” I whisper.

His fingers flex on me and make me remember that I could handle my family. He’s here to have my back, and after that impressive display of masculinity, I have no doubt that Tyler will get the point as soon as he sees us together.

“Let’s just get you home to relax. Then we will worry about the party tomorrow.” I nod with a small smile.

Maddox kisses my forehead and whispers two words against my skin that make a shiver go down my spine.

“Good girl.”