The NOVA Trilogy Boxed Set

by Jayce, Aven

“Cove, for years I’ve regretted the day we went to the Rosen family reunion and met Paul Jameson. I hated the way I felt when Dayne and Doron Rosen took you aside with Paul and they forced you to undress down to your boxers. I was uncomfortable with their behavior, but when they threw you in the pool I thought they were just playing a prank on a young boy. I had no idea the photos shot that day of you walking out of the water would lead to other things. I’ve tried to stay positive, keeping my faith that there was a reason all of this happened to us. Our reason, Cove, is sitting on that couch across from you. Let your past and your anger go. It’s time. When I return I want to walk in and feel the warmth return to my home.”

  She closes the door and we look at one another, waiting for the other to speak.

  “I’m going with you.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “I know. I already got your ticket. We’re leaving in six hours.”

  Cove puts the ice pack on top of a magazine that’s on the coffee table. He leans back, places an arm on top of the sofa, and looks at me with no expression.

  “Why would you get me a ticket to go with you if you feel as though you made a mistake? I thought you were trying to let me go?”

  “I was. I am. What I did to you upstairs was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my life. I’ve been through a lot, but that’s no excuse for losing control like I did. You’re absolutely right, too. I took my anger for Paul out on you, and I’m a complete ass for doing so. I’m surprised you’re not back in your loft right now with the door locked.”

  “That was my plan, but before I had a chance to leave, your mother came into the room and asked to speak with me downstairs. I felt I owed her that time, but not you.”

  “I’m sorry, Sophia,” he says and leans forward. “I’m so sorry I did that to you. You don’t have to forgive me, but know that I’ll be haunted by my actions for the rest of my life. All I want to do is hold you, and I’m grieving because I no longer have that option. We’re going to Vegas, and I’m going to get Mera back, and that’s the end. Your father won’t let her go unless he has me, and you won’t be happy without her, so it’s a trade. It’s that simple.”

  “No, it’s not. You don’t have to be the martyr here. We can figure something out together. I’ll talk to him.”

  “You’re only beginning to see who he really is, I’m the one who’s been in contact with him almost daily for twelve years. I’ve seen him put on the sensitive kindhearted act for many women, including you. None of that’s real, it’s just a game to him. He has me where he wants me, and I walked right into his trap.”

  “Stop fucking talking shit all the time. What trap?”

  “You. I’m convinced now that he set me up by having you move in next door to me.”

  “You’re fucking paranoid. If that were the case, why did he give me a choice in buildings, and why would he fight so hard to keep me away from you when we first met?”

  “Because he knew if he did, you would become even more interested and curious about me, and vise versa. The more a parent says no, the more a child will rebel and do just the opposite, right? Your father is a brilliant man and he knew we would end up together, and he’s also known for making himself look like the innocent one. He plays a good game. I bet those other buildings you looked at were crap compared to this one, right?”

  I’m silent, thinking back to the other places I visited. Cove’s right, they didn’t compare. “So what am I the bait for?” I ask.

  “He’s been wanting me to do something for him and his business for years, something that will make him a lot of money. He set me up so I no longer have a choice. When we go to Vegas, I’ll meet with him and agree to his terms. Then you and Mera can come back here, and life will go on.”

  “Again, this is ridiculous. I’m just going to talk to him and work this out. Stop acting so calm like this is the end and you’ve given up. Listen to your mother. Does she know your plan?”

  “She doesn’t need to know anything. She can stay here, take care of the business we started together, and visit my father. It will be a lot easier on her if I’m gone. She’ll no longer have to worry and watch over me once I’ve given myself completely to Paul.”

  “And you think I’m the one who’s disrespectful to your mother because I wasn’t wearing a shirt? Are you listening to yourself? And why did you get me a ticket if you have no plans of fighting for me?”

  He sighs and looks at the ceiling again. “Because I knew that if I didn’t get you a ticket that you’d get one on your own and fly out by yourself. At least this way I can keep an eye on you and keep you safe, even if it’s only for the brief amount of time we have left together.”

  He’s not making any sense, so I drop the subject. His confusion about our feelings for one another is causing him to talk in circles, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s scared shitless and doesn’t believe a word that’s coming out of his own mouth.

  “I’m going to say one thing to you before I head upstairs to catch some sleep before we leave.”

  “I know, I’m an ass,” Cove grumbles, trying to read my mind.

  “No. I need you to go into battle for yourself, and not for me.” His eyes follow my form as I turn and walk up the stairs, into the bedroom, leaving the door open for either him or his mother to enter at any time. I’m not hiding out, or angry, and they’re welcome to talk to me over the next few hours.

  I place my suitcase on the floor and set my phone alarm for four hours, giving myself enough time to pack another bag before we leave. As I turn down the bed, Lewis jumps up and begins to bathe next to my pillow. I’m joyful that we have a night to snuggle with one another before I leave. I wonder how many days we’re going for, and decide to ask before I lay down for the night.

  I walk to the landing and call down to Cove, “How many days do you think we’ll be gone?”

  He’s in the kitchen getting a beer out of the fridge, and doesn’t look up when he replies. “No idea. There’s an expo there in two days. I figure that will be the best time to meet him, after that, you’re probably set to go home unless we have some details to work out. Pack for a week, just to be on the safe side.” He sips his beer and throws the bottle cap on the counter. It bounces a few times before it spins and comes to a stop. I turn off the bedroom light and crawl into the bed with Lewis, petting him as he lets out a loud purr. I pull off my pajama bottoms from under the covers and toss them on the floor, sleeping only in my underwear and tank. Leondra’s home is warmer than mine, and I’m enjoying how comfortable I feel being here.

  I awake from a light sleep, hearing voices on the ground floor in the middle of the night. Lewis is spread out next to me, and I gently move the covers, being careful not to disturb him. I step over to the bedroom door to try to figure out what’s going on and can see the clock in the kitchen reads ten, it’s still early, and I’ve only been asleep for about an hour. Cove is sitting at the dining room table with a laptop, and I hear Leondra speaking to him. They must be using FaceTime to talk to one another. A male voice comes through the computer, muffled and slow, and I know it has to be Cove’s father.

  “What happened to you, son? Your face looks worse than mine.”

  “I’m fine, Dad. I’m worried about you though. Tell me that you’re okay. Mom wouldn’t let me come with her, and I thought she was going to see you because you were about to die. I can’t believe they let her in after hours for any other reason.”

  “Cove, calm down, I’ll be okay. I think Paul may have helped get her in to see me tonight.”

  “Why would he do that? Don’t you think you’re sitting in that bed right now because of him?”

  “If I am, his concern for our family is making for a great cover, wouldn’t you say?”

  I slide down to the floor as quietly as I can and peer between the metal railings at Cove’s face. He sets his hand on his forehead and rubs, appearing tired and depressed.

  “What’s wrong, son? Tell me what happened. Your mot
her said you met a girl, but she wouldn’t tell me anything more. Did one of her old boyfriends beat you up? Does she have a husband or something?”

  Cove smiles at the screen, and it’s a relief to see that he’s still capable of doing so.

  “No, dealing with a husband would be easy. How about a Jameson?”

  I hear nothing. Cove’s father is silent and I wonder if the connection was lost, or if he hung up. I would expect him to scream and throw a fit like my father, but there’s only silence. Cove’s smile disappears; he rubs his forehead again, waiting to hear his father’s voice.

  “Son, move your hand so that I can see your face. Don’t hide from me.”

  He puts his hand down and lifts his head, tears welling in his eyes.

  “I’ve never seen you like this. This is Paul’s daughter we’re talking about here?”

  Cove nods his head, as words get trapped in his throat.

  “And Paul did this to you, or was it one of his thugs?”

  “Paul.”

  “Tell me what happened.”

  Leondra’s voice comes through from a distance. “I’ll fill your father in on the details, Cove, just say what you need to say. We’re running out of time.”

  “Son, I need to make sure you understand that what happens to me in here has nothing to do with you, it’s between Paul and myself.”

  “I will never believe that.”

  His father is silent, and I hear Leondra whisper something, but I can’t make out her words. Cove is fixated on the screen, and at one point he touches the computer, as if he’s trying to touch his father’s face.

  “Tell me about her. I want to hear about the woman who finally captured my son’s heart.”

  “There are issues, Dad. You know exactly what I’m dealing with right now. I’m stepping back.”

  “Tell me about her. I want to hear your voice and see your face as you talk about her.”

  Cove smiles and allows a tear to escape from his eye.

  “Tell me. I need to see and hear your emotions, son.”

  I sit on the landing, waiting to hear his words. Finally, he speaks.

  “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Innocent, very different from this world that we’re wrapped up in, and naive about her father. Her skin is soft, and when she touches me I feel free and alive, something that I’ve never felt before. I’ve been in darkness for so long that the light from her is rejuvenating. Her eyes pierce me like a knife, and my body and heart yearn for her when she’s not next to me.” He stops for a moment and clears his throat, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. “I need her, Dad. I want to take care of her, keep her from harm, and keep her from Paul. When we’re together, I no longer feel cold and abandoned. She comforts me and makes me laugh. I can tell she’s brilliant like her father, but in a positive way. She’s curious and caring, someone I would want to be with for a lifetime.”

  A tear rolls down my cheek, matching the one on Cove’s. I’m holding on to the railing now with both hands, waiting to hear more.

  “So your voice and face show true love. That’s all you need in this life, son. You can’t take your material items or money with you to the grave, but you can take that love in your heart. That’s the only thing I have right now, and it’s what keeps me going. Nothing else matters.”

  “It’s more complicated than that, Dad. If it were that easy I’d be lying next to her right now.”

  “It is that easy.”

  “The damage on my face and yours proves that it’s not.”

  “What are you going to do, Cove?”

  “I’m surrendering myself to Paul, letting him use me to market NOVA again.”

  “To hell you are,” his father says, starting to cough as he raises his voice. Leondra steps in to control the conversation.

  “Cove, you’re upsetting your father. Think before you speak, and before you act.”

  His father recovers from his coughing fit and lowers his voice to show his determination. “You will do no such thing, and I’ll make sure of it. I still have some connections in Vegas and outside of this place.”

  Leondra speaks, her voice steady and direct like her husband’s. “You and I will talk about this when I get home, and I will knock some sense into you. If you think we’re going to give you up so that Paul can make another big profit....”

  My phone beeps with an incoming text and Cove sees me on the landing. He stands and knocks his chair over in the process.

  “Is that her?” his father asks.

  I run into the bedroom and pick up the text, embarrassed, not knowing what else to do. It’s from Mera.

  HE’S WATCHING YOU it reads. What the fuck? I pace for a moment, thinking about how to handle this. That bastard. Sprinting down the stairs with my phone in hand, I show it to Cove, who’s back in his chair. He peers down at it and smiles at me, not making a scene in front of his parents.

  “Sophia, lean down and let me see you,” his father says.

  I place my hand on Cove’s shoulder and squat down next to him, seeing a broken face on the screen that looks like the man I’m touching. It’s hard to tell one’s age when a face is swollen and bruised, and at this point, the two of them look almost exactly alike with their injuries.

  “Hello Mr. Everton,” I say with a smile, not knowing how to proceed with the conversation, especially since I’m being viewed in my underwear.

  “Oh, my God. My son has fallen for a beautiful dove. It’s so nice to know that you’re there with him. I wish I could meet you in person. I’m assuming you know a little about what’s going on.”

  “Yes, I believe I’ve been filled in on what I need to know. I’m sorry about my father. I wish I could set things right.”

  I see Leondra’s hand on her husband’s shoulder, and she gives him a squeeze. His father’s hand goes up to rest over hers, showing us how infinite their love is.

  “Excuse me, I’ll let you finish your conversation, in private,” I say, lifting my head to look around the room. Cove reaches down and takes my hand, and I get the message that I should keep quiet about the text. I kiss the top of his head, putting on a show for his father, before I walk back up to the bedroom. I sink into the bed pulling the covers over my head and to hide from reality. These are the kindest people I’ve ever met. My father should be in prison, not Mr. Everton.

  I listen as Cove says his goodbyes. The laptop clicks shut and there’s a heavy pounding on each step as he races up the stairs. He lifts the covers, and slides in, forcing Lewis to find a new place to sleep.

  “Was that text from Mera?” he whispers in my ear.

  “Yes. She’s sent me a few this evening.”

  “Let me see them.”

  I open my hand, passing him the phone. He opens each text in heavy breaths from the run up the stairs.

  “Why is she so nonchalant, saying she’ll be fine, and sending you x’s and o’s?” he questions.

  “I’ve been trying to figure that out myself. I’m starting to wonder if she doesn’t mind going with him. Maybe she packed in a rush to leave with him, but wasn’t necessarily forced. My father said he took her, but at this point, and after what you’ve told me, that’s probably a lie.”

  “Shh. Keep you voice down,” he says softly in my ear, which causes an instant rush and arousal in my body. “If she went with him by choice, she’ll regret it once she realizes what she’s getting into. You said she has a crush on him, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “And he knows?”

  “Yeah. Why?”

  “I think Mera’s the next Paul Jameson house whore.”

  I throw the covers back and sit straight up. “What the fuck!”

  Cove covers my mouth and hushes me. I’m pulled down to the bed and the blanket is thrown back over us.

  “Shh, Shh, Sophia. Quiet. My mother and I have had her place swept for bugs and cameras many times, hoping to find one space for privacy, but he must have planted something yesterday when he was
here. I don’t know if it’s just downstairs, or if he has something up here as well. Just stay as quiet as you can when we discuss him.”

  “It’s obvious by the term house whore what that is, but if that’s the case, isn’t that the same as being in other areas of his company?”

  “No. Paul’s brutal, and so are his guards. She’s better off in the world of the unknowns where there are at least some rules between employees.”

  “Shit,” I whisper, placing my hand over my eyes. “So, you think I’m naive?”

  “About your father? Yes, I do.”

  “Did you mean everything you said about me to your father?”

  “I’d never lie to him.”

  I take off my shirt and pull off my underwear. “Sleep next to me, in the nude.”

  “My mother will be home soon, and we still have a lot to talk about.”

  “Actions can speak louder than words.”

  “I meant I have to speak with her, not you.”

  He brushes the back of his hand against my stomach and lets out a deep sigh, actually looking down at my breasts. The room is dark and even though we’re under the covers, I know he can still make out the curves that he touches with his hand. He lets out another deep breath before changing the subject.

  “Are there any other messages on your phone? Did Mera or your father call you?”

  “Yeah, as a matter of fact, he did.”

  Cove sits up, holds his hand out, and waits for me to scroll through my voicemail. I hand him the phone and he listens to my father’s voice. His fists clench as he listens. He hangs up the phone and tosses it on the side table, lying back down pulling the covers over our heads once more.

  “How did your words place your father in prison?” I ask.

  “I went to the police, at least I tried to, which is why I told you not to earlier. I tried to bring his company down, but he set my father up instead, it was punishment for thinking I could beat him. When I say all of this is my fault, and my father’s in prison because of me, I really mean it. I was eighteen, and dumb enough to believe I had a friend in NOVA. That person also wanted out, but turned on me and told Paul of my plan. Everything went south after that.”