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There were probably hundreds of times in her life she had lost her temper. Right now, she remembered none of them clearly. At this moment, all she could think was that she’d been justified.
In the past, she was always freaking out, most of the time about nothing, but for once she didn’t consider this issue nothing. Sure, she would agree this was bad timing, but her actions couldn’t be helped. Nova didn’t think she had ever been jealous before, but she couldn’t push the feeling down. Sitting there watching those beautiful women had made a part of her snap. She tried to remember her mantra, but she couldn’t even recall one word while those women pranced before Arrow. Arrow was her man. They had no right to him.
In fact, none of these people had a right to any part of him. He didn’t belong here. He was sweet and sensitive, with his dopey lost look. He wasn’t to be displayed like a cut of meat. This life wasn’t for him. He was meant to be at home with her, loving her. She didn’t know what else Arrow should do, but she was sure he was supposed to be hers and hers alone.
Nova headed from the middle of the room to where her bags sat next to Raiden. Raiden talked to the huge man with a mammoth walking stick. The two moved apart when she approached. She took one more glance at Arrow.
He probably thought she was funny when she turned so green, but she didn’t care. All she’d wanted was for the girls to stop, and damn the consequences. Except, she should’ve considered all the intricacies of the situation before she opened her mouth. Now she had more than she bargained for. Showing her true colors to Arrow and admitting she was jealous was a big deal. Arrow probably would say they were together now that she had indicated she wanted him all for herself. It would be hard enough to explain to Arrow how she felt, but now she had to deal with Winsor who was a much bigger issue. How the hell was she supposed to know this sick twisted game had rules like you couldn’t interrupt the song? She actually agreed that the song had gone on too long.
Now that she had opened her mouth, she had to dig in and not back down. There was no other choice but to play this out until the end.
Nova crouched next to her bag then began to brush her hair to buy herself time. There was no way she was going to take off her clothes. Getting naked wasn’t the answer. Or was it? The idea nagged at her. Boasting she could make Arrow get an erection was the only thing she could think of. She couldn’t lose. She couldn’t give up her money, her bags, and maybe even CC.
Why had she spoken up? She should’ve kept her mouth shut and let the song end. She shoved her brush back in her bag. She wouldn’t have been able to stay silent even if she could go back in time to change her actions. Regrets were useless.
In her bag was a bottle of flower water that Clare gave her. Nova took the tiny bottle out. She dabbed the scent on her neck. Next, she applied the strawberry lip balm Clare had also sent with her. She put on the ointment as she tried to keep her hands from shaking.
“I talked to Essie. He’s the drummer. I picked the longest song I could think off. The tune is not that long, however.” Raiden’s long coat swished around his legs as he walked up behind her.
Nova could barely hear him over the buzz of the crowd. The whole place was alive with betting. Since they had entered the bar, she hadn’t seen a single woman around. Now that the betting had changed, women from the other room squeezed into the cavern. Everyone swarmed into the area even from the platform. Nova guessed they all wanted to see what might happen. People who claimed Weaver didn’t like females came to see if Nova could make him react. Others believed he liked hot women fine, but that the ladies were simply not his type. Some stated with conviction that he got off on men.
“How long is the song?” Nova asked absently, as she took off her dark coat and stuffed the garment into the larger duffle. She made sure CC was safe, and all her bags were in order for Raiden to guard.
“The song isn’t going to play until the train for Bosstown shows up, that’s all I know. What’s the plan? I take it you can’t light the room on fire.”
Nova could hear the concern in Raiden’s voice. She stood up from where she squatted next to her bag then faced him. She could do this. She had to do this.
“There is no plan. I can’t light the room on fire, but it’s not a problem. I’ll get Arrow to respond to me. Everyone is wrong. I’m right.” She hadn’t had any problem with his dick so far. There was no reason for her to be nervous. Ever since she’d met Arrow, he’d been able to show he liked her.
“I’m wrong? You think we’re all wrong?” Raiden looked at her like she spoke in tongues. “How long have you known Weaver?”
Nova shrugged. At this moment, she felt like she’d known him for a lifetime. “What does this question have to do with my getting him hard?”
“I’m guessing, I’ve known him a lot longer than you and I’m telling you he can’t get it up. When you fail, Winsor and all these harvesters are going to tie you to the tracks. They’ll take your money.” Raiden paused. “Do you even have that much money on you?”
Nova nodded. Raiden looked relieved and upset simultaneously.
“Why would you carry money like that with you?” He slapped his hand to the top of his head like he kept his hair from falling out. “I’ve never even seen money like that.”
“I need that much to get home.” She was now done with this conversation.
She didn’t care what Raiden said about Weaver. If he wasn’t going to offer her anything helpful, then there was no point in talking with him. She didn’t need a doomsayer. Maybe he did know Weaver, but he didn’t know Arrow. Arrow was a healthy, responsive man. Arrow was also sweet and kind, with an idyllic view of the world. Arrow was not Weaver. Raiden would never understand that Arrow did want her. She wanted him also. Maybe their chemistry was just that simple. This was a boy and a girl, that’s all.
Nova glanced over to Arrow. He did his best not to look scared, but she could tell he was worried. Arrow stared. His eyebrows came down. His emotions were spread out for her to see. She let a small smile play on her lips. She did like when he wanted her. She liked when his body responded to her, and she liked when he talked to her or held her. Even now, she was stupidly happy he was worried about her. She’d never been a man’s whole world before, but with Arrow, she decided she wanted it this way. Maybe everything would be different once he got his memories back, but for now, she didn’t care if it did change at the end of this journey. For now, she loved him.
Startled at her own musings, Nova rubbed her forehead. Crap, was it possible he was right? Did she love him? Could you fall in love with someone you barely knew? She kicked her bags together.
“Look after these.”
“I should be coming up with a place to hide you,” Raiden responded glumly. “When this becomes a pisspot, then follow me. I’ll come up with an escape.”
“‘When this becomes a pisspot’ says the man who could’ve hid us from the start.” Nova muttered to herself as she walked away.
Winsor talked to his black-haired friend while Arrow waited. Nova ignored Raiden and walked over to Winsor and Arrow in the middle of the room. There was something about the way Winsor looked at her that made Nova pause. Winsor bothered her on a few levels.
“You didn’t drug him while I wasn’t looking, did you?” Nova glanced at Arrow. His shirt hung on his shoulders loosely. His braid draped over his shoulder. He looked lost and desirable, if that combination was possible. Winsor gave a smug smile. You’ll see that I’m right, Nova thought.
“I’m fine, my angel.” Arrow smiled. Winsor glared at her. Maybe he didn’t like the use of the word “angel.”
“You heard it straight from his mouth. We play,” Winsor barked out suddenly. He moved to the edge of the circle next to the drum player. “Drum it out, Essie.”
As soon as Winsor was out of the way, the music started. Nova turned to face Arrow. What should she do now? She began to unzip her sweater. Her arms slipped out and she tossed the garment on the bench. Arrow’s eyebrows drew together. He looked at the sweater than at her.
“What are you doing?”
“I was going to...” She started to lift the bottom of her shirt.
Arrow shook his head. He reached out and picked up her sweater then held the top out.
“Take it off!” a man behind her yelled.
Her hand paused for a second before she took the sweater from Arrow. Not knowing what else to do, she put her arms through the sleeves.
Both men and women started to call out.
“Take off your shirt,” a woman hollered.
“She has to!” a pudgy harvester waved his arms.
Conversation flared up everywhere, but Nova ignored the catcalling. She gazed at Arrow. He looked at her like she was the only thing in the world. She loved when he stared like that. A smile kicked up one side of her face. The way his eyes caressed her made her feel like they were in their own little world.
“I’m supposed to get you hard. Do you know what that means? I’m expected to make your penis stand up like in the room when we were alone together. I’m meant to excite you sexually.” Nova dropped her eyes to his flaccid cock. His eyes dropped to the junction of his legs too.
“I don’t think it’ll excite me if you show your body to all these people. I don’t want to share you, angel. I believe you don’t want to share me either.” He smiled ruefully, then looked to the floor. “I know what you’re going to say. We’re not together but—”
“I don’t want to share you either. I was jealous. I called you my boyfriend.” Nova grinned at him. A tiny smile of satisfaction lifted the corner of his mouth.
“I heard.” His head angled up then he stared into her eyes. “You can call me your boyfriend.”
She forgot they were surrounded by betting harvesters.
“I wish we were someplace where it was the two of us. Like a water base?” he said after a few notes of the music drifted past them.
“You might be a wanted man or an outlaw, and you’re not allowed on a water base.” Nova straddled the bench next to him then sat with a plop.
Arrow’s brow crinkled. “Do you think so?”
“I was teasing. I know you’re one of the good ones, besides it wouldn’t matter. Once we are at the base, I could get you in. We can have a hot shower and a warm meal. A bed...” She captured his gaze. He licked his lips.
“I’d love that. I want to hold you like we were doing in the other private room before Joe came in.” Arrow turned to face her. His hands clasped the wooden bench between them.
“You were doing a lot more than holding me,” Nova murmured.
“Was I? I don’t remember. I have a head injury.”
“Should I remind you of all the things you were doing so you remember?” She could no longer hear all the noise around them. She scooted closer.
“Yes.” Arrow’s eyes dropped to her lips.
Careful not to break the rules, she leaned toward him. His skin was damp from perspiration. The sweat made his shirt cling to his chest.
“When we were alone,” she whispered close to his ear. “I touched all of your hot naked skin. I had all my clothes off remember?”
“I wanted to touch you too.” Arrow’s fingers dug into the wood.
“I was afraid if you did, I’d get out of control, but I wanted you inside of me. I wanted you to lick all the soft skin between my legs. I wanted you to taste me. I’ve never wanted that before, but I want it now.” She leaned back enough so she could drop her eyes to his mouth. Arrow’s tongue darted out and over his lips.
“Yea, that’s what I want.” He swallowed hard. “Can I kiss you now? You did say next time I needed to find a better time. Is this an okay time?”
“I did say next time, didn’t I?” Nova laughed lightly. “This isn’t a better time but well... fuck it. Kiss me.”
She didn’t need to ask him twice. He leaned forward, and just as before in the busy train hallway, the room dropped away as soon as their lips touched. He was a fast learner. Arrow recalled what she liked and put that knowledge to good use. He opened his mouth to let his tongue slip over her mouth. She nibbled on his bottom lip, then sank her tongue into the warm cavern of his mouth.
Knowing what he wanted, she started to move her tongue in and out of his mouth mimicking the action she wanted him to take with her body. She wished she could scoot closer to feel his chest. She wanted him holding her tightly, but she didn’t want to break the rules.
He growled. Nova wound her hand through his braid and pressed her fingers into the satin skin of his neck. The movement of her hands tipped his head back. Nova knelt up on the bench to lean over him without touching anything but his lips and hair. Another growl of desire came from his throat as she deepened the kiss trying to absorb his taste.
Someone grabbed her arm. Nova opened her eyes to see Raiden shoving Winsor off. Nova tumbled off the bench. After she recovered from hitting the floor, she stood and glanced around the room. Raiden was a wall between her and Winsor. No one looked happy.
“Kissing isn’t fair play,” Winsor yelled over the noise.
“It is. Two months ago, one of the girls kissed Carver. I was there,” Raiden snarled. “The rule is not below the belly button or above the knees. She touched only his mouth and hair.”
Winsor took a step back from the bench. His head flipped to the crowd. The room was a frenzy.
“I say the song was too long,” the man with the beaded beard called out. Nova nodded at him. He had stated that before.
“It only took the vampire half a minute. They didn’t even have to play a full song,” an older lady in the back barked. Everywhere in the room, people began calling out opinions or arguing their side. Everyone had a reason why the bet should go the other way.
Arrow stood up from the bench and took her hand. He pulled her close and tried to block her from the overexcited mass by tucking her under his arm. Raiden moved until he was toe to toe with Winsor. Just when Nova thought Raiden would throw a punch, Ash’s dark-haired friend shoved Raiden backward. Ash’s fierce guard took a protective stance in front of Winsor. Raiden backed off and glanced at Arrow.
“Cram your shit in your pants and follow me. We’ve got to get the hell out of here before this gets worse,” Raiden snapped at Arrow.
Arrow heard Raiden over the rising noise level and let go of her hand. He shoved his dick into his pants as the place went wild. Someone threw a drink at the bartender. Raiden began to steer them closer to the door.
The guitar player to her right defended his playing. The guy on the drums backed him up with over the top claims that he was the best drummer in the last century. They took a few steps away from the budding brawl. They hadn’t gone far when Nova noticed Ash being dragged toward the back exit.
“Fuck you, Raiden!” Winsor yelled as he was pulled away. “You damp squid!”
People surrounded them from every direction. Nova tried to gauge what it would take to get out of the cave. The mob screamed for a start over. She refused to cower. Nova flashed her eyes and two men stepped back.
“We’ve got to get the hell out of here.” Raiden stumbled backward when a harvester pushed closer. He pointed to the door.
Outside Laying Odds, a train whistle blew.
“That’s our ride.” Raiden grabbed Nova’s hand. They weaved between arguments and shoving matches. Behind her, she saw Arrow. He pushed through the crowd. The large black man with the walking stick had her bag. She wanted to call out, but he seemed to be tailing them. The group succeeded to get through the horde. As she passed the threshold onto the train platform, she saw someone throw the first punch.
“Put down the plow, take the refrigerator off your back, and move faster.” Raiden commanded. She picked up her pace. Her short legs pumped faster.
The four of them dived onto the platform slamming the door behind them. The man with the walking stick held the door closed as they sprinted toward a waiting train.
The whistle blew a second time. Arrow lifted her over the stairs and into the train. Raiden waved them through the first car. As she dodged anyone already on the train, she made swift strides across the floor. They headed for a set of doors at the end of the metal room. Their group maneuvered around boxes, people, and dice games in progress. No one paid them any attention as they barreled through.
It was darker in the next car. Nova could barely see. She stubbed her toe on a carton but didn’t dare slow. Arrow grabbed her arm.
“Crap.” She ran directly into Raiden’s back when he abruptly halted before the next door.
“Do you have it?” Raiden waved a hand to the man who shouldered her bags. He tossed the duffle to Arrow as he walked up on them. Arrow slung the pack over his shoulders. She took her backpack and slipped on the straps.
“I thought you were with Winsor.”
“Here.” The stranger patted his chest. She didn’t know what that meant, but Raiden seemed to think that was a good action. He smiled.
No one had answered her question.
“Thanks, Morgan-Roth.” Raiden turned back to the door.
“Isn’t he with Winsor?” Nova looked at each man. No one answered. Arrow shrugged. “What does he have?”
“He has the key. Let’s go.” Raiden wrenched on the next handle to the sliding door. The door only opened an inch. Arrow stepped forward and helped Raiden. The two men struggled with the handle.
The man called Morgan-Roth leaned on his carved stick. He stared down at her like this running was all her fault.
Raiden finally spoke through clenched teeth when he got the door to slide free. “Morgan-Roth was told by Joe to get you to Bosstown. He’s normally with Winsor, but he’s switching sides for safety reasons.”
Morgan-Roth’s deep voice cut in. “Joe said I had to help a munchkin and an Indian. When I saw Weaver, I didn’t think Joe was referring to him. Now I gathered you two are the people I’m to help. I have a private room in the next train car. You can go back there. Stay out of sight until we get to our stop.”
“I’m good with that.” Nova gave a curt nod.
Raiden passed through the next door. She followed behind Morgan-Roth.
“Why are you helping Joe? What does safety reasons mean?” Arrow asked as the door behind them slid closed with a grinding clank.
“He told me if I didn’t help you, he’d disembowel me.”
Arrow laughed, but Nova didn’t think Morgan-Roth made a joke.
The next train car looked much like the one they had rode in on the way here. There was one narrow aisle with doors and padlocks on both sides of the walkway.
“The room’s over here.” Raiden indicated the second door. Morgan-Roth took a key from around his neck.
“My life so far seems to involve always needing a key.” Arrow took the key from Morgan-Roth as she stepped to the door in the hallway. Arrow was on one side of her next to Raiden. He handed her the key and waited. Morgan-Roth leaned against the wall near to the next exit.
On the other train, there’d been nothing like this. Things on this train were similar, but there’d only been button locks. Before she could get the lock to pop open, a hand clamped down on her forearm.
Her head snapped up. Standing next to her appeared a livid Winsor. No one had even heard him come through the door. Everyone looked at him with wide eyes.
“I got an angry mob back there. I’ll be strung up for the stunt you fucking pulled. I’m never going to be allowed into Laying Odds again.”
Arrow shoved Winsor forcing him to let go of Nova’s arm.
“Don’t touch Nova. If you have a problem, it’s with me.” Arrow took a step closer to her. The tight walkway seemed charged with a wrathful energy.
“Get out of my way, Weaver,” Winsor demanded. Arrow didn’t budge.
Nova tried to turn the key in the lock. Winsor reached around Arrow and grabbed her hand.
“We’ve got business,” Winsor snarled. “That’s money lost.”
“Don’t touch Nova again. This is my last warning.” Arrow threw Winsor’s hand off a second time.
Nova had never heard Arrow get angry before. His fury was all the more frightening because he didn’t raise his voice. In fact, his tone was so soft it could’ve been a whisper.
“I rule the trains, Weaver, or have you been gone so long that you’ve forgotten? Do you think you’re sunshine now that you have a vampire to fuck?” Winsor’s eyes gleamed like melted mercury.
Behind Winsor, the door opened again with another terrible grinding sound. The black-haired man with the huge pack entered making the hall seem even smaller.
“Stone.” Winsor’s eyes never left Arrow as he spoke. “Pitch Weaver off the train. Give him to the riot.”
“You made a bet. You lost.” Raiden defended them.
“I did no such thing. I said the vampire could have her money. I never said anything about Weaver. I’m thinking to soothe my headache, it might be best to fling Weaver to the harvesters back there. I think the vampire and I will get to know each other while they rip you apart.” Winsor grinned like he’d come up with the best solution. “You’re a hot piece of ass.” He eyed her. “After I cover your eyes, you can show me what you do to get Weaver so hard, unless...” Winsor gave a parody of a smile. “You want to pay me all your HOCs to go away. For the right price, I could piss off.”
“Is that a threat?” Nova asked.
“I don’t threaten. I state facts.” Winsor, maybe to make a point, grabbed her arm again. His hand was small, but his fingers were muscular. His fingers dug deep into her skin.
Arrow glanced at the hand on Nova’s arm.
Winsor might have touched her simply to prove he wasn’t afraid of Arrow, but the second his hand was on her, everything changed.
It was as if the train itself held its breath. Nova felt like someone had immediately sapped her energy. She stood frozen to the spot. Her bones became both weightless and heavy.
Before her, some invisible force, like a wind, began to move Arrow’s hair. His black locks started to unbraid. The strands separated out and floated like black streamers in a breeze. He held his hands up as his eyes turned a blood-red.
No one moved. Maybe they couldn’t. She couldn’t move if she wanted to. Her whole body was lead welded to the floor.
Arrow held both his hands up with his palms facing outward. He took a single step back. His back stiffened rim-rod straight as his hair fluttered around his face. The magical wind picked up.
As his hands started to move with purpose, he made deft strokes through the air. There was a supernatural silence. The train became whisper soft.
As Arrow’s hands made some type of pattern in the air, then just as abruptly as it had started, it ended. Arrow’s hands dropped to his sides. His hair fell perfectly straight down his back.
All at once, everyone moved. Stone backed up a few paces. He wrapped his arms around his middle then turned and left the hallway shaking. The door slid shut.
Morgan-Roth wiped sweat from his brow. He gasped. “I’ve never not been able to move before.”
Raiden and Winsor turned as white as ghosts. Both of them, in unison, clutched their chests much like Nova had seen a heart attack victim do.
“What did you do to me?” Winsor’s voice trembled.
Raiden didn’t speak at all. He only gaped at Arrow.
“I told you not to touch her. I promised to protect Nova. I warned you.” Arrow shook his head.
“I’ll leave. Just fix whatever it is that you did to me.” Winsor snapped his head around frantically. Some of his slicked back hair fell around his ears. “Put me back the way I was. I’ll go. I promise.”
Winsor curled into himself. He wrapped his arms around his middle like Stone had done. He leaned over like he might vomit. Nova took a step away from him in case he did.
“I’m not going to change what I did. I’ve bound you to Raiden. You’ll not be able to leave his side. You don’t know it, but the heart strings don’t lie. If I were you, I’d be working on figuring out how to add Raiden into your life instead of attempting to take our money and kicking us off the train.”
“What?” Raiden bellowed.
Nova put her hands over her ears.
“Did you say the rest of my life? I don’t want Winsor for the rest of my life! I don’t want anyone. You’re a terrible person,” Raiden sputtered. “Nothing about you has changed.”
“I’m sorry, Raiden, but Winsor is part of your other half. Your match. I hope in time you’ll work it out with her.”
The word “her” had a strange effect on everyone including Nova. She couldn’t place it before, but now she could see what had bothered her. Winsor’s features were just a little too delicate. Her hands a bit too small. No matter how big a coat she wore, she couldn’t hide the dainty wrists or her slim fingers.
Morgan-Roth must have already had this piece of information. Nova saw him heave an agitated breath. He was probably wondering where his loyalties should be placed. Morgan-Roth was most likely supposed to protect her secret. Indecision lit his eyes.
Raiden took two leaps past Arrow and her. His abrupt movement backed Winsor up against the wall. Winsor’s eyes flashed around the walkway like a trapped animal. She had nowhere to move in the tight space. Raiden’s one hand struck the side of the wall next to the door. With his other hand, he shoved his fingers under the hem of Ash’s furry coat. As soon as his hand disappeared, Winsor slapped him. His jaw dropped. The stunned expression on his face made Nova think he hadn’t believed Arrow before.
Raiden backed up. He gaped at Winsor slacked jawed. Before anyone could say anything, Raiden turned on his heel and bolted through the door.
As soon as the door closed behind Raiden, Winsor burst into tears. Both men looked terrified.
“Please, Weaver, fix it,” Winsor bawled. Nova could only barely understand her as she wept. “I didn’t mean anything. I was only acting like I’m tough. I have to keep my place here. No one will respect me otherwise. I’ll be raped again. I have to be like this or the harvesters might figure me out. You don’t know how bad it is. I can’t be with Mutt. Oh God, please.”
“Ash. It’s okay.” Morgan-Roth scrubbed his hands over his face. “Get a hold of yourself.”
Winsor cried harder. Huge, fat tears streamed down her face. She wasn’t a pretty crier. Her cheeks and her nose turned blotchy red as her eyes started to swell.
“It’s not okay. I’m the best harvester there is, but no one would trade with me if they knew I was a woman. People thinking I’m a Fletcher won’t protect me. I’m sure of it. Raiden will tell everyone. He might tell Stone. Please, Weaver.”
Arrow glanced at Nova, but his face showed only that he couldn’t or wouldn’t change anything. Morgan-Roth’s eyes were wide. Maybe he had never seen his fearless leader cry before. Nova felt like a worm.
“That’s not true. I bet the men would respect you even if they knew.” Nova spoke up when neither of the men said anything. “If you’re a good harvester, gender won’t matter. You have Stone and Morgan-Roth with you. Morgan-Roth trusts you even though he knows you’re a woman. Trading and HOCs is the only thing that matters to harvesters.”
Nova quoted her last sentence from Joe as she tried to soothe the distraught woman. She felt sorry for her. Ash looked like they had shot her puppy.
“Plus no one will touch you. I’m sure your men will protect you. Raiden will help you too, once you get to know him.” Nova grasped at anything she could think of. She looked again at both Arrow and Morgan-Roth hoping they would agree. She didn’t know if what she said was true. She knew nothing of the harvester lifestyle, but she couldn’t stand here while this woman cried. She wished they would speak up and help.
“But... but... Mutt hates me.” She wailed louder. Nova patted the weeping woman’s shoulder.
Morgan-Roth cringed. That might be an accurate statement. Nova couldn’t come up with a rebuttal.
“He doesn’t hate you,” Arrow murmured. “For the rest of the train ride, you can talk to Raiden. You can ask him to keep your secret. I’m sure you can convince him not to tell anyone. Until this train gets to Bosstown, Nova and I will be in this room. If all goes well for us, then when the train stops we can talk about separating you.”
The word “separating” brightened Winsor. She brushed the tears from her face. She still looked like she’d been crying, but Nova was thankful the tears slowed.
“I’ll go talk to Mutt now. I’ll tell him that you’ll undo it.” She practically ran past Nova and Arrow. She snapped her fingers at Morgan-Roth. “Since I can see you’ve switched sides, you can go get Stone. Have him come to my private room. I’ll find Mutt. I’ll get him, and we’ll both be in that room. Then you can make sure nothing happens to Weaver.” She paused before going after Raiden and glared at Arrow. “Nothing will happen to you on this train, but I swear if you tie me to Mutt for the rest of my life, I’ll figure out a way to make yours a living hell.” Winsor sounded more like herself again. Her threat was oddly reassuring.
Nova liked Winsor much better when she tossed out threats than when she cried.
Arrow nodded solemnly as if accepting what Winsor said. Maybe he preferred the threats over the crying as well.
“May I give you some advice?” Arrow motioned for Nova to turn the key. Nova got the door to Morgan-Roth’s room open. A muted white light automatically came on overhead.
“What?” Winsor tapped on the exit door impatiently.
“Don’t call him Mutt.” Without looking back, Arrow ushered Nova into the private room.
