She begins pacing the length of the room. It’s not overly big, but we’re also not in a closet.
Back?
When did he leave?
Nova’s grip on me tightens.
I had hoped that she’d fallen to sleep or at least been growing close, but at the sound of Vance’s name, she reacted just as Nikki had.
What was going on?
“He mentioned you,” I say, staring up at Nikki. I probably should watch what I say around Nova, but it’s not like I can put her in another room and have this conversation between just the adults. We’re all locked in here together.
“Not a surprise. He’s been trying to get to me since I ran away. Bastard thinks he can run my life even with my father dead and out of the picture.” She folds her arms across her chest and slumps down onto the couch.
“No one is going to let anything happen to you or anyone here,” I say.
“I know.” Nikki’s lips roll together tight as she shuts her mouth.
There’s something she isn’t saying.
She’s not the only one keeping secrets.
* * *
“False alarm,” Dante says as he unlocks the door to the panic room.
Moreno follows behind him, looking at the empty bottom bunk for Nova before realizing that she’s in my arms, fast asleep.
I’d dozed off for a few minutes, or was it hours that had passed?
“It’s late. We should get her to bed,” Moreno says. He leans forward, scooping the sleeping child from my arms.
I silently stand and follow him out of the panic room.
I have more questions dancing through my head. The sun is already coming up, peeking through the curtains.
“Are you sure it’s safe?” My eyes burn, and I rub at them while following behind Moreno as he tucks Nova into bed, pulling the covers tight around her small frame.
He bends down, pressing a kiss to her forehead before glancing over his shoulder at me.
“You should get some sleep. Nova will be up early.”
I exhale a heavy breath. “That’s not likely to happen. I’m surprised I fell asleep at all in there,” I admit.
“I’m going to put on a pot of coffee. Do you want some?”
I follow him downstairs. He’s already changed out of his suit. I’m not sure when he undressed, but I can’t help but smile at the tight dark shirt and sweatpants that he has on.
I’ve never seen him looking the least bit casual, and it’s just as sexy as when he’s in his overpriced suit.
“Yeah, that sounds good.” I’m on his heel, down that stairs, and take a seat at the high-top table in the kitchen.
Moreno grabs me a cup of coffee along with one for himself and comes to sit across from me.
He looks about as tired as I feel. “You don’t have to stay up with me,” I say.
I doubt that’s the reason that he’s still awake, but I don’t want him to feel like he must keep an eye on me.