The NOVA Trilogy Boxed Set

by Jayce, Aven

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Well, just like Paul, the Rosens are pretty hush-hush about their families. Not very many people know that you exist, and that goes twofold for Doron’s kids. He practically keeps them in a cell, and I don’t blame him after dealing with Paul for so many years. He wants to protect his family from the business. He saw what happened to my father.”

  “Oh, that reminds me, Devery sent me a text.”

  Cove swiftly turns his body toward me; his eyes order more information. “When?”

  “Last night… well, this morning while I was packing. She wrote that I should call her.”

  “Did you?”

  “No, I don’t trust her.”

  “I don’t either, but I’m curious as to what she wanted, especially at that time in the morning. She knows something. Or more likely, she needs information for your father.”

  “That’s what I thought. I don’t want to call her.”

  “You should. Call her when we get to the room. Let’s hear what she has to say.”

  “Do you think she knows about my father and the business? I asked her once in one of my sessions and she only mentioned the casinos.”

  “She knows a few things. She was close to my mother. The two of them were inseparable as children; they even got their first tattoos together. She’s kept her distance after my father was arrested and I don’t know if it’s because she thinks he’s guilty, or she knows her brothers are involved. Losing her friendship broke my mother’s heart. I’m torn as to how I feel about all of them. First, my mother’s a Rosen, so I feel a connection to the family. And sometimes I think there’s some good in Doron. We’ve been through a lot together, but other times I hate him just as much as Paul. He has a split personality. Dayne’s just a dick, plain and simple. I stay away from him as much as possible. They all come from a good family; I mean their parents are both lawyers. But then again, their parents are both lawyers, right?” he winks.

  “Yeah, seedy.”

  “Second, it’s awkward when Devery and Paul are together. They were friends in college, but there’s a definite tension between them. It’s either sexual tension, or a hatred for one another.”

  “You can’t tell the difference?”

  “Not with either one of them, no.”

  I think about all of my sessions with her and realize Cove’s right. She’s hard to read. “I’ll call her.”

  “Good,” he smiles, taking my hand back in his. “So you’ve never been to your father’s house?”

  “I think he was keeping his house whores a secret from me,” I laugh.

  “Probably.”

  “How many does he have at a time?”

  “It depends. One, sometimes two if he wants a threesome.”

  “Oh, ug. You can keep some things from me.”

  He laughs at my disgust. “Sorry. I’ve been in this for too long. What’s normal to me is foreign to outsiders.”

  “So you’ve been at his house?”

  “Many times.”

  “What for?”

  “Business.”

  “You mean pleasure?”

  “No, I mean business. Parties, filming, press, private meetings, and a few other reasons.”

  “You’re not going to tell me what those are?”

  “No, wouldn’t you rather hear about the house?”

  “Yeah, I suppose. I’ve imagined it as a white mansion with a pool and servants.”

  “Not really. Yes, it’s a big house, but not with a lot of staff. He has most of his food delivered, someone comes once a week to clean, and he hires a lawn company for the grounds, but other than that it’s quiet unless there’s a party. He has a few big parties each month in the main area, and there’s a private wing for himself that I’ve never seen. Dayne’s suite is like a bachelor pad. Empty beer cans, big TV, unmade bed, the usual. There’s a nice pool out back and a trampoline.”

  “A trampoline?”

  “Don’t ask.”

  “Oh God, okay. I can only imagine.”

  “He has two guest suites as well. The house itself is light brown stucco with a mission style dark clay roof, and his wealth is obvious by the rather ostentatious interior furnishings.”

  “You’re not talking about Mera, are you?”

  He smiles, knowing that I’m trying to lighten the mood. “No, although he would disagree. Women are part of his prosperity.”

  “So why do you think he really never took me there? I mean it must be possible to get through the place without bumping into any of his treasures.”

  “If it was a weekend that you were out, and he had a party that Friday night it probably wasn’t over. Sometimes they last until Sunday. He wouldn’t want to introduce you to anyone. Safety’s always a priority with him.”

  “I know. What about Mera? Where will she be?”

  “From what I’ve seen in the past, she’ll be everywhere. Sometimes with Paul in his suite, with Dayne in his, with Doron when he comes over, in her own private room, or out by the pool working on her tan. Paul likes his employees to have some color. She may be lent out at parties for some of the top clients. It all depends on what kind of mood Paul’s in.”

  “I see.” I look out the window and notice the soft pillowy clouds have disappeared. Only clear skies. We must be close to Nevada. The skies are bigger, more beautiful and open out west. “She’ll be safe, right?” I whisper.

  “What?”

  I look at him and repeat the question. “She’ll be safe?”

  “Yeah, she’ll be fine.”

  “No, Cove. I mean sexually. She’ll be safe? Both you and my father have told me that he has a clean business, but tell me again.”

  “It’s the only thing about Paul that I respect. He makes sure every one of his employees is clean.”

  I rub my thumb against the palm of his hand. He closes his eyes and leans his head against the seat. I love him. Our conversation has been intense and I almost forgot what we just did in the bathroom. Cove making love to me was one of the most wonderful moments of my life. I hope he enjoyed it. I can’t believe he just gave himself to me. I pull his hand up to my mouth and kiss his skin. It’s soft and smells like soap. I’m already in need of his fingers to be back inside of me. I place the tip of his index finger in my mouth and nibble. He exhales, opens one eye and smiles. He leans in and whispers in my ear, “Just wait ‘til I get you in that hotel room. You’ll beg me to stop.”

  I position my fingers on his pants and feel a slight erection. He grows under my hand.

  “Sophia,” he moans, placing my hand back into my lap. “Soon.”

  I smile and turn toward him. I slide my hand along his cheek and rub my finger behind his ear, caressing his skin. He leans in and presses his lips against mine. His tongue sneaks around and out.

  “Soon, Sophia,” he whispers, kissing my cheek.

  I sit back with my arms on the armrests. The plane tilts and then the pilot announces that all passengers should remain in their seats until the plane lands. We’ll be at our destination in ten minutes. I see land below. It’s late morning and I’m exhausted. I wanted to take a nap on the plane, but then my body got a second rush of energy after making love to Cove. Now, that surge is over. I’m exhausted and in need of sleep. Plus, I’m worried about him. Cove. I have to remember to be careful too. No matter how much I love this guy I can’t forget about my rules. It applies to all men and I fucked up.

  “Hey, you okay?” Cove asks.

  “Yeah,” I respond slowly.

  “Say that again, but try to convince me this time.”

  “I…”

  “What? What is it? Tell me.”

  How do I say it without hurting his feelings, and without sounding like a slut?

  “I’m sorry that I want to wait until we get to the hotel,” he says. “We don’t have time to do anything here again.”

  “No, it’s not that.”

  “Well, what? Did I do something wrong?”<
br />
  “No…well, yes,” I stutter. “We both did.”

  His eyes and pointed brow show true confusion. “Say it,” he commands.

  I bite my bottom lip then lean in and whisper in his ear, “You didn’t use a condom.”

  “Oh fuck,” Cove says in a raised voice as his hands grip the armrests. I cover his mouth and he turns his head to release my hand from his face. He lowers to a whisper so that roving ears can’t hear the rest of our conversation. “Aren’t you on the pill?”

  “Excuse me,” an airline attendant says, obviously concerned by Cove’s words. “Are the two of you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry,” I apologize. “My boyfriend was startled but he’s okay now.”

  “Sir?”

  “Yes, and I apologize for my language, we’re fine.”

  “Okay, please keep in mind that there are other passengers on the plane. We’d appreciate it if you could restrain from the use of foul language.”

  We nod our heads and she walks away. Cove continues to clench the arm of the seat and whispers in my ear. “You are on the pill, right?”

  “No, I don’t like it. It makes me fat,” I whisper.

  “Why the fuck didn’t you let me pull out?”

  “Because you already shot into me, I could feel you release. At that point it was too late and I wasn’t finished. I couldn’t think straight. I was in the middle of an orgasm and needed you inside of me.”

  He runs his hand through his hair, something I realize he does when he’s upset. “Sophia…God, I don’t even know what to say. Talk to me, what’s the issue here. Are we okay or not?”

  “You mean could I be pregnant?”

  “Yes,” he grumbles through clenched teeth. “Are we in trouble?”

  “I think I’m fine.”

  “You think? Or you know?”

  “I don’t know. I think so, but sometimes you never know.”

  This is his fault too. I have to think back. It was when I modeled with Monroe and when I had sex with that frat boy. That was the last time. I count back. “I was on my period about ten days ago.”

  “I don’t know enough about it. Is that good or bad? Wouldn’t it be midway, like fourteen days?”

  “Not necessarily. But I’m fine. I know when I’m ovulating. I get a pimple and I feel warmer than usual. I’m also hypersensitive, aroused all the time. Plus my ovaries hurt for a day. It’s not time yet, but it will be soon, so we need to be careful.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes.”

  He forces out a quick breath and releases his grip. His head drops down into his lap.

  “Cove, you look like one of the illustrations in the emergency pamphlet in front of us. You’re going to scare people.”

  “What about me? I am scared. You just stopped my heart. It would be just my luck to get you pregnant the first time I have sex.”

  I laugh as he sits up.

  “It’s really not funny.”

  I try to conceal my amusement, tightening my lips into a big grin. He lets out a smile and a small laugh as well.

  “Okay, it’s kind of funny,” he grins. “But only because we’re safe. I don’t want to go through that again anytime soon. I promise to pull out from now on. Why did you even tell me that if everything’s okay?”

  “Cove?” I question his last comment. “Really?”

  “What?”

  “The issue isn’t just about getting pregnant. I’ve had a rule for six years that I always use a condom, no matter what. That’s why I asked about my father’s business. I know you weren’t inside of anyone, but you can get things other ways.”

  “I know, I’m sorry. I’m clean.”

  “Well, this has to do with me too. How do you know I am?”

  He peers at me through squinted eyes, a look of worry on his face.

  “I’m fine,” I say to relieve his concern. “I’ve had this rule since I was a freshmen in college, and we’re still in the beginning stages of this relationship. I don’t want to slip up. I’ve been down that road before and it isn’t fun.”

  “You’ve…wait, what? What road?”

  “I’ve been through a lot. The road to nowhere. I’d hate to think I haven’t learned from my mistakes.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic that you called me your boyfriend a little while ago, and that you just said we’re in a relationship, but at the same time I’m confused by your past. What mistakes?”

  “I gave myself to people. Anytime and anyplace.”

  “That’s what troubles me. Is that why you went to Devery?”

  I turn away not answering his question.

  Cove’s silent. His foot taps as the plane begins its descent. I don’t know how to respond. He’s probably been with hundreds of women. He should understand.

  “Sophia, tell me about some of your conversations with her. You said she told you to prepare for the worst when it came to falling in love, is that correct?”

  “She said be prepared for disappointment if it doesn’t work out.”

  “And the conversation was about me?”

  “It was after we were in your pool and my father told me you were his business partner. I was upset. Very upset. She made me realize I had fallen in love with you.”

  “Did you tell her I was one of your father’s partners?”

  “Yes, and she insisted I didn’t know the whole story and that I needed to talk to my dad before I talked to you. She made that very clear.”

  “Hmm, I just can’t figure her out. Did you tell her about the live cam?”

  “No, I haven’t seen her in over a week. I missed my last appointment the day Mera and I went out to The Dark Scarlett.”

  “Good.”

  “Good?”

  “Yes, I’m glad you didn’t tell her I did that to your mouth. I don’t want her to get the wrong idea about me.”

  I chuckle at the absurdity of that comment. “You don’t want someone to get the wrong idea that you stuck your dick inside someone’s mouth? Think about that for a moment. No matter how you say it, it doesn’t sound good.”

  “I know, which is why I don’t want her to hear about it. If she believes my father is guilty and she found out what I did, that would confirm her belief about my dad. Like father, like son, as Paul always says.”

  “Well, I didn’t tell her, so you don’t have to worry.”

  “So why did you start seeing her?”

  “I had some things to work out about my childhood. Mainly issues with my mother, her physical and emotional abuse, but also worries about abandonment. I have a lot of anxiety about my past.”

  “I’m sorry,” he says in a soft voice, kissing my hand. “Did she help you?”

  “Yes, I believe so, but our conversations unearthed a whole lotta red flags. Concerns about how my past has affected my adult life. She thinks I’m a whore.”

  Cove laughs, shakes his head, and gives my hand a squeeze. “I doubt she believes you’re a whore, Sophia. She’s pretty uptight. I bet words such as that never even enter her mind.”

  “No, she sent me to a group for sex addicts.”

  “What?” Cove smiles, concerned yet intrigued. “Why? I mean, wow…okay, I don’t know how to respond. Really? How did that work out for you?” he grins.

  I roll my eyes at his question. “Let’s just say I was surrounded by felons and a woman obsessed with ass smoothies. I left quickly…she does think I’m a whore, and maybe she’s right. I told her I was too young to settle down and I was just having fun.”

  “Maybe she believes your father is a bad influence and she wants to help you.”

  “Yeah, that could be. There was an issue in a parking garage recently that seemed to change events for all involved. My father was furious, and for the first time I felt disappointed in myself for what I had done. That’s when Devery became alarmed.”

  “At Giorgio’s?”

  “Yeah, how did you know?”

  “Your father was a mess that d
ay. Everyone in the company worked for hours to clear that video off the Internet. I didn’t watch it, but… that was you?” Cove asks in a worried tone.

  “Yes. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize, I just thought it was being shut down for an underage issue, I had no idea it was because Paul’s daughter was involved. And then I had you on the live cam shortly after. No wonder he pounded my face in.” He places his index finger and thumb up to his mouth and gently outlines his lips. His eyes focus on the seat in front of him. There’s a small curl to his mouth and he smiles. “Tomorrow will be very interesting.”

  “The expo?”

  “Yes,” he responds, snapping out of his daydream. “Paul has some choices to make and for the first time in my life I may get to see him squirm. I’ve wanted this for years. Whatever he does to me, it’ll be worth it. He’s still upset about that live cam you know.”

  “You thought the garage was a child pornography video?”

  “Yeah, I did. That’s when Paul freaks out the most. He’s careful that those stay in the background and not on his main sites.”

  “So he still has some?”

  “Possibly.”

  “You’re not going to tell me?”

  “I don’t know. He might. I would assume so. When he had NOVA, it was completely underground. You can’t have shit like that in the mainstream. The original sales, the first few years, were videos through direct meetings with distributers. Those distributers would then sell to their clients. Your father was careful not to have a direct hand in any of it. Then he had me do some other things online, but not on any of his main sites. Live cams. That’s where all the big money is these days. People pay to watch and interact. Have you ever seen one of those private strip booths in a club where people can pay to watch someone dance? Then a curtain closes, or a screen comes down and they have to pay to see more?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well there’s a digital version of all of that. Somehow your father was able to keep it completely private. The original clients who bought the videos were the only ones who knew about it. No one else could access it.”

  “And that’s a big money maker?”

  “Think of it this way. If you have 5000 people who are willing to pay a couple dollars a day to view a specific live cam porn star, you’re gonna bring in quite a good amount of money just from that one site.”