“What's your plan?”

“Nova, you don't need to ask. Just trust me, okay? No matter what happens, I've got your back and I won't let you get hurt.”

That was his promise to her. Nova was always his priority—he would never harm her.

Nova's cheeks turned pink at his words. She looked down, whispering, “You better remember you said that.”

Despite the disapproving stares from Violet and Ruby, Tristan continued to heap food onto Nova's plate, coaxing her with a ...