Chapter 27

Nova, Becket, and Eric sat in the boss's office, going over what had happened to her with Holt.

"Holt, I came to Powerbomb to escape and get my life back. That's the whole story. Dad and Becket convinced me to come to you. I need your help. I don't know what to do and I'm scared that Liam will try to hurt me and everyone I know."

Nova continued to tell him everything. When she went to her father it was mostly tears and emotions. Eric ensured her she was not to blame; she was the victim. He explained to her that she had to come forward before someone else experienced what she had and Nova agreed. She couldn't protect herself but she could protect the next girl who became Liam's target.

"All right, here is what we have to do. The first thing is get a private investigator involved. If they've done this to you, there may be others. Then, we go forward to the authorities."

"Yes, sir. I think I know of some other women this has happened to. I can get you the names."

"Good. I need to know who these men are so we can have a game plan ready. You did a good job by taping the confession. Collecting evidence all this time was smart too. Last but not least, you have to go to the media."

"Why? I'm scared." Nova looked back and forth between her father and Becket for answers.

"Pumpkin, if you put it out there first, they can't have any way to turn it around on you. People will support you for speaking out."

Holt agreed. "Correct. None of this goes public until the right time. I want you to be protected first and foremost. We'll talk to our lawyers tomorrow and have a plan ready going forward."

Nova sighed, saying, "Okay. I think I can do this."

"We'll figure this out together. I'm glad you came to Powerbomb Global. I'm not going to let anyone railroad my wrestlers. We're a family here and I fight for my family."

Eric interjected, "Nova, you have to get working on the new album. Prove that you're working hard to move forward, and that coming here was a solid career choice."

Holt nodded in agreement. "Great idea. We have to make sure she is squeaky clean and healthier than ever. Powerbomb Global isn't a stranger to controversy so we can handle this." Holt got up and hugged her. "You're safe with us. No one can hurt you anymore. Not on my watch."

Nova smiled hugging the older man. For the first time in years, she thought maybe she could have her life back.

***

"Nova! I did it! I got on the dean's list. Holt said I can be an intern for Powerbomb but I have to go to the main headquarters for my last semester of school." Claire was excitedly bouncing up and down on her toes.

Nava ran to her in a big hug. "That's great! I knew you could do it!"

"Oh, no. Nova. I forgot. I feel so bad. I'm leaving you alone with everything going on. You're press releases, and you're going on TV to tell your story soon. Do you want me to take the semester off to be with you?"

"No way, Claire. You worked hard for this. I'll be fine. Becket will be there with me. At least you get to see my first match before you go. I will be so glad to finally let go of all this baggage. They have no idea what they are about to get hit with. I feel like I actually can fight back now. Working at Powerbomb was really the right choice."

"It really was. Isn't it crazy how we used to watch Powerbomb Global just to gush over how hot Ace and Becket were? Now we're dating them."

"Right. Becket was such a douche when I first got here. Now he's so sweet and loving."

"Ace is too. He asked me to move in with him once my internship is finished."

"Wow. That's a big step."

"It is, but I really care for him. He's so smart and he treats me really well."

"I agree. Wanna know a secret?"

Claire hopped on the hotel room bed with a giggle. "Well, Yeah. You know I'm all about juicy gossip."

"I think I'm ready to take the next step with Becket. I got tested and I'm clean. I'm just…"

Clair covered her mouth. "You mean...?"

"Yeah. Sex. I'm so nervous."

"Well, that's understandable. Just talk to him about it."

Nova nodded. "We did. A few days ago. I told him my concerns and he said even if he had to wait until marriage he would. I think he really does love me."

"Are you kidding me? Becket is head over heels for you. It's good you talked."

"I need your advice. Have you ever done anything sexy for a guy?"

"Well, yeah. I do sexy stuff for Ace all the time."

Nova scrunched up her nose. "I've never had sex that wasn't forced. I don't know what that's like."

Claire's heart hurt for her. "So you're technically a virgin."

Nova waved it off with embarrassment for even talking about it. "That's silly."

"Think about it. You never really made love. This time it's real and because you want to be with someone you care for."

"I guess."

"Do you know what sort of things you like? Or things you think are sexy?"

"I… what? No. I don't…"

"Nova. Listen to yourself. You have no idea what making love really is, do you?"

Nova bit the inside of her lip shaking her head no. "I'm pretty lame, huh?"

"No. I think you just need to experience sex in a loving way to know that it's not anything like what happened to you. I want to be honest with you. You need to make sure you're really ready. Flashbacks, trauma, and stress. That could all be a lot right now while dealing with the media. Beck loves you. He's not the type of guy who will leave you if you don't put out."

"I know. You're right. I want it to be special. Maybe I should wait. At least until everything goes public."

Claire patted her shoulder with a loving sisterly smile. "I think that's a good idea. When you're ready, I would be glad to talk to you about the more personal stuff. We're best friends. That's what I'm here for."

"How could I be so lucky to have you as my bestie?"

"I don't know. I'm pretty spectacular that way." Claire laughed.

"Yeah. And you're totally modest too, huh?"

"Absolutely."