Page 41 of North’s Claim

“Spit it out,” I mutter.

“You talk to her?” she asks, almost careful.

“About?”

She exhales like I’m the dumbest man alive. “About it being your birthday.”

I frown. “What about it?”

“She didn’t know, North.” Her voice is soft but sure. “She found out from us. You have any idea what that feels like? Finding out from someone else that your man’s birthday is today?”

I open my mouth. Then shut it.

Shit.

The realization hits like a crowbar to the gut. “I’m not her man, Eva.”

“Yeah, sure.” She scoffs. “That’s why you don’t look for us to cook, clean, do laundry, not that we’re complaining about it, nor to put up a show for you.” She grins at me. “I bet you haven’t touched any other woman either.”

“Eva…”

“I know, you’re right, but that possessive look, Prez, tells more than you want to admit.” She moves away leaving me alone with her fucking words.

I wipe my hands on a towel, toss it on the table, and stride across the lawn, cutting through the chatter and laughter until I spot her.

Sitting under the gazebo, sipping iced tea, smiling too sweetly. Too fake.

“Come with me,” I say, voice low but firm.

She follows me a few steps away from the crowd, arms crossed.

“You mad at me?” I ask.

She shrugs. “Why should I be?”

Bullshit.

“Firefly…” I growl.

“Rule one,” she murmurs. “Don’t lie. I know.”

She lowers her eyes and it guts me.

I rub my jaw. “Look, Nyxa. I forgot. I don’t make a thing out of this day. Never have. Everyone else knows because it spread years ago. I didn’t tell you… not ’cause I didn’t want to. I just…forgot.” It sounds lame even to my ears. She scoffs, turns her face away like that’ll hide how tight her jaw is. “I’ve gotten used to having you around, alright? Part of the family. Didn’t even think about it.”

“Am I?” she asks, voice soft but steady. “Part of the family?”

I don’t hesitate. “You can bet your sweet ass you are, Firefly.”

And fuck me, that’s the truth.

Her shoulders ease a little, and she looks back up at me. “I didn’t get you a gift.”

“Who fucking cares?” I bark out a laugh and drape my arm around her shoulder, pulling her into my side. “You’re here. That’s more than enough.”

She laughs. Head tossed back, eyes lit up like I’ve handed her the world and damn it if the sound doesn’t punch a hole straight through my chest.

I glance down at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.