Page 71 of Unwritten Rules

Thankfulness for having found this family of mine, reaffirming my decision to keep my relationship with Hellcat strictly on a friendship level. I’d be insane to risk losing this.

I’m so preoccupied watching my friends that I don’t hear the sound of someone else entering the kitchen until she speaks.

“It’s so wonderful seeing the three of you together again, Nate.”

Liv’s soft voice echoes across the mammoth-sized kitchen – I’d expect nothing less from Henry DeMarco, in fairness.

I agree. “It’s been far too long.”

Liv glances around the kitchen as though she’s looking for something.

“Tell me what you need. I’ll get it and bring it to you. You should rest.”

She deadpans me with those wide navy blues of hers, a smirk hinting at the corner of her mouth. “I just gave birth, Nate. I’m not ill. You and Henry need to relax. I know my limitations.”

She crosses the space to stand beside me, and we watch our loved ones eating and chatting together for long minutes.

I’d forgotten how easy Liv is to be around. Her soothing presence is always a balm to pained souls around her. She has this innate ability to get people to open up, something I’m just now remembering.

But it’s too late.

“Is there something between you and Mila, Nate?”

And clearly, I’d forgotten how damn perceptive she is.

“Ah, Peachy—”

She cuts me off with a dig to my ribs at my play on Henry’s nickname for her. “Less of the Peachy, Hawthorne. Now answer my question.”

I’d also forgotten how she’s most definitely no pushover.

“I think Father Thomas would say you’re like a dog with a bone, Peachy.”

Her lips pull up on one side as she playfully shoulders me.

“There’s nothing going on, Liv. I swear. I wouldn’t do that – to her or to Henry.”

Her forehead wrinkles, and her eyes grow even darker, like turbulent seas at midnight.

“Why do you do that, Nathaniel Hawthorne?”

I look back out of the window, watching everyone laughing over something Jo just said, unable to bear the intensity in her gaze.

Christ, is this how she brought Henry fucking DeMarco to his knees?

“You wouldn’t do what, exactly? Care for her? Protect her? Love her? Because a blind man could see that you’re head over heels for the girl.”

My stomach twists almost painfully as she continues, and I’m helpless to stop the truths spilling from her lips.

“Is it Henry who’s stopping you? Or is that the excuse? Is it you, yourself – because you somehow believe that you’re unlovable? If it’s the former, you don’t need to worry. That would work itself out, trust me. If it’s the latter, I will have to smack you, because Nate? You are one of the best people I know. Why else would we have chosen you as Sebastian’s godfather, hmm?”

I spin to face her, gently but firmly placing my palms on her shoulders and meeting her fiery eyes with a fire of my own.

“With all due respect, Olivia, I appreciate your candour more than you know, but Mila and I are just friends. The very best of friends, as I am with her brother, and I – for one – would appreciate it if you could keep your romanticised ideas to yourself, lest my impressionable young friend gets the wrong idea.”

I step back, putting distance between us as her eyes narrow, her chin jutting out in challenge as she evaluates me and my words silently.

Whatever she finds on my face, all hostility and judgement drain away from hers as she steps forward and wraps her arms around my waist.