Page 79 of North

My smile snapped into a frown.Hell, no. I strode across the bar, pressed in close to Jess, and slid my arm around her waist. “There you are.”

Her eyes widened and she smiled up at me. “Hi.”

I shot Mr. Casanova a hard look, then pressed my mouth to hers. I kissed her, pulling in the taste of her.

When I lifted my head, she was breathless. “He’s gone.”

“Good, but the kiss was for me, not him.”

I curved my hand around her hip, then slid my fingers down to the short hem of her dress. I fiddled with it, then stroked her thigh. “I really like your dress.”

Her lips parted. “I’m glad.”

I stroked her again. “Your skin is so smooth.” I inched upward.

She grabbed my wrist. “What are you doing here. I thought we’d agreed to meet at Marc’s.”

“I missed you.”

With a soft look, she pressed into my arms. “I might’ve missed you too, but I was having a good time with Sasha and Colbie.”

“I’m not surprised. They’re fun.”

She dragged in a deep breath, pressing her face against my neck. “You smell good.” She tilted her head. “I kind of like it that you came to find me. Don’t tell Colbie.”

“I won’t.” I nibbled her lips. She tasted like coconut and rum.

“I really, really like you, North Connors.”

I slid my hand along her jaw. “Think you could love me?”

“Yes. I think I’m partway there already.”

“Good.” I kissed her again.

“You’re mine now, North. Don’t forget it.” She slid her arm through mine. “How about we get the girls and head to the barbecue?”

Marc

I flipped the steaks,flames rising on the grill.

Mmm. It smelled good. I was damn talented at cooking steak.

Around me, my friends were all having a good time. I kept my small backyard mowed and tidy. I didn’t have time for garden beds, flowers, and that kind of shit, but I was pretty proud of my healthy, green grass.

I glanced around and instantly my gaze snagged on North and Jess. The couple was nuzzling each other. They looked ridiculously happy. I shook my head. There were so many lovely ladies around, so I didn’t understand picking just one. Still, I was happy they were happy.

Beside me, Zeke made a grumpy sound. He was manning the second grill and scowling at the prawns.

I sighed. He was moody tonight. I was used to it. Sometimes, my brother could get lost in his head. I could usually poke at him and joke enough to get him out of it.

He’d always been quiet, but I knew the exact moment it had gotten worse. We’d been twelve and at Kai’s sister’s birthday party. The birthday girl had wandered off picking wildflowers and Zeke had noticed. He’d followed her.

They’d been snatched by a monster and dragged into the forest. They’d survived the three-day ordeal, but it had marked Zeke. I remembered how scared I’d been, remembered my mom crying. My hand curled into a fist. I’d been sure that I was going to lose my twin.

But my dad and Hell Squad had gone out to find them.

Zeke glanced up, like he’d sensed something, and stared across the party. I turned to follow his gaze. Amaia was smiling, standing beside Kai. The beautiful woman wore a blue dress, her white-blonde hair up in a twist, as she chatted with Jameson and Greer.

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