Page 31 of North

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The nightclub isa sensory overload of flashing lights, pounding bass and bodies moving in rhythm. Farren fits in effortlessly, even though she’s dressed in an Abrams Titans jersey, her confidence radiating as we grab drinks at the bar. She sips her cocktail, eyes scanning the room like she’s taking mental notes.

“Research going well?” I ask, angling myself in so she can hear me over the music.

She grins, tipping her glass in my direction. “Very well.”

When she finishes her drink, she grabs my hand and pulls me onto the dance floor. The beat slows into something deep and sultry, and she starts to move in a way that has my dick twitching and my hands eager to grab her.

She presses close, her body swaying against mine, herarms looping around my neck. It’s more than dancing—it’s a performance, and I’m the only one in the audience.

“You’re killing me,” I murmur, my hands settling on her hips.

“That’s the point,” she says, her breath warm against my ear.

The song ends, and Farren slips away, saying she’s headed to the bathroom. I watch her go, my gaze tracking her as she walks away.

And that’s when I see him.

Some guy, all swagger and too much gold jewelry, sidles up to her near the bathroom line. He moves in close, his hand brushing her arm, and I see red.

Before I realize what I’m doing, I’m across the room, grabbing the guy by the shoulder and spinning him around.

“Back off,” I growl, my voice low and dangerous.

The guy looks startled but recovers quickly, squaring up to me. “What’s your problem, man?”

“You’re my problem,” I snap, shoving him back a step.

Before things can escalate further, Farren slips between us and places a hand on my chest.

“North,” she says, her voice laced with amusement, “calm down. It’s fine.”

“He was hitting on you,” I grit out, my fists still clenched.

“And I wasn’t interested,” she replies. “Now come on. Let’s get out of here before someone recognizes you.”

She takes my hand and leads me toward the exit, her laughter bubbling over as we step into the cool night air.

“That was…” She starts, glancing at me with a grin. “Kind of hot, actually.”

I scowl. “It wasn’t supposed to be hot. That guy was a jackass.”

She shrugs, her eyes dancing. “Alpha jealous protector—it’s a good look on you.”

I glare at her, but the corners of my mouth twitch. “It could all be unnecessary if you’d just give in and date me.”

She stops, turning to face me fully. “Oh yeah? What would dating you look like?”

I bend closer, my voice dropping. “For starters, we’d go out for a nice dinner. Maybe a movie. You’d let me hold your hand in public.”

“Not possible,” she says with a laugh, and I realize she thinks I’m joking.

“Outside of your professed antipathy for a committed relationship, what else would hold you back?” She tilts her head, considering, but I throw out options. “Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?”

She smirks. “You’re hot as hell. Any woman would be proud.”

The corner of my mouth lifts. “I’m not interestingenough outside of the bed.”

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