Page 36 of North

“I don’t do that,” I protest.

Rafferty lifts one eyebrow, his silent message clear that he believes otherwise.

“I’m just—look, this isn’t your business, okay? You don’t get to tell me how to live my life.”

“No,” he agrees, his voice softening. “But I am your brother, and I love you. And I want you to be happy. I see what’s going on here with this dramatic display.”

I glare at him, my arms crossed protectively. “And what’s that, oh wise one?”

“You like him,” Rafferty says simply. “Probably more than you want to admit. And it scares the hell out of you.”

I freeze, his words hitting me like a punch to the gut. He’s right, of course. But admitting that feels like stepping onto a ledge with no safety net.

“I’m not having this conversation,” I grit out.

“Fine,” Rafferty says, rising from his stool. “But let me give you some advice. You don’t have to commit to anything you’re not ready for. Keep your walls up, keep your boundaries in place, whatever makes you secure.But Farren… don’t run. Not if you’re having fun. Enjoy the time with him. North is a good guy, and he’s willing to give you what you want. Don’t throw that away because you’re scared.”

I stare at the floor, my throat tightening. I swallow hard, put my resolve in place. “You think North will be okay with something casual?”

“I think he’ll take whatever you offer, although I suspect he’ll work on you to change your mind. And think of it this way, all of this is out in the open now. You know what he wants, and most importantly, he knows what you can’t give. Have you ever been that honest with someone before?”

“No,” I reply, and I have to admit, it’s a little freeing knowing that I’ve put down my line in the sand and North is accepting of it.

My eyes narrow at my brother. “And you’re really okay with your teammate banging your little sister?”

“Jesus, Farren. Do you have to put it so crudely?” He grimaces, his lip curled in disgust, and I have to bite my tongue not to laugh. “Just keep the details away from me, okay?”

“But you’re okay with this?” I prod, my tone serious because this is important. No matter what, if Rafferty isn’t cool with me and North, there is no me and North.

“You’re an adult, and North’s as good as they come. So yeah, I’m okay with it. But stop being so damnsecretive about it. No one cares.”

I lift my chin, the stubborn one I reserve for just such moments. “I’ll think about it.”

“God, you’re a brat,” he says before wrapping me in a quick, tight hug. “I love you, kiddo.”

“Love you too,” I mumble into his shoulder.

He pulls back, ruffling my hair before heading toward the hallway. “I’m going to shower. Don’t burn the house down.”

I watch him go, my emotions a tangled mess. As soon as he’s out of earshot, I grab my phone and dial North’s number.

“Hey,” he answers, and I can tell by his tentative greeting that he’s been waiting for this call.

“I can’t believe you went to Rafferty about us,” I say, my response sharp.

He sighs heavily but there’s no apology in his answer. “I did. I didn’t want to keep it a secret from him anymore. It wasn’t right. Besides, you practically dared me to do it.”

“You should have talked to me first. You had no right—”

“Maybe,” he says, interrupting me. “But it’s done. Are you going to break things off?”

I hesitate, my anger faltering. “No,” I admit grudgingly. “But only if you agree to keep this casual. If you can handle that, then I’m willing to keep having sex withyou.”

North snorts and then laughs heartily. “Fair enough. But Farren, you know I’m not giving up, right?”

A reluctant smile tugs at my lips and I’m glad he can’t see it. “Yeah, yeah. We’ll see about that.”

“Just so I’m clear, what does casual mean to you?” he asks.

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