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After several minutes, I finally pulled out and

tossed the condom. Aife laid starfish-style on my bed. Her perky ass taunted me as I walked past it. So, I slapped it as I pulled a pair of sweatpants on. She grunted at me but made no attempts to move.

“Do you want food, darling?” I asked,

“Yes, please. Anything is fine.”

Nodding, I headed downstairs. “You can shower.

It’ll be ready when you’re done.”

Aife walked down the stairs wearing my tee shirt. It

instantly put a smile on my face. I loved seeing her in my clothes. I loved that she felt so comfortable. She took in the breakfast spread I made and grinned. Aife’s one true love was food. The woman could eat, and I appreciated it.

“So, are you my boyfriend now?” Aife asked, biting

into a slice of bacon.

“Oh, definitely. Do I still need to ask?”

Her laugh graced my ears. “No, no. I don’t need a

fancy date or flowers. As long as I’m the only one you’re kissing and fucking, I’m happy.”

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“You are the only woman I want to be doing those

things with,” I said and pressed a kiss to the side of her head. “Thank you for giving me a chance.”

Aife was quiet for a minute as she ate more food.

She seemed so happy and content. This was the most restful she’d been the entire time I’d known her. It brightened my day to believe I had contributed in some way to her inner peace, and I was excited to see where our time would take us.

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CHAPTER 22: GRADUATION

TALON

I watched Aife don her grad cap and gown; her hair

twisted back in an intricate bun. She hadn’t stopped smiling all day. This was the culmination of everything she’d worked so hard for over the last three years, and the pride swelling in my own chest almost matched hers.

Dre and Nat fiddled with Aife’s cap as the boys and

I watched on. Davis was already dressed, arms crossed but wearing a smile. Zeke couldn’t keep his eyes off Dree. This was what it meant to have love, happiness—to belong.

Aife turned, her hazel eyes capturing mine. The grin