Tuck didn’t think a war would’ve begun between him and Noble. They were blood cousins. Their mothers were sisters, and they had grown up like brothers. In spite of that, Noble hadn’tbeen loyal to Tuck. He had shitted on him way too many times, and it was time for him to pay for his disloyalty. Yet, Noble had snatched the rug from under his feet. Tuck was defeated in the moment but Noble’s days were numbered. He would stop at nothing to hear the announcement of his cousin’s death.
Fifteen
Irish walked into the villa with a cheek-aching smile on her face. Looking around, she was in complete awe of the immaculate property. Noble had taken them to Nirvana Sky Island for her birthday. The enchanting views of the ocean left Irish speechless. The water was so blue that it mirrored a painting.
“This house is huge!” Kenji yelled then did a cartwheel in the vast living area.
“I’m going to pick out my room!” Amare announced.
“Ooh, me too.”
“Hold on, now,” Cali fussed. “Let me make sure y’all not getting a room with a balcony ‘cause that’s all me.”
The boys ran down the hall as Cali shuffled behind them. Irish smirked at them then went to the balcony. The warm air kissed her toasted brown skin as she inhaled a deep breath. This had to be what paradise felt like.
“Surprise!”
Irish turned around, mouth gaping as Ivory threw her arms around her neck.
“What are you doing here?” Irish questioned just as Ivory pulled back.
“I couldn’t miss your birthday. Noble told me the plans and booked my flight. I don't know, sis, I kinda like him,” she whispered the last part.
“Wait, I didn’t know you didn’t.”
“Well.” She shrugged. “I felt like I was betraying Jovanis by accepting another man, so I kept my distance a little bit, but I like Noble. He seems genuine.”
The mention of Jovanis made her gulp back the lump forming in her throat. It was the first birthday without him in over fifteen years. She would’ve gotten a kiss on the cheek that stirred her out of her sleep. He would’ve whispered, “happy birthday,” and sat an expensive gift at the foot of the bed. Those now were memories. Good ones that she would cherish.
“Hey, no sadness.” Ivory cupped her chin. “This is your birthday, and Noble went all out to make sure you're happy. That’s a good man, Savannah.”
Irish snickered and pulled her in for another hug. “He is.”
“And he likes to take care of you, so he’s cool in my book.”
Irish twisted her lips while pulling back. “He’s cool ‘cause he brought you to an island, huh?”
Ivory chuckled. “Yeah, but I can tell he loves you and want the best for you. I accept.”
Irish pinched her cheek. “Well that’s good to know.”
“I’m about to go put on my bathing suit. That water needs me.”
Irish watched her go back in the house just as Noble joined her on the balcony. His towering frame loomed over her as he pulled her in for a hug.
“Happy birthday, Pumpkin.” Noble graced her with a kiss that made her melt into him.
“Thank you for bringing Ivory. I wouldn’t have been able to have fun without her.”
“I know. I wanted to make sure you had everybody you loved here. So, I knew I couldn’t leave her behind.”
One of the things Irish loved most about Noble was his consideration. He always thought about every aspect of a situation. Never one to half-step, he covered every basis, especially when it came to her.
“You feel good?”
“Yes.” She gazed into his eyes.
“Good ‘cause I’m ready to tell everybody about the baby.”
