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Chapter Thirteen

Now

“Wake up, baby,” Nix whispers in my ear, running his fingers down my spine as I lie on my stomach. I groan and try to roll away from him but he just hooks his arm around my waist and pulls me into his body. “Nu-uh, beautiful. Time to wake up.”

“No.” My voice is more of a growl and it makes him laugh.

“Yes. Come on, let me see those gorgeous green eyes of yours.” His words do the trick. I peek my eyes open and meet his sparkling blue gaze.

“Why?”

He runs his knuckles down my cheek, his eyes flicking down to my lips before meeting my stare again. He leans down and gently kisses me. I sigh. My body feels boneless as I lean into him and kiss him back. He pulls away far too quickly and I pout, earning another laugh from him.

“Later, sweetheart. It’s your birthday and I have a surprise for you.”

I startle in his arms and my eyes shoot up to his handsome face. “You…you did something for my birthday?”

He frowns at me in confusion. “Of course I did, baby. Your brothers warned me all about your birthday.” There’s humor in his tone but I’m so surprised that I just stare at him with wide eyes. When I don’t return his smile, his frown returns and he searches my face. “What am I missing here, Em?”

I sigh and look up at him, feeling stupid already for the story I am about to tell. “These past couple years, my birthdays have not been…good. I didn’t even celebrate last year and the one before that, Ryan ruined.”

“Why?” I find myself launching into the story without a second thought, feeling safe enough to tell him.

“Of course, he showed up at the house the next morning with a diamond necklace and flowers. He was always doing that. Showing up after a fight with flowers or something.” The memories of how much Ryan manipulated me are ramping up my irritation.

“Remind me to never buy you flowers.”

I snap out of my thoughts to look up at him. “Flowers are good, for the right reason.”

“And what’s the wrong reason?”

“Hey, sorry I just beat the shit out of you. Here are some flowers, please don’t leave me,” I say, imitating a guy’s voice. Nix laughs, the sound bringing a small smile to my face.

“I’m sorry, it’s really not funny. It’s just the way you said it.”

I nod. “I know.”

“Well, let’s clear something up, Emma. Today is the day that you came into the world and that is definitely something that we are celebrating.”

“Phoenix West, how did I ever find you? I didn’t even dare hope someone like you would come into my life and you’re so much more than I ever dreamed of.”

He smiles but doesn’t say anything, just stares down at me. In these small moments, I believe in fate. How could I not? After everything I’ve been through, I thought no man would want me and then here comes the most amazing, patient man I’ve ever met. What else would bring me someone who could not only deal with the darkness and pain lurking within me but also be strong enough to pull me out of it?

Fate, destiny, chance, whatever you want to call it, it brought me Nix.

“Come on, let’s get out of bed. Your surprise is in the kitchen.” He swats me on the ass and I yelp.

“I don’t want to get out of bed.” I cuddle into my pillow more. “I’m the birthday girl, shouldn’t I get what I want?”

“Shit!” he teases. “Your brothers didn’t tell me you were this bad on your birthday.” I know he’s joking but it makes me frown for a moment. “Hey, don’t read into that. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

I release a breath and nod at him. “Okay.”

“Now, would you be more agreeable if I carry you?”

The thought of being carried in his arms makes me smile and my heart beat faster. “Yes. Yes, I would.”

He jumps out of bed like he’s on fire and I laugh as he bows down in front of me. “At your service, madam.”