Claudia turned to tidy her dressing table just as York knocked and entered.
His gaze fell on several oversized packing bags at the foot of the bed. He walked over to Claudia's side and asked, "Do you need my help?"
Claudia glanced at the bags before calmly looking away. They were filled with all the gifts York had given her over the years, which she hadn't yet found a place to store.
Tossing a used wipe into the trash, Claudia asked probingly, "Your birthday is in a few days. How are you planning to celebrate?"
York's brow furrowed as he studied her expression.
"The same as always," he said. "With you."
Claudia stopped what she was doing.
She tilted her head up slightly to meet his eyes.
"York," she said, "I made myself very clear last night. We—"
"It doesn't matter what my grandfather and father said or did. It doesn't represent me!"
"We've been childhood friends for so many years. I'll always be your York!"
York cut her off before she could finish, his face cold as he corrected her.
They stared at each other from a close distance.
Claudia nodded with a look of resignation.
"Even if we were the best of childhood friends, we're all grown up now. We're not a couple, not lovers, and certainly not siblings. If we get too close, people will get the wrong idea!"
York's eyes burned into hers.
When he spoke again, his voice had softened unconsciously. "I'm fine with being a husband. I'm fine with being a boyfriend. As long as you're willing!"
Claudia shot him a fierce glare. "I'm not willing!"
York couldn't resist reaching for her hand.
He wanted to be close to her, to hold her.
He suppressed the impulse, his voice low and laced with a hint of allure.
"Claudia, let's find a place to talk properly, okay?"
Sensing his intention, Claudia subtly shifted her body to dodge his touch.

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