Irvin's POV
I stepped into my aunt's office, hands buried deep in my jacket pockets.
Lavender hit me immediately—that same scent from childhood visits. Comforting as hell, though I'd never say it out loud.
Behind the desk stood a woman with razor-sharp eyes and that trademark knowing smile. Her face was almost a carbon copy of my mother's.
Aunt Claudia.
Put them side by side, and Mom and Claudia could fool anyone into thinking they were twins. The only difference? Claudia still had that spark in her eyes. Mom lost hers years back.
Claudia spread her arms wide. "There's my favorite nephew."
Before I could dodge, she yanked me into a bone-crushing hug. Like she thought she could squeeze every ounce of tension right out of me.
I didn't hug back.
Never was the hugging type.
She pulled away and shook her head, clearly amused. "Miss and love you too, Irvin."
I rolled my eyes. "Right."
