Chapter 174
Her mouth opens, but no words come. Shock floods her face and for once, she doesn’t know what to say.
“Noah,” she breathes, voice trembling. “You’re actually defending her p>
“I’m telling you to stop,” I say, my tone low but steady. “I will not tolerate any more lies, Brook. And I won’t let you disrespect her again p>
Her face crumples into a mix of anger and disbelief. “You’re choosing her over me?” she spits, tears gathering in her eyes. “After everything she’s done? After all these years, you’re choosing her p>
“I’m not choosing sides,” I snap. “You’ve crossed the line p>
This is my house, and I will not let her bring chaos in it, simply because she doesn’t like that Sierra is staying here.
Her voice cracks, and she looks at me like she doesn’t believe I’m the same person. “Why the hell are you doing this? Why aren’t you kicking her out? She shouldn’t be here in Chloe’s house p>
“Stop it!” I growl, my hands clenched to my side. “Stop using Chloe’s name to try and manipulate me, Brook. I won’t stand for it.” 1
That silences her, but not for long.
She blinks through tears, shaking her head. “I knew this would happen,” she whispers. “I knew she’d manipulate you. That she’d try to take you away from me p>
The words make me still and complete as they sink like a heavy weight inside me. My heartbeat slows. My breath catches.
“What did you just say?” I ask, my voice dangerously calm.
Brook stiffens. “Nothing. I p>
“No.” I take a step closer. “You said Sierra would take me away from you/ Why would you say that, Brook p>
She looks panicked now. Cornered. “It’s nothing… just forget it p>
“It’s something,” I press, my voice rising just slightly. “Otherwise, why do you look so scared p>
Her lips tremble before the truth bursts out in a shout. “Because it’s true! She will! She’ll take you away from me, Noah! She’ll kick me out of this house p>
“Enough p>
The word rips out of me, like a fucking tornado. I take another step toward her, my anger barely contained.
“You don’t own me, Brook,” I say, each word deliberate and gritted out through clenched teeth. “I don’t belong to you. Or to Sierra.” I inhale deeply, forcing the ache in my chest to stay buried where it belongs. “The woman who has my heart is Chloe. And she’s dead.” (1
The words come out harsh, but I don’t regret them. I see the way Brook flinches, but for once, I don’t care. Someone has to say it. Someone has to end these stupid imaginations she has. Someone has to put a stop to it, because I’m not some bone she thinks she’s fighting Sierra for.
Her tears spill freely now. “Then why are you replacing her?” she screams. “Why are you falling for Sierra’s trap? You can’t even see what she’s doing to you p>
I stare at her, something inside me finally snapping. “She’s doing nothing, but you, Brook? You are the one doing things that are beginning to make me question everything p>
Her chest rises and falls in shallow breaths, eyes glassy, lips trembling. But I’m done. I can’t do this anymore. I’m done listening to lies and manipulation p>
I breathe, my eyes cutting to her. “This is your last warning. Stay the fuck away from Sierra p>
She flinches like I’ve struck her, but I’m so pissed, I’m beyond giving a fuck.
“Noah…” she whispers, but I’ve already turned away.
I can’t stand to look at her. Not after what she’s done. Not after what she almost did.
I loosen my tie, trying to breathe past the tightness in my chest. I should feel relieved that I finally said what needed to be said. But all I feel is exhaustion.
Brook’s muffled sobs echo faintly behind me, but I don’t look back. Instead I walk up the stairs, ignoring the same gnawing guilt that has been eating at me since the night Sierra came back into my life. 2