Chapter 190
A Content Warning:
[This chapter contains graphic violence and torture. Reader discretion is advised p>
NOAH.
Sierra walks away with her shoulders low, and the sound of her steps fading up the stairs feels like a punch straight to my chest.
I shouldn’t have shouted at her. I shouldn’t have chastised her like she was a kid. What the hell is wrong with me? She looked shaken. Like she was holding herself together. Holding back from falling apart and instead of being understanding, I made it worse.
She just came from a traumatic experience. She was almost kidnapped for heaven’s sake, and instead of comforting her. Instead of making her feel better, I yelled at her.
My fists clench at my sides as I stand in the living room, replaying her expression over and over. Every word I threw at her hits me now with twice the force.
I scrub a hand over my face, guilt threatening to drown me… What is happening to me? I wouldn’t care how I treated her before, but of late it bothers the fuck out of me.
I take a deep breath, using it as a way to ground myself. I should go after her, but before I can even take a step, my phone rings.
I take it out of my phone and check the caller ID. Lilly.
I answer immediately. “What p>
Her voice is cold. Sharper than usual. “Noah, you need to sit down p>
“I don’t have time for p>
“Just listen,” she snaps. “Sierra was almost kidnapped tonight p>
“I already know that,” I answer through clenched teeth. It still fucking pisses me off.
“You do?” she sounds surprised.
“Yeah,” I reply. “She came home a few minutes ago and told me p>
“How was she? I was to call, but I wanted to deal with everything first before checking on her p>
I take a deep breath. “Shaken…she went straight to bed after telling me what happened p>
“So, she’s safe now p>
“Yes p>
“How did you even know she was almost kidnapped?” I ask, changing the topic.
I suspect she has people watching Sierra, but I need confirmation. I know Lilly; she’s not one to sit back while those she cares about are in danger.
The line goes quiet for a moment before she finally speaks.
“Come on, Noah… did you really think I’d fully trust you with her safety?” she says, her tone low.
“Ouch p>
“Look, I trust you with everything, but not Sierra… Your behavior towards her in the past doesn’t leave room for me to blindly trust you with her safety p>
In other words, she has people watching Sierra and providing extra security.
“You know I’d never compromise on her security.” I tell her.
She chuckles, “Really? Then why was she almost kidnapped? Where were your men p>
“I assigned a bodyguard who also acted as her driver. She dismissed him after he dropped her off to meet someone p>
I still don’t get that part. Why would she do that, knowing well that someone was targeting her? And who is the person that she met? Is he that important? So important that she would dismiss her security detail, knowing well that she was in trouble?
“Anyway, we got him.” Lilly’s voice cut through my thoughts.
That pulls me upright. “What do you mean you ‘got him p>
“My guy tailed the kidnapper when he tried to escape. He caught him and brought him in.” A pause. Then her voice drops. “I’m at the warehouse right now p>
A cold, familiar darkness unfurls through me.
“Send me the location p>
“I was hoping you’d say that,” she mutters. “Sending now. And Noah? Bring your temper p>
I don’t answer. I’m already grabbing my keys.
The drive feels like a blur. My hands grip the steering wheel so tightly I hear the leather creak. I still can’t believe that she was almost taken
The thought keeps replaying like a sick mantra so much that it makes my stomach twist. She must’ve been terrified. She didn’t say it, but now, driving alone with my thoughts, I see it, hear it, and feel it. The tightness in her voice, the way she held her breath between sentences.