Chapter 198
I swallow the bitterness and stare straight ahead.
“What did you expect?” I ask, my voice quieter than I intend. “At this point, even if the evidence slapped him in the face, I doubt Noah would believe you. He’d justify it… anything except admit that the people he trusted were the ones lying to him p>
Lilly sighs on the other end. “I know. It’s like in his eyes Brook can do no wrong. Almost like he’s blind to her evil deeds, and trust me, that woman is evil p>
“You don’t have to convince me,” I mutter. “I already know p>
“You sound exhausted,” she says quietly.
“I didn’t really sleep.” I admit.
“I figured.” Another sigh. “What about Noah? How did he react p>
I shut my eyes. “He yelled p>
“What?” Lilly’s voice sharpens instantly. “Are you kidding me? You almost got kidnapped, and his first instinct was to shout at you p>
“It wasn’t like that,” I say softly, though my chest tightens remembering it. “He was scared. Or angry. I don’t know p>
“He should be both,” she mutters. “Preferably at the right person p>
I don’t answer, because last night, even though Noah’s words were harsh, his face wasn’t angry. He was terrified and that terrified me more than the shouting.
Lilly must sense my drifting thoughts because she clears her throat, her tone turning mischievous. “Soo… a little birdie told me someone played prince charming yesterday p>
Heat floods my cheeks instantly. God. I’m blushing. Why the hell am I blushing?
“U–uh… y–yeah,” I stammer, hating how pathetic I sound.
Lilly’s excitement is immediate and explosive. “Oh my gosh, go on, tell me everything. Start from the beginning. Was he hot? Of course he was hot. Do not tell me he wasn’t hot p>
I cover my face with my hand even though she can’t see me. “Lilly
“Oh, don’t you ‘Lilly‘ me. Spill it p>
Part of me really, truly wants to. I want to tell her how steady Adrian’s hands were, how calm his voice sounded while my world spun out of control. How he made me feel. How being around him quiets something inside me I didn’t even realize was screaming.
But another part of me… Another part is terrified.
Terrified because the last person who made my heart trip over itself was Noah and look where that got me. Look at the wreckage I had to crawl out from. Look at the pieces I’m still picking up,
I just want to keep this to myself for a little while, until I know where things are going. If they’re going anywhere at all. Like protecting it, because I’m afraid if I speak out loud, I might just attract whatever force that deemed I’m doomed when it comes to love.
“There isn’t much to tell,” I whisper, even though my pulse is betraying me. “This was our first official meetup. He asked me out on an official date and that’s all p>
“Seriously? That’s all you’ve got to give me p>
“What else do you want to know p>
“I don’t know… how about everything, Sierra p>
I sigh, but a smile tugs at my lips. “Well… he’s tall, well–built, and really good–looking, and I like him. That’s all you’re getting p>
“You suck, Sierra. You really suck,” she groans. I can practically hear the pout through the phone.
“That’s all you’re getting from me, Lilly… for now p>
“Fine,” she chuckles, defeated. “What are you doing today p>
“Trying to get out of bed,” I mumble.
“Okay, well, be safe. And text me every hour. I mean it. Every fucking hour p>
“Lilly p>
“I’m serious p>
I smile despite myself. “Okay. Every hour p>
“And Sierra p>
“Yeah p>
“I love you p>
My heart aches even as I smile. “I know… Love you too p>
We hang up, and I set my phone down… only then do I see it.
A message I must have missed last night.
Adrian: [Are you home safe? I keep thinking about tonight. Please tell me you’re okay p>