Page 202 of Scarbound

Noeul pressed himself farther into the pillows.

“You need to eat.”

The chopsticks approached again.

“No.”

The word escaped him quietly.

Chung-Hee frowned. “What?”

Noeul stared at the food. His breathing quickened. He didn’t know why the chopsticks frightened him. He only knew they did.

“No.”

Something in Chung-Hee’s expression tightened.

“I’m trying to help you.”

The chopsticks touched Noeul’s lips. Noeul recoiled violently. His hand shot up and struck Chung-Hee’s arm. The chopsticks clattered onto the floor.

Both men froze.

Noeul stared at him. Fear moved through him faster than thought.

Chung-Hee reached toward him. Noeul shoved his hand away.

“Stop.”

“Noeul, calm down.”

“No!”

The scream surprised him as much as it surprised Chung-Hee.

His breathing broke into short, desperate gasps. He pushed himself backward, twisting against the restraint.

Chung-Hee grabbed his wrist. The contact sent panic crashing through him.

Noeul kicked. Twisted. Shoved. He didn’t know exactly what he was escaping from. He only knew he had to get away.

“Let me go!”

“Noeul.”

“DON’T TOUCH ME!”

Chung-Hee tried to hold him still. Noeul fought harder. His body knew this man was dangerous. That knowledge was enough.

Chung-Hee reached toward the tray again, still trying to make him eat. Noeul knocked his hand aside.

“Stop!”

He kicked wildly. His heel caught Chung-Hee’s hip. Chung-Hee lost his balance.

Noeul shoved him with everything he had left. Chung-Hee fell from the bed and hit the floor.

Silence.