AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m sorry Deacon was an ass to you. He’s a good guy, actually, but he comes on strong.”
“A lotstrong. And I didn’t like the way he talked about your blindness. Is everyone at the party going to be like that? Just so…crude?”
Noah shrugged. “Maybe. But I can take it. Ihaveto take it and move on. Isn’t that the end game?”
“I suppose. Just seems like an awful lot, awfully fast.”
“It only seems that way because I’ve been doing a whole lot of nothing until now. Until you.” He gave me a smile I didn’t return. “And I wouldn’t go just for the party. I’d go to see Yuri. To reconnect. I need a career. A purpose. And if I still had a job atPX, it might be good for me. To know my old life isn’t as dead and gone as I thought.” He smiled ruefully. “Like the book says, I can’t go back, and I can’t stay here.”
“I know, it’s like Mendón is a psychic.” I gaveOrigin of Silencea dirty look. “Can’t you just meet Yuri privately? Do you have to go to this party?”
“I have to go. To show them all I’m not hiding anymore. To showmethat I’m done hiding.”
I forgot myself and nodded.
“Charlotte?”
“I’m here,” I said softly.
“Yes, you are.” Noah moved close, slipping his arms under me and holding me tightly. His hazel eyes swept over me, searching, and then he lowered his mouth to mine in a soft kiss. “Until you, I was lost. Sometimes, you’re the only thing that ever feels real to me.”
I stroked his cheek. “I’ll always be right here for you, Noah.”
“Promise? Come with me, Charlotte. I want to walk into that ballroom with you. I’d be so fucking proud to do it.”
“Oh, you and your f-bombs, you sweet-talker.”
He laughed. “Deacon’s an acquired taste, but Yuri is a good man. He’s a Russian version of Lucien. You’ll love him. And I promise the party won’t be terrible. For you. It’ll probably be a goddamn nightmare for me, but if you’re there, I think I can get through it.”
“For you,” I said. “But Noah, promise me if it’s too much or just…not what you think it is anymore, that you’ll leave. Okay?”
“I promise.” He kissed me and rolled over, taking me with him so that I was snuggled tight against him. “But will you make me a promise too? Actually, one promise, one favor.”
“Favor first.”
“Will you come with me to Connecticut next weekend? To visit my parents? I called Lucien this morning and—”
“You did? You are? You’re going to see them?” I felt like jumping up and down except I didn’t want to leave his arms. “I’m so happy for you. Of course, I’ll go.” Then the reality of it sunk in. “Wait. I’m going to meet your parents?”
“And Ava, my sister. Lucien says she’ll fly in.”
“Okay, so that’s not intimidating at all.” I laughed nervously. “When do you want to leave? Friday night?”
“Saturday morning. Friday night is your friend’s musical party and that’s the promise I want from you. That you’ll go.”
I sighed. “So many social engagements, so little time.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes. But will you come with me?” I buried my smile against his shoulder. “I’d be so fucking proud if you did.”
Noah laughed and I laughed with him until he kissed me. And then again. And again. Each kiss drew me away from my thoughts and deeper into him. His tongue plumbed my mouth in a way that made me ache between my legs. That kiss…like a promise of something more to come.
I gasped when he finally broke the kiss to trail his mouth hotly over my neck, generous with teeth and tongue. In seconds, I was dizzy for want of him. He took hold of me, lifted me, and took me with him as he climbed off the bed.
“I’m going to make you feel good right now, Charlotte,” he whispered, then lifted off my shirt and flung it away. “You deserve to feel good…”
My heart clanged hard in my chest to think what he had in mind, and then I gasped as he pressed me against the bedpost.
