Page 26 of Sacrifice Bunt

Chapter 6

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Noah

Part of him was still amazed at where he was.

In Zara’s room, where they’d just had sex. Mind-blowing, out-of-this-world sex.

Twice.

In his wildest dreams, he would have never conjured this up.

Well, his wildest dreams, sure, but his regular dreams, definitely not.

Everything about being with her was surreal. He felt so happy in her presence and would stay there forever if he could. He’d one hundred percent thought she’d kick him out after sex. When he’d asked if she wanted him to leave, he’d been shocked when she’d basically asked him to stay.

She was a conundrum if there ever was one.

One he would happily spend a lifetime figuring out.

He should be exhausted. Between the game and sex, he shouldn't have any energy left. That wasn’t the case. He didn’t want to waste a second of his time with Zara sleeping, even if that meant changing his game day routine the next day.

With the food ordered, he sat on the edge of the bed while she leaned against the headboard. He didn’t need to tell her about his panic attacks, but considering she’d been there for one of his biggest, he felt he owed her something. He wasn’t sure he could tell her the whole story yet, though.

“The night of the fire, the night we first met, I was on the verge of a panic attack. That’s why I basically dropped you and ran.”

Surprise lit up her face. “Oh, Noah.” Her voice was full of concern and empathy, and it wasn't fake. “I wish I would have known.” She moved closer to him on the bed, placing her hand on his arm.

“How could you have? It was all I could do to get you out of the building before breaking down.”

“I was such a bitch to you. Both that night and since. I get why you never told me, but I still wish I had thought beyond myself. I was just so angry and annoyed at everything that happened that night, and I couldn't see beyond my own emotions.”

He turned, facing her fully. “You weren’t a bitch. You were scared and confused. If having panic attacks has taught me anything, it’s not to judge, because we never know what anyone thinks or feels.” He ran his hand up her bare thigh. “Plus, I like sparring with you.”

She laughed lightly. “Of course you do.” She sagged against him, and he loved the feel of her leaning on him. He wished she’d lean on him more. “Do you ever wonder what would have happened if that fire hadn’t happened?”

“All the time.” If she knew how much, she might run away screaming.

“I never saw Aidan again after that night. Something about it didn’t feel right. Not that we were anything more than a few nights of fun.”

“I’d love to tell you he was upset over it, but Aidan wasn’t one for getting attached.”

“Neither was I. I’m still not.”

He wasn’t sure what to read into that confession, so he just let it go.

“I don’t do relationships, Noah.” She sat up from where she’d been leaning against him, looking directly at him. “Tonight was...well, it was a long time coming, I think, but I meant what I said earlier. This has to be it.”

“I heard you, and if that’s the way you want it, I will live with it.”

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