Page 72 of Keep Me Safe

“And what did you say?” he asks, his voice strained.

I step closer to him, resting my hand on his chest. His heart is racing, his breathing ragged. Trailing my hand down his body, I bring my eyes to his.

“I told him the truth. I told him I love him, but not like that. He didn’t like it and told me to find a ride home.”

His eyes narrow at that, his body tensing.

“Where is he?” he demands, stepping past me toward the house. I grab his arm, stopping him. The last thing I need is for Noah to crash this party.

“Just leave it alone. Let him cool off. He’s allowed to be upset.”

A long sigh leaves his lips, and he reluctantly turns back toward me, his features softening.

“But that doesn’t mean he can leave you alone without a ride home.”

“Just don’t, please,” I beg. “I already feel bad enough that I hurt him, and the worst part is, on top of not wanting him, I’m fucking his dad behind his back,” I say, expressing the guilt that’s been eating at me since Jared’s admission. He loves me, but I want his dad. How can I do that to him?

“Is that all we’re doing?” Noah asks, closing the distance between us. My back is to the truck door now, the cool metal pressed against my hot skin, his masculine scent enveloping me.

“Just fucking?” His voice is lower now as he looks down at me.

“No–I don’t know, Noah,” I say, my voice unsure. “Can it be more than that?”

He’s silent for a moment, and my brain immediately goes to the worst-case scenario. Maybe that’s all he wants. Maybe that’s for the best. I’ve already hurt Jared enough. Before I can spiral completely, his hand reaches up to cup my face, gently directing me to look at him.

“All I know is that I’m not letting you go. You’re mine.”

His words stir up feelings that I’m afraid to let myself truly feel. This isn’t going to end well. There’s no way it can, but fuck if I don’t want to be his.

He pulls me into him, his fingers lacing into my hair as he kisses my forehead. The night’s emotions melt away at the feeling of him around me.

“Let’s get you home, princess.”

Opening the passenger door, Noah helps me up into the truck.

It’s nearly pitch black outside as we make our way back home. Music plays quietly on the radio, and I can tell that Noah is still pissed. His jaw keeps clenching and unclenching, and he’s gripping the steering wheel like it will run away if he lets go.

“I can’t fucking believe he left you like that,” he grumbles as his right-hand moves to rest on my thigh.

Letting out a breath, I look at him. For some reason,hisanger doesn’t scare me. It never has.

“Anything could have happened to you. What was he thinking?”

Jared has never talked to me like that, and he damn sure has never left me to fend for myself surrounded by strangers, but I really hurt him. I can’t blame him for his reaction.

“Noah, It’s fine. I’m okay,” I reassure him, letting my fingers trace over the ink on his forearm.

“That’s not the point, Kira. What if I didn’t get there soon enough?”

“But you did.”

Sighing, he focuses back on the road. “You should have stayed home with me.”

I almost wish I had, but then my mind goes back to Amelia. What would have happened if no one was there for her? My stomach turns. Resting my head on the window, I’m silent for the rest of the drive.

“I’m going to shower,” I tell Noah as I head inside toward the stairs. Footsteps follow me, and as I reach the bathroom door, I turn to find him standing behind me.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

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