Page 26 of Ruined

"I was being paid." The lie feels weak even to my ears.

Noah's mouth quirks up at one corner. "I can pay you."

"That's not—" I stop, frustrated. "You don't understand. Playing is personal."

He pushes off from the counter and walks toward me. I resist the urge to back away.

"Then help me understand, Evelyn." My name in his mouth sounds different—dangerous. "What makes it so fucking personal that you'll play for a room full of strangers but not for me?"

The question hits closer to home than I want to admit. I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warm kitchen.

"When I play for an audience I'm performing a role. It's... a transaction." I struggle to find the right words. "But playing just for one person is different. It's like... letting someone see inside me."

Noah's eyes darken. "And you don't want me seeing inside you."

It's not a question but I answer anyway.

"No. I don't."

The silence stretches between us, taut as a violin string. His gaze drops to my lips for just a moment before returning to my eyes.

"One day you'll play for me, Evelyn." His voice is soft but certain. "And it won't be because I forced you."

I hate the sparkle that runs down my spine at his words.

I stand from the island counter, needing to put distance between us. Noah's presence fills every inch of this apartment, suffocating me even in this spacious kitchen.

"You seem pretty confident for someone who kidnapped a woman less than twelve hours ago," I say, trying to regain some control.

Noah follows me into the living room, his footsteps silent on the marble floor. How does someone so large move so quietly?

"It's not kidnapping. It's protection." His voice carries that infuriating calm. "And yes, I am confident you'll play for me. I'm a patient man."

I spin around. "Patient? You literally dragged me from my car last night."

"Some situations require immediate action." He shrugs, leaning against the doorframe. "Others... benefit from waiting."

The way his eyes travel down my body makes my skin heat. I hate this reaction I have to him. Hate how my body denounces me.

"Do you always stare at women like they're something to eat?" I snap.

A slow smile spreads across his face. "Only the ones I find appetizing."

"You're disgusting."

"And yet..." He slides closer. "Your pupils dilate when I get near you. Your breathing changes. Your pulse—" He reaches for my wrist but I jerk it away.

"Don't touch me."

"I don't need to touch you to know what you're feeling, Evelyn." My name sounds like a caress in his mouth. "Your body gives you away."

"My body is responding to fear," I lie.

Noah laughs, the sound unexpectedly rich. "Fear doesn't make your cheeks flush like that. It doesn't make you lick your lips when you think I'm not looking."

"I do not?—"

"You just did it again." His smile widens.

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