Page 37 of The Fallen
“The fuck for? Not your fault.”
“No, but … It must have been hard. Perhaps that's why you’re the way you are.”
“And how’s that?”
“Hard to read. Short. Curt. You’re not exactly forthcoming in your demeanour.”
He smirks a little and keeps staring as if that was an acceptable way of describing him. “Guess you’ve got me all figured out then.”
“Not quite, but I’m trying.”
“Why?”
“I told you. You interest me.”
“Getting under my skin isn’t recommended, Neve.”
“Is it so bad?” I ask, almost begging him to continue this. Because right now, there’s nothing more I want than to get under his skin. But I cut the final part of my steak and hope he can’t see how nervous he makes me.
“Could be. Keep trying, though. I’m enjoying this game.”
A small smile lifts my own lips. A game? I wish it were just a game. Perhaps we’d have a chance to see where this could lead then, rather than just the clear physical reaction to each other.
That’s not what we’re playing, though. And there’s no time to relax and languish in some semblance of dating.
“Do you think – do you think we’ll get him?” I ask.
I don’t need to elaborate on who I’m talking about now.
“I doubt he’s cleverer than you,” Noah replies. “But it would be easier …” he trails off.
“Easier, how?”
“If we weren’t hiding information from your brother as well.” He gives me a stern look that only brings a pang of guilt to my chest.
“You’re worried about Landon.” After what Noah shared, it’s an obvious conclusion.
“I need him. I need a lawyer for Stefan.”
“If he threatens your brother, I promise to do everything I can to help.” And while I’m not sure if I could best my brother, it’s important that Noah knows I’ll support him like he’s supporting me.
“And how would you help?”
“Records, statements. Surely there would be patient files. They would be evidence that could help Stefan.”
“What happened to being an ethical hacker?”
”And you know that, how?” He doesn’t respond. Just stares with that small smirk in place. But I suppose he must have researched me. And what does it matter anyway? “Sometimes you have to do things for the greater good.” I slide my hand across the table to reach for his. My thumb runs over the ridges of his knuckles as I look straight at him. A shiver of … electricity perhaps, ignites, but as soon as it hits, he snatches his hand away and frowns.
“I’ll pay. We need to go.”
The journey home returns to quiet, but I feel anxious. Our deal is in place, but instead of feeling nervous about it, I want to have sex with him. Why wouldn’t I? If I take him at the aesthetic alone, it should be a no-brainer. And after knowing how good it can feel when we’re simply going through the motions, I want to feel more from him. He’s already kissed me – there’s something there. And if I'm reading him all wrong, if I’m being taken in by another act, at least I might get to know what real sex with a real man feels like as compensation.
Noah parks up and opens the door to the house. I step inside the kitchen with one thing on my mind, but the slam of the door makes me jump.
“Relax, Neve.” He walks over to the table and dumps his keys before turning around towards me. “Do you want a beer or tea?”
I fling my arms around his neck and pull him down to meet my lips. For a second, he’s rigid against my body, unyielding. He pulls my arms from around his neck and breaks our connection. “What are you doing?”
