Page 29 of Noel
But there’s another part, the reckless, lonely part that’s been beating faster every time he looks at me, that’s whispering something else entirely.
Say yes.
“Fine,” I hear myself say.“I’ll go.”
Clementine exhales audibly.
“Great!You can thank me later when you’re safe and sound.Call me in the morning, okay?”
“Yeah,” I murmur.“I’ll call you in the morning.”
She hangs up, leaving the room suddenly too quiet again.
Noel tucks his comm mic back into place, watching me with that unreadable expression that’s starting to feel too familiar.
“Pack light,” he says.“We’ll stop by your place so you can grab a few things, then we’re gone.”
I nod, but my heart’s pounding for a completely different reason now.
Because I know what I agreed to.
I know this isn’t just about safety anymore.
And deep down—way, way down—I know that whatever waits for me at Noel Kane’s place might be even more dangerous than whoever left that note.
Chapter8
Noel
En Route to Maplewood, New Jersey
The drive feels longer than usual.
I’ve made this trip hundreds of times, but tonight every second drags, every noise feels too sharp.
Holly sits beside me in the passenger seat, her overnight bag tucked neatly at her feet.
The quiet hum of the truck’s engine fills the space between us.
She’s staring out the window, watching the city give way to the softer sprawl of the suburbs, the Christmas lights smudging against the dark glass like tiny fires.
I should be focusing on the road, on the mirrors, on the possibility that we’re being followed.
My entire body is tuned for threat—muscle memory after years of combat and protection work—but the real danger is sitting right next to me.
Because I can smell her.
Vanilla and cinnamon.
A hint of something floral from her shampoo.
It seeps into my bloodstream, settling low and hot, stirring something I haven’t felt in a long time.
I’m not some untouched saint.
I’ve been with women before—casual, simple, uncomplicated.
But lately, life’s been nothing but work.I go from one op to the next, eat, train, sleep, repeat.
