Page 77 of Noel
“Oh, come on.That’s beneath us both, Darlene.We’re both women working in a world that caters to men.We should have each other’s backs.I didn’t cheat my way in, and I didn’t get anywhere on my knees or back,” I say firmly, even though my whole body is trembling.“And you’renota villain, Darlene.You’re just scared.But this—” I nod toward the gun.“This isn’t going to fix anything.”
She flinches.“You think I won’t pull the trigger?”
I don’t answer.
Because I honestly don’t know if she will.
And then—BANG—the door slams inward with the force of a wrecking ball.
“Get down!” Noel roars, storming through the door like a fucking avenging god in black tactical gear.
His eyes find me first—then the gun.
Darlene turns to point it at him, but she’s not fast enough.
One second later, the weapon is across the room, kicked out of her hand by Noel, and clattering to the floor.
Darlene shrieks as she’s taken down, face-first, by Kai, who must’ve been right on Noel’s heels.
Ego’s already on comms, calling for backup.
But all I can see—all I care about—is Noel.
He’s on his knees in front of me, already slicing through the ties on my wrists.
“Jesus, Tinsel,” he breathes, his voice ragged.“Are you okay?Did she hurt you?”
“I’m okay,” I whisper, my hands shaking as they come free and wrap around his neck.“You found me.”
“Of course I found you,” he murmurs, pulling me tight against his chest.“You’remine.”
And just like that, the fear breaks.The tears come.But so does the safety.
Because Noel Kane is here.
And I’ve never felt more protected in my life.
Chapter27
Noel
The second I cut her free, I’m dragging her into my arms, cradling her close, breathing her in like oxygen.
Her skin’s warm, thank God, but her pulse is a terrified thrum against my chest.And it’s like this—havingher back in my arms safe and sound—is my own Christmas miracle.
I press a kiss to her temple, her cheek, her hair—anywhere I can reach.Then finally, her mouth.
She clings to me, holding on, and I swear to God, my chest damn near bursts with the feelings I have for this woman.
I love her.
I am so fucking in love with her.
“I’ve got you, Tinsel,” I whisper, my voice rough.“You’re safe now.I swear it.”
I want to get her the hell out of here.
Take her home.Lock the door.Wrap her in blankets and keep her in my arms until the world stops spinning.
