Page 45 of Norah

It’s not the time to worry about this. Right now, we need answers tootherquestions. Forcing a smile, I say, “Yes. Just a little stressed about everything. But it’s all good. Really… good.”Ugh. Way to sound natural and convincing. From the identical expressions on both men’s faces, they aren’t buying it either.

Ethan takes pity on me as I sputter, and jumps in. “OK, so we’re hoping you can give us some insight into something that happened the other day. Then you can explain why you needed to see us.” He describes the entire day, from the visit to the Catskills, until we got home that night.

Hearing his side of it, I can better appreciate the fear and panic he felt. How much it hurt him to watch me suffer.His pain is my pain. My heart twists and tears well up, and I look down at my lap as I fight to keep them from falling.

“Hey.” Ethan’s voice is gentle. He tips up my chin and brushes the rogue tears from my cheeks. “Hey, it’s alright. It’s OK. Don’t cry. My heart can’t take it.”

I swallow hard, willing the tears to recede. Roman clenches his jaw as he stares at me, eyes ablaze with an emotion I can’t quite read.Regret? Sadness?Before I can explore further, his features smooth into a neutral expression, and the intensity in his eyes is gone. Looking at Ethan more than me, he speaks.

“From what you told me, it sounds like Norah’s injuries were a lot worse than what you thought. To have that kind of sudden, intense need for blood- I’ve only seen it when someone gets hurt really badly."

"It only happened to me once. I was skiing, and I got caught in an avalanche. By the time I stopped moving, I had something like ten broken bones, cuts everywhere."

It took hours to heal up and make it down the mountain. That night I went nearly crazy.” Roman stops and takes a deep breath. “I almost killed someone that night. I was half crazed with hunger. Fortunately, someone came along and startled me. I’ve been more careful ever since then, and I try to keep at least one blood bag on hand, just in case.”

ETHAN

Norah looks like she’s about to pass out.

Eyes wide in fear, lips trembling, she shakes as she hears Roman talk about nearly killing someone.Her greatest fear.

What I’ve assured herwon’thappen is now causing her to panic, thanks to damn Roman and his gruesome story. I take her hand and squeeze it tightly, drawing her attention back to me. She’s biting her lip and looking more vulnerable than I’ve seen her in months.Why did I suggest getting in touch with Roman again?

I shoot a warning glare towards Roman before turning back to Norah. “That won’t happen, baby, because we know what to expect. We’re prepared for that situation now.” She’s still looking haunted, worried, eyes searching mine for reassurance.

Seeing Norah’s reaction, Roman jumps in, saying, “Ethan’s right. I was alone and unprepared. You’ve already been through it, so you know what to expect.” He looks at both of us and says, “I’m sorry that I didn’t say it better. I didn’t realize…”

“You don’t need to apologize.” Her voice is soft, but strong. Norah gathers herself, straightening as she regains her composure. “You wouldn’t have known.” Her eyes are stormy as they meet his, and she holds his gaze briefly before speaking. “It’s a fear of mine, one of my worst fears, really. That’s why I got upset. But it’s not your faultat all. Weaskedyou to tell us.”

I’m surprised to see Norah opening up like this, but it makes me trust Roman more, too. I don’t think she would talk this freely to him unless she felt he was worthy of her trust. And I can’t honestly blame the guy for his attraction towards Norah. She’s breathtaking, particularly at this moment, as her vulnerability and strength coalesce.

So tiny and delicate, but like a sturdy reed, bending but never breaking. The lighting of the bar emphasizes the contrast of her deep chestnut hair, porcelain skin, and flushed lips. Eyes so mesmerizing, the ocean shade constantly changing to reflect her mood, from stormy displeasure to still calmness.

It’s not just her appearance, though; she’s sweet and sincere, not to mention having a sense of humor. When I look at Norah, I still have a hard time believing that someone so beautiful, both inside and out, would choose to be with me. It makes me even more determined to protect her from anything that might dare to hurt her. If talking with Roman can help me do that, I’m all for it.

I tilt my head at Roman in an unspoken acknowledgment of his apology.All good. I press on, looking for more clarity. “Do you think Norah had some internal injuries, and that’s what caused the reaction later?” He nods at me in agreement, so I continue, this time addressing Norah. “You didn’t tell me anything hurt other than your leg. Was there something else?”

Her eyes shift away from me, but I catch her chin and hold it still, holding her attention. She swallows, then says in a low voice, “I wasn’t sure. Everything hurt, but I thought maybe it was just the impact from falling. But… yeah, something felt…wronginside. I didn’t want to worry you and I figured it would heal, anyway.”

A surge of anger makes my grip on Norah’s hand tighten until she yelps, and I release it immediately, cursing. “Fuck!” I can feel Roman’s glare without even looking, and I can hardly blame him. In a softer tone, I say, “I’m sorry, baby.”

Taking her hand again, I stroke my fingers along the delicate bones, trying to soothe away the pain I caused. “I’m really sorry. Hearing that you were suffering, and I didn’t know… please don’t do that again. Just tell me no matter what, OK? Please?”

“I promise. And it’s OK.” Instead of judgment or anger, I only hear forgiveness and acceptance. Her fingers entwine with mine, sending an unspoken message. Then she gives Roman an apologetic smile, laughing lightly. “This must be the best night you have had in a while. We’re a laugh a minute, talking about death and internal injuries. I’m surprised you haven’t run out of here screaming yet.”

Roman laughs, caught in Norah’s spell yet again. “It’s always a pleasure talking with you, no matter the topic.” His affable grin reappears, like flipping a switch, and the easygoing ski instructor is back. He asks Norah about her favorite places in the city, listening intently as she talks about the museums she’s visited and the artwork she loves.

The conversation shifts to different ski locales, and Roman promises to teach Norah how to ski if we come to visit. Time slides by easily as we all chat and sip our drinks, but I can’t relax entirely. There’s something else Roman wants to talk about, and I have a feeling I won’t be happy when I hear it. But I appreciate the brief respite to focus on lighter topics, and judging from Norah’s uninhibited laughter, she’s feeling the same way.

The inevitable can be delayed, but not ignored. I know it’s come time when Roman says, “There’s a reason I wanted to talk to you in person. I’m sure you’ve been wondering why.”

Easygoing Roman has disappeared, and the serious one has taken his place. He sighs heavily, features growing solemn and almost guarded. “I hadn’t planned on speaking to you about this. Not before I got your message.” His gaze grows in intensity, directed towards me. “I’m going to be honest, though you won’t like what I’m going to say.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t say it, then.” My tone is low, a warning.

“Maybe not, but I’m going to, anyway. You need to know why I’m here.” Still looking at me, he continues. “I think you’re a good guy, Ethan, but… I’m here because of Norah.” My jaw clenches at the admission, but I want to hear the whole thing.

Roman glances at Norah, affection clear in his eyes. “She’s amazing, but obviously,youknow that. She’s the first woman I met who made mefeelsomething, which is why I knew I wouldn’t talk to either of you again. Why torture myself over someone I can’t have? Self-preservation and all.”

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