Elina’s POVI waved down the first taxi I saw, my hands still shaking as I pulled the door open and slid into the back seat.“The hospital,” I told the driver, my voice quieter than I intended.He nodded and pulled into traffic. I leaned my head back against the seat, closing my eyes, but it didn’t help. My heart was still pounding from my argument with Noah, every word replaying in my head like a broken record.Why did he kiss me like that? Why did it feel like he was punishing me with his mouth?I dug my nails into my palms, trying to will away the heat crawling up my neck. My chest felt tight, like I’d been holding my breath since I left the car.The taxi finally slowed in front of the hospital. I handed the driver his money and got out, clutching my bag close to me.I was halfway to the entrance when I froze.Noah.He was leaning against one of the pillars near the sliding doors, his arms folded across his chest, as if he’d been waiting for me.My stomach dropped. “What are you do
Elina’s POVI pull the soft sweater over my head and try not to notice how my hands tremble. My legs feel heavy as I slip into my jeans, almost as if they know what happened a few minutes ago has changed something between us forever. The room still smells faintly of Noah,his cologne, his skin, the faint sweat from what we just did. I don’t want to think about it, but my body betrays me, still warm, still tingling from his touch.I walk toward the bathroom to fix my hair when Noah’s voice stops me.“Elina.”I pause, hand on the doorknob.He is sitting on the edge of the bed now, fully dressed, shirt buttoned up, hair still slightly damp from the rushed shower. His blue eyes look softer than usual, almost guilty.“I shouldn’t have done that,” he says quietly, his voice almost strained. “I shouldn’t have just walked in and… tried to ignite something we’re not ready for.”My chest tightens.“It’s fine,” I say, keeping my voice even as I push the door open. “I need to dress up and go to th
Elina’s POVNoah’s grip on my waist didn’t loosen. If anything, it grew firmer, pulling me flush against his chest. My breath hitched at the nearness, at the familiar scent of him,clean soap, cedarwood, something that had haunted my dreams for five years.“Not just a thank you, Elina,” he murmured, his lips brushing my temple. “I want more.”My mouth went dry. I wanted to push him away, to tell him that this wasn’t fair— that we weren’t ready for this. But my body betrayed me. Every nerve was lit, every memory of his touch flooding back like a dam bursting open.“Noah—” I tried, but the protest died when his thumb stroked lazy circles at the base of my spine.“You almost died last night,” he said, voice low and raw. “Do you know what that did to me? Watching them hold a gun to your head?” His forehead pressed against mine. “I can’t lose you again.”I swallowed hard, my chest heaving. “This isn’t the way—”“It’s the only way I know.”Then he kissed me.It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t tenta
(Noah POV)The morning sun cast a golden hue over the city as I stepped out after the breakfast, golf clubs slung over my shoulder.Mia, my cousin, greeted me with her usual enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for our game. We decided to grab some chocolates from the grocery store before heading to the golf course.As Mia disappeared into the store, I leaned against the car, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Suddenly, a sleek, unfamiliar car sped past, catching my attention. Behind the tinted windows, I caught a glimpse of Elina. My heart skipped a beat. Isn't that Elina? Why was she in that car? Where was she going?I quickly texted Mia, "Emergency came up. Have to leave immediately. Sorry!" Without waiting for a reply, I jumped into my car and followed the vehicle.The car led me to the outskirts of the city, to a desolate area with a rundown old garage. I parked at a safe distance and observed. Elina and Cassie stepped out, looking around nervously before entering the bu
(Elina's POV)The room was heavy with silence as we were left with burning desires, broken only by the hum of the refrigerator and the occasional creak from the ceiling. Rain had just ended, leaving the glass windows of Elina’s penthouse streaked and blurred. The air inside still carried tension, remnants of chaos that had erupted the previous day.“You shouldn’t have come,” Elina said softly, breaking the silence in an attempt to distract Noah from whatever he wanted. Noah looked at her passionately. “You were about to be dragged out of that old garage if I stayed.”“I just didn’t want you involved. It was risky and may not have ended well”“But it did ended well, Elina. See, I’d always be involved in your life,” he said, clutching her closer with his breath heavier. “I’m your husband. When someone threatens you, they threaten me.”She lowered her eyes. “You saved us though.”“Well, you don’t have to say thank you,” he murmured. “But I want something from you.”She looked up. “What?
(Elina's POV)Noah.He was right there, staring. The dark glint in his eyes made every breath flee from my lungs. Still, the beauty in his eyes glowed, basking beneath. I didn't fail to see it.Amidst the looming chaos, his fineness seemed to pull me in and I found myself stunned in silence. Why was he here? I hadn't expected him?How did he even find us?Cassie was shocked to see Noah here even as I was. The huge man flinched, sweat dampened at his forehead. Fear—it was written all over but he soon shake it away.He seemed to be untouchable and rigid and I was astounded to how he was easily affected by Noah's presence."Hey, you have no business here whatsoever. Step away." He growled.Noah scoffed, his lips curling. "What if I don't? I came for her....." his eyes fell on me and I looked away shyly, "and I'm not leaving without her." He continued.Cassie gasped, "and what about me? You didn't come for me too?" Her face fell, tears welling up.Noah rolled his eyes at her, looking aw