Chapter Four

Nana’s POV

“I am happy Noah” I answered, a bitter taste in my mouth at my own words while I stylishly avoided his interrogating gaze. I felt a twinge of guilt creep up in me. I hated Noah feeling sorry for me, it made me feel pathetic.

“Does he make you cry?” Noah asked, a flash of anger in his eyes.

“Gosh Noah! Drop it! Simon and I are fine, he’s just busy with work and he makes me happy, and I love him!” My voice broke out, harsher than I intended.

Noah’s gaze softened. “Alright, I’m sorry for poking in your business.” His hands went up in the air.

My stomach knotted in the guilt that now flooded me. “Way to go Nana!... He was just concerned about you and you made him feel bad… way to go you idiot!” I thought silently.

“No no!... I’m sorry Noah… I know you mean well… but I promise Simon and I are happy together”

“Yeah I know! It’s okay… I’m sorry too” His large hands cupped my face, stroking it gently for a moment before letting go.

We sat there in silence sipping the bittersweet liquid, the air thick with unspoken words. I could feel Noah’s eyes still on me, like he was waiting for me to say something, anything.

 But all I felt was this strange mix of guilt and… longing. It made me want to reach out to him, to hold onto that understanding, that comfort.

Before I could gather my thoughts, the silence was broken by the unmistakable sound of the doorbell ringing.

My heart jumped into my throat, and I looked up while Noah looked back, dread pooling in my stomach. Sonya rushed out to the door to open it.

It was Simon, his familiar frame standing at the doorway. My mouth went dry and I froze for a moment wondering if I should go to him.

He had a bored look on his face as he stepped inside. His gaze quickly fell on Noah and I as we sat drinking at the bar.

His indifferent look quickly turned into one of anger which his brows furrowed as he glared at Noah.

I stood up almost immediately, butterflies dancing in my stomach as I walked outside the counter towards him.

He watched silently as he took off his coat and dropped his briefcase with Sonya who then walked away leaving the three of us together a few distances away from each other.

“Hey Simon” Noah’s voice broke the awkward silence that filled the room.

“What are you doing in my house?” Simon asked, his voice doing very little to mask his irritation he had.

I knew he and Simon hardly got along but I used to try to make them both hang out with me however their enmity only got worse as they grew older.

“Hey! Don’t you miss your little brother?” Noah shot back, a fake smile planted on his face.

Simon’s gaze turned cold, jaw tightening as he looked at Noah with a mix of annoyance and something else… maybe contempt, I wasn’t too sure.

“You didn’t answer my question.” Simon’s voice was sharp, slicing through the tension in the room.

Noah chuckled lightly, leaning back against the bar with that same easy confidence that always seemed to irritate Simon.

 “Aw come on, I missed my brother dearly and I couldn’t wait to see his face… and his wife too” he replied, a slight edge in his tone, his eyes glancing from Simon to me.

I could feel the weight of Simon’s anger and Noah’s defiance clashing between them, and standing in the middle made my skin prickle.

 I swallowed hard fighting the urge to run away from the thick air of unspoken words that now choked me.

I reached out, lightly touching Simon’s arm. “Simon, it’s just a visit, we haven’t seen him in years. Let’s all have a drink and catch up, okay?”

Simon’s eyes flicked down to where my hand rested on his arm, and I could sense a storm brewing. “Catch up? With him?” His voice dropped low, almost a growl. “I’ve been working to keep the company afloat while he does whatever, and now he just strolls in like he owns the place.”

“Come on, Simon,” Noah interjected, his voice soft but taunting. “No need to make a scene. I’m just here for a family visit… unless you’re threatened by that?”

I shot Noah a warning look, but Simon was already stepping forward, squaring his shoulders. “You think you can just show up, throw a few jokes around, and everything’s fine?” His gaze shifted to me, disappointment flashing in his eyes. “And you’re encouraging him?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but my words faltered. I hated the growing tension between them, and yet… something about Noah’s calm confidence made me feel safe, while Simon’s resentment only added fuel to an already burning fire.

“Look,” I said finally, forcing a smile. “Can’t we just set everything aside for one night? I haven’t seen Noah in years, and I think we all deserve a little peace.” I tried to catch Simon’s eye, pleading silently for him to let it go, just this once.

Simon let out a sigh, but his eyes didn’t soften. “Fine. But don’t overstay your welcome, Noah.” He turned on his heel and started toward the stairs, muttering something under his breath that I couldn’t quite catch.

And just like that, the warmth of Noah’s presence seemed to vanish, leaving an icy chill in its place.

I looked at Noah, biting my lip. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, feeling that same tug of guilt twist in my chest.

He shook his head, offering a reassuring smile. “It’s not your fault, Nana. Some things never change.”

 His eyes held mine for a beat too long, and I felt that forbidden flutter deep inside me, reminding me that I wasn’t just caught between two brothers, now I was caught between two worlds.

“Maybe you should go now and come back tomorrow, he might be in a better mood.” I suggested with a light pat on Noah’s shoulder.

“Whatever you say birdie!” he joked grabbing my hand and lifting it to his face to. A tingling sensation spread through my body.

Noah rubbed his face against my palm, his eyes shutting for a moment before he opened them again. A dangerous glow flickered in them, followed by a smirk that made my pulse race.

“My heart thumped excitedly again as I felt a heat rushing to my cheeks. I tried to pull my hand away with a weak attempt but I knew I didn’t want to.

My mouth went dry as he parted his lips to say something.

“I’m not going anywhere this time Nana” he spoke softly, his sultry voice vibrating inside my intimate parts. The warmth of his skin added to the heat stirring inside me.

I opened my mouth to say something, but the words failed me. Nothing in my mind made sense anymore; all my racing thoughts were drowned by his presence. I found myself mesmerized by his handsome face and those hauntingly beautiful eyes.

“Oh my- Nana! What the fuck are doing? He’s like a brother to you!” I cursed at myself silently trying to gather myself in front of him.

Noah chuckled at my flustered reaction and pressed a soft kiss to my hand before finally letting go

I stood there in silence, my eyes following him as he walked toward the door. After Noah left, I sank back onto the couch, my thoughts a chaotic mess.

 Noah had always been cute and playful to me, but now that he was back, everything about him seemed…different. The way he looked at me, the way he touched me everything affected me in ways it shouldn’t.