Chapter 2: The Boy who shouldn't have saved me

Aria

For a moment, everything went silent.

Not the music, not the crowd. Just me.

Because Noah Sterling was looking at me. Not past me. Not through me. At me.

Up close, he looked even more dangerous than I ever imagined. He was wearing a jean jacket. Trousers flowing loosely over his long legs. His presence alone felt like it pushed the air out of my lungs.

“You okay?” he asked.

His voice was low but steady; there was something underneath it... Care?

I opened my mouth to speak… but nothing came out.

My heart was still racing too fast. Too loud.

“I… I'm fine,” I managed, though it came out weaker than I intended.

His eyes narrowed slightly, like he didn't believe me.

Behind us, the guy he had punched groaned on the floor, trying to get up.

Suddenly, the world that seemed to be on hold came alive again; the music thumped loudly, the rhythm ringing through my head, and everything suddenly felt uncomfortable.

Noah stepped closer, too close. My throat went dry.

“You don't look fine”

“I said I’m okay,” I replied quickly, instinctively taking a step back.

But my heel caught slightly, my balance shifting.

Before I could fall—

his hand wrapped around my waist. Firm. Warm. Steady.

The contact sent something strange through me. Not fear this time… something else. Something unfamiliar.

I pulled away almost immediately. People had started whispering; they saw us.

Heat rushed to my face; everything suddenly felt suffocating. I ran out through the back door with eyes following my every step.

The moment I stepped out, I bent over and threw up. I only had two glasses, and I could barely stomach them. The cold air settled in my bones, making me shiver, and suddenly I felt exposed. Naked, almost.

“I shouldn't have come,” I muttered softly, finally breathing out.

“Yes, you shouldn't.”

The soft baritone voice came from behind me.

I turned slowly, and there he was again, Noah.

My irritation rose instantly; who did he think he was for him to pry into my business.

But I couldn't ignore how dangerously attractive he looked under the moonlight.

“What do you want from me?” I snapped.

“Not even a thank you?... I just saved you back there.”

“Well, I didn't ask you to. You might as well leave me alone and go back to your girls”

A faint smirk touched his lips.

Damn it, I shouldn't have said that.

The drink was definitely affecting me.

“Are you jealous?” he asked calmly.

I scoffed. “Jealous? Of what”

He turned slightly. “Well, it seems you don't need any help; I might as well leave”

I didn't stop him; my ego wouldn't allow it.

Now, I was alone. I crouched up on the bench beside the wall, pulled up my legs and placed my chin on my knees. I placed my heels beside me; it was the only pair I had, and I couldn't afford to lose them.

Somehow the atmosphere felt different: the chilly cold, the ecstatic feeling even after throwing up, maybe it was because I finally went out.

I stared at the silver moon; it was mesmerizing.

“It's going to be a long night,” I whispered to myself.

I searched for my phone and laughed hysterically when I remembered it was in my purse which was over the counter. Stupid me. I didn't think I could go back in, not after that uncalled scene.

My eyelids grew heavy.

I can't sleep here…

What if something happens?

I should have defied the feeling of wanting to go out; now here I am. Alone.

Still lost in my thoughts, a car pulled up in front of me. I was supposed to be alert, but not when my head was spinning and my body felt heavy.

Noah stepped out and walked towards me.

“I can't leave you out here.” The low magnetic voice was laced with something I couldn't fathom.

It was difficult to read his expression under the moonlight, but I was sure his face showed no emotion.

He lifted me into his arms in a swoop, his cologne filling my nostrils. He placed me gently in the passenger seat and went back for my heels, placing them in the back seat.

“My purse,” I murmured weakly.

“I've got it”

And at that moment, I let the sleep I've been fighting back consume me. Everything faded.

I woke up suddenly at 2 a.m., feeling the urge to throw up. Luckily, a bucket was beside me. I leaned over, my stomach lurching as I retched.

“I'm never drinking again”, I muttered half-awake.

"I could have sworn you weren't the type to get drunk at a club.”

The deep voice was familiar now.

I turned sharply. He was sitting on a couch, legs crossed, one hand holding a glass of wine, the other resting on the armrest.

His shirt was half buttoned, and I found myself staring at his chest. My eyes moved from his chest to his eyes… he caught me.

A dangerous smirk played on his lips.

Heat flushed through my face, pulse racing against my will, air strapped in my lungs.

Why does he have that effect on me?

I pulled the bedsheets around me and stood up abruptly, trying to break the creeping silence that now stretched between us.

I wanted to take a step when I noticed.I wasn't wearing my gown. I was wearing his shirt, which barely covered my thighs.

My face burned instantly, and I was almost out of breath. “My dress”, it came out in a weak whisper.

He noticed and stood up, taking a few steps towards me, his two hands extended with his palms facing down.

“Breathe,” he said calmly. “I didn't touch you.”

A wave of relief washed through me. My legs felt weak, and I slumped back on the bed. I let out the breath I had been holding in for too long.

I should be wary of him, but I wasn't. Somehow, I felt safe around him. Maybe it was because of the way he looked at me, causing tiny sparks in my stomach.

My stomach growled loudly; I placed my hands quickly on my stomach as if that would stop the sound, but it was too late; he heard that.

“Are you hungry?” his gaze was still fixed on me.

I nodded.

He pointed toward the bathroom. “You can wash up. I’ll get something ready for you”.

After he left, I finally took a proper look at the room.

The room was bigger than my hostel room. Clean. Expensive. Quiet.

In the bathroom. Female toiletries were arranged neatly even though most items were clearly masculine.

I washed my mouth and stepped out.

A few minutes later, he returned with toast and a cup of chocolate. The smell alone made my mouth water.

I ate quickly, almost forgetting myself.

I was on my last piece of toast when I stopped; it dawned on me that I didn't invite him. I turned, pushing my hands forward to offer him, but his gaze was already on me. He had been staring at me while I ate, but there was something in his eyes. Sparkly.

"I can't believe you are sitting here right across from me

You are so beautiful"—

I froze, my eyes widening

Did Noah Sterling just say that?

To me?

This must be a dream