I lingered in the hallway, waiting for them to walk out.
A heavy hand suddenly fell on my shoulder. I jumped, whirling around immediately.
“Noah,” I gasped, staring up into his cold silver eyes.
His fingers curled around my wrist. “Come with me.” He tugged hard, forcing me to walk alongside him.
“Wait!” I shouted, struggling to free my wrist. “I need to stay here.”
He halted, turning around to face me. “What are you talking about?”
I snatched my hand back. “I’m meeting my friends.”
“There’s no need.” He made a move to grab me again but I was fast enough this time, stepping out of his reach.
“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I said in a low voice. “You can’t force me.”
The intensity in his eyes made my heart pound with a mix of fear and anticipation. He looked like he wanted to throttle me and kiss me in the same breath.
“Come home tonight,” he said after a heartbeat.
“No,” I muttered stubbornly.
He took a step toward me. I backed away at once. He stalked forward but suddenly halted.
“Hey, Milla!” a familiar voice shouted from behind me.
Turning around, I saw Wyatt hurrying over to me with Luke at his side.
Reaching me, Wyatt glared at Noah. He protectively wrapped his arm around my shoulder and stood his ground.
“What do you want from her?” Wyatt asked in a strangely deep voice.
Noah stayed silent, his gaze fixed on me. “You always make things difficult for yourself,” he said with a low sigh.
“Stop threatening her,” said Luke.
Noah’s gaze met his. “Stay away from her.”
Luke wrapped his arm around my other shoulder and lifted his chin.
Noah glowered at me one last time before turning around and walking away.
“Seriously, what’s wrong with him?” Wyatt muttered. “He’s such a creep.”
I chuckled and playfully pulled his beanie cap down.
“Hey!”
“Check in with Julie,” I said with a laugh. “Tell her we’ll be over at High Five. First round’s on me, boys.”
Wyatt and Luke cheered. I was way too happy and excited to let Noah’s prickliness get in the way of celebrating the end of exams with my friends.
On the way, I texted Kendra and told her to meet us at the bar.
“Come on, guys,” I said, looking up at Wyatt and Luke. “We need to hurry or we won’t get a table.”
“Julie will meet us there in half an hour,” Wyatt mumbled, still staring at his phone. “She says I’ll regret it if I don’t get us a table.”