“Move,” Noah commanded, sliding into the row.
Wyatt stood up uncertainly, shifting to the next seat so that Noah could take his place beside me.
“He’s my friend,” I said as Noah settled down beside me.
An intense look came over his silvery-gray eyes. “Don’t let another guy touch you like that.”
I glanced at Wyatt who silently mouthed “What the hell?” at me. He still had no idea about the incident that got me closer to the Amhurst brothers.
Thankfully, the lecturer arrived and Noah was forced to turn his attention away from Wyatt.
All through the lesson, I mulled over Noah’s words.
Don’t let another guy touch you like that.
There was a hint of raw possessiveness in his voice. It was both a warning and a command.
So far, Noah and I only met once. We exchanged a few texts where I asked him about Corey’s health after he was released from the hospital. Could he could start liking me so soon?
I stayed distracted all through the lesson. My mind jumped from one issue to the other. Mostly, I was still wondering about a life with three stepbrothers.
Over the weekend, Mom announced she was moving into Brian’s house. They were so happy planning about their future, I didn’t have the heart to say anything to dampen their excitement.
Mom raised me on her own from a very young age. She went through hell to keep me with her and give me a good life. There was no way I’d stand in the way of her happiness now.
I felt a warm touch on my hand. Looking up, I realized Noah was looking straight at me.
“Class is over,” he said in a deep gentle voice. “Why are you still spaced out?”
“It’s nothing,” I lied easily. Behind Noah, Wyatt was desperately trying to tell us we had to get out of there. I was about to stand up when Noah’s fingers gripped my wrist.
“There’s something I wanted to tell you,” he said with a smile. My heart beat hard as he turned his irresistible charm on me. “There’s a party at the Elite House tonight,” he said, tracing a pattern on my skin. “I want you to come.”
Wyatt stopped making faces and gesticulating. The conversation was finally juicy enough for him to settle down.
“You don’t have to do that,” I said. “You guys have thanked me enough for helping Corey that night. You don’t have to invite me to parties and stuff. I don’t think I’ll fit in with the crowd there.”
Anger suffused his features, causing my heart to pound with a different emotion.
“We want you to come,” he said in a tight voice. “Don’t you care about seeing Corey again?”
“Of course, I care but—”
“You’re coming,” he said in a commanding tone. “Bring him with you if it makes you feel better.” He gestured toward Wyatt. “But make sure he isn’t touching you inappropriately. Corey and Caleb won’t hold back from hitting him.”
He turned around to glare at Wyatt who looked at him with wide eyes full of confusion.
Noah leaned in and kissed my cheek.
My heart stopped beating and then, kickstarted at a faster pace. Before I could react, Noah was walking out of the classroom with long, languid strides.
“What the hell’s happening?” Wyatt whispered while I stood frozen with my hand on my cheek.
“I have no idea.”
“How did you get Noah Amhurst from ignoring your existence to kissing you?”
I shook my head. “No idea.”