Noah nodded. “Someone sent those assassins to kill you, Grace.”
Grace looked down. “If they keep attacking, I might need to leave this place so the other students aren’t harmed.”
Lacing her waist, Noah pulled her against his chest. His voice caressed her cheek. “I’m here to protect you. No one is going to hurt you.”
Grace turned her head. Their breathing mingled together, but it was her look of surprise that caught Noah’s attention.
“I know what it’s like to be pursued for what we are. To be called a monster, an aberration. You’re not an aberration, Grace. Whatever happened to your parents isn’t going to happen to you.”
Grace swallowed hard and nodded.
Noah raised his trembling hand and caressed Grace’s hair, placing a strand behind her ear. She was undeniably pretty, and her skin seemed softer than silk. Her eyes were big and caring, brighter due to the emotions assaulting her. “I didn’t mean to sadden you.”
Her voice quivered when she spoke. “Do you know who I am?”
Her question confused him. His fingertips brushed her cheek. “Does that matter?”
She glanced away and grabbed his hand. “You have no idea of who I am.” Her voice sounded defeated. “I’m going to watch a movie with my friends. Join us or stay here. Do whatever you want.”
Stepping away from him, Grace left without looking back.
Noah faced the empty corridor and followed her steps with his enhanced senses. Her smell and her footsteps were descending the stairs.
He had no idea what he had said that left her so sad. Did he scare her away by the liberty he had taken by touching her? He had crossed the line. Maybe it was best if they didn’t spend so much time together. It would prevent him from saying irrational things like what he had said before. Not that he didn’t mean what he said. He wanted to protect her. However, it was presumptuous of him to think that she wanted his protection. They were worlds apart. Women like her didn’t see him as boyfriend material. They dated someone with money and status. A celestial wouldn’t even look twice at a lesser race like vampires and wolves. Grace was only a half-breed, but surely that meant her mate should be among the angels.
Noah groaned in exasperation. Lately, he was overthinking everything. There wasn’t a lot more on his mind but Grace.
“I’m seriously infatuated with this girl,” he said out loud.