Noah shoved his arm tighter around Oakley’s throat, and I was convinced he’d choke Oakley to death.
I stepped closer. “Noah—”
“I said…Do you. Understand me?”
“Please, stop.” Tears burned my eyes as fear tightened around my lungs. “Let him go.”
Noah didn’t even blink. It was like he didn’t even know I was there, entranced by his rage aimed at Oakley.
“Say it,” Noah bit out, the vein in his neck throbbing violently. “Say you understand me.”
“Fine,” Oakley choked out. “I…understand.” He could hardly get the words out right as Noah constricted his throat with merciless strength. But even after Oakley conceded, Noah didn’t let go. He didn’t back down. I was wrapped up in panicked fear, afraid of how unpredictable Noah—this stranger’s—rage was. There was no knowing what he’d do next.
“Noah.” I stepped into his peripheral vision, wanting him to snap out of it. “Noah, stop. He said he understands, now let him go.”
He reacted with a snarl and pressed harder against Oakley’s throat. Oakley’s eyes bulged, his cheeks red as he gasped for air.
“Noah!” I snapped, and reached out, grabbing his arm. “You’re hurting him! Stop!”
He looked my way, his expression hard and irises drowning in black. Our eyes met, a single, silent moment passing between us. It felt like a thousand words had been spoken without us saying a thing. As if we knew each other’s thoughts, this undeniable pull between us pulsing rapidly.
A second later it seemed like reality cut through his anger, and with a jerk he let go of Oakley, stepping back. The blue hues of his irises burned with icy flames. It was like staring into the eyes of war. Cold. Hard. Ruthless.
I feared him. But it was different somehow. It wasn’t the same way I feared Oakley’s jealousy by urging me to get away. Instead, it was almost as if this fear of him intrigued me, the cold, hard look in his eyes luring me in.
My skin erupted with chills; my insides coiled tight as our gazes remained locked. Fear fused with attraction heightened the desire that flooded my system. I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want to look away. I wanted to linger in the moment and find out which would prove stronger. Fear or attraction?