Lib Novel Page 169
It can’t be.
Had he been trying to give me an aphrodisiac then, as well?
At that point, Noah knew I had slept with Alex. According to Rita’s letter, he knew even before he gave me the first aphrodisiac.
He must have noticed the lack of a mating mark on me and decided to lure me into bed, using the drug, and give me his own mark. I don’t know what he’s up to or why he’s so desperate to get his claws in me, but it cannot be a good thing.
I can’t let him know that I’m on to him. I also can’t let him have complete access to me.
“That’s an idea,” I say, turning around to open the fridge as if rummaging for some food. If I busy myself with normal tasks, he won’t notice that I’m acting a little off, right? “But isn’t that a big step, considering we’ve only gone on a couple of dates?”
“Is it?” There’s a hint of anger in Noah’s voice as I bring out a package of bread and begin undoing the twist tie on the top.
Shit.
He must be thinking about how I slept with somebody without ever going on a date with him, even if that somebody was my fated mate.
I look over my shoulder and wink at Noah. “I’m going to be a horrible roommate. But I don’t mind giving it a shot.”
I’m willing to say anything to get him out of here.
As I predicted, his tense shoulders relax. “You’ve seen my apartment. Unfortunately, as you know, it’s kind of a bachelor pad. I had somebody from here decorate it for me before I arrived. But we can go pick out furnishings that you like.”
My heart is beating so fast that I’m terrified he might be able to hear it. “And what if I decide to make it a frilly, pink apartment?”
Act normal, I instruct myself. Act like you’re looking forward to this.
It’s a little hard to do that when my hands are damp with sweat, but I pop two slices of bread into the toaster and turn around to smile at Noah.
“I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t do that,” Noah laughs, relaxed now. “But if that’s what you want, it’s fine with me. We can go into the city to look at some shops. In fact, why don’t we go tonight? We can stay for a couple of days.”
“Tonight?” The startled look I shoot him is real. “Aren’t you busy looking for the Northern shifters?”
His expression darkens. “That’s right. They killed the three men on duty outside the arena last night. But I’m sure the pack security team has a handle on the situation. I would rather spend some time with you. If I keep working like I have been, you and I will never spend any time together.”
“A trip into the city?” I pretend to think about it. “How about if we leave tomorrow night? I’d like to get some nice things to wear.”
“We can buy you clothes there.” His tone is getting insistent now, and I’m freaking out.
“You sure seem to be in a hurry.” I keep my tone light and casual, but my eyes are sharp. Why does he want to get me away from this town so quickly? Is he trying to keep me away from Alex? Or somebody else?
“I’m just looking forward to living with you.” Noah beams at me. “And you’ve been through a lot. Maybe a change of scenery will be nice for you.”
It seems I have no choice. He’s not going to take no for an answer.
I press the button to pop out the toast. “Alright, then. I’ll meet you at your apartment tonight. What time?”
“How about ten?” Noah suggests. “Or I can pick you up.”
“No need,” I say hastily. “I’ll come to you. It’s not like I’m bringing anything with me aside from my phone. So, we’ll be driving there at night? Is that safe?”
“You’ll be with me,” Noah tries to reassure me. “That’s as safe as it gets. And nighttime drives are the best kind. You’ll love it.”
I’m just relieved he didn’t want to leave right away.
“Okay.” My fingers press into the pieces of toast as I take them out, boring holes in them. “I’ll see you tonight, then. Right now, I have to have breakfast, then go pick up Tim to babysit him.”
Noah steps toward me, and I freeze. His arms come around my waist, and he presses his lips to my cheek. The man is handsome, without a doubt, but his touch makes me want to shudder in revulsion.