Chapter 5 - The Night Everything Changed
The attack happened on a Thursday.
I was closing the shop when the lights went out.
I froze.
Then I heard glass break.
Someone entered through the back.
I grabbed the nearest pair of scissors.
"Who's there?"
No answer.
Footsteps.
Then a voice.
"Where's Moretti's girl?"
My blood turned cold.
I ran.
The back door was locked.
The footsteps came closer.
Then—
Three loud cracks.
The intruder fell.
Noah appeared through the front door with Paulie behind him.
His expression terrified me.
Not because he looked angry.
Because he looked calm.
"Are you hurt?"
I shook my head.
He crossed the room.
His hands trembled when he touched my face.
"You could have been killed."
"I'm okay."
He pulled me against his chest.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then I felt his heartbeat.
It was racing.
"You were scared."
He whispered:
"I was terrified."
That was the first time I realized how much he cared.
Police arrived.
The attacker was taken away.
Later, Noah sat beside me in the dark shop.
"I should end this."
"What?"
"Us."
I stared.
"No."
"You don't understand."
"I understand perfectly."
"Anyone close to me becomes a target."
"Then I'll learn how to protect myself."
"I don't want you living like that."
I touched his cheek.
"I don't want to live without you."
He closed his eyes.
I could see the war inside him.
Then he kissed me.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Like he was asking permission with every movement.
I kissed him back.
When we separated, he rested his forehead against mine.
"I love you."
Three words.
The most dangerous confession I'd ever heard.
I whispered:
"I love you too."
May you like
He smiled.
And for the first time, Noah Moretti looked completely happy.
