Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 235

Chapter 235

Noah

We had done it. Another triumph—a miracle forged through fire and blood. The locker room felt surreal, almost like a dreamscape: music pounding, champagne spraying in wild arcs, and voices raised in jubilant shouts that threatened to break. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. Just one more game left. One more win, and everything would finally shift from fantasy to reality—the good parts, and sadly, the painful ones too.

During the match, I’d felt a little off. Maybe it was the weight of knowing I was only one game away from becoming William’s, from possibly witnessing Aiden’s departure. That thought had finally caught up with me, clouding my focus. But then Aiden’s words reverberated in my mind, clear and sharp: “Win the game for me.”

And by God, that’s exactly what I did. Every sprint, every pass, every move was for him.

After the press conference, the endless photo ops, and the flood of congratulations, the team was whisked away to the celebratory dinner. Of course, the Harts were there—right in the spotlight, as if the entire season revolved around their approval. William wore that polished, politician’s smile, while Lexie radiated beside him. Heaven forbid they watch a game from the comfort of home like normal people. No, they had to be front and center—every camera flash, every eager lens capturing their presence.

So I played my part, smiling when needed, raising my glass in toasts, posing for pictures. I didn’t dare refuse a single invitation this time. I’d learned my lesson. But all the while, my mind was elsewhere—back at the hotel, waiting.

By the time we returned, it was well past midnight. The team members slowly retreated to their rooms, some drunk, some exhausted, others already buzzing about the upcoming final. I stayed behind, letting the hallway grow quiet, the laughter fade into silence. I lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, until the clock blinked 2:03 a.m.

Then I moved.

Old habits kicked in. Quiet footsteps. Hoodie pulled up over my head.

I told myself to check the hallway cameras, to be cautious, to think about William—but the truth was, I didn’t care. Not tonight. After everything I’d sacrificed to get this far, this was my moment. The one choice I still had left to make for myself.

This time, I didn’t just show up unannounced. I sent him a message first: I wanna see you.

The read receipt popped up almost instantly. No reply followed—just a number: *-185-*. That was all the answer I needed.

“I want you, Noah,” he hissed, lips hungry and demanding, tongue exploring my mouth with a fierce hunger that stole my breath away.

His body pressed hard against mine, heat radiating through the thin fabric of our clothes. His hands roamed urgently, possessive, peeling away every barrier between us along with the layers of clothing—needy, desperate.

“I want you too, Aiden,” I whispered back, my voice trembling as I pressed against him.

My fingers fumbled with the drawstring of his pajama pants, trembling with anticipation until his hands covered mine, guiding them lower as he kicked the fabric aside. I looked up at him—strong, composed, burning with raw, unfiltered desire.

Aiden’s hand tangled in my hair, pulling my head back just enough for his mouth to trail along the curve of my neck, my jaw, my throat. His heat was everywhere, consuming me. He pushed me backward until my legs hit the edge of the bed, and I sank down, eyes locked on his.

For the first time in what felt like forever, nothing else existed but us.