Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 242

Chapter 242

Noah

Saturday arrived quietly, bringing with it no news at all. Three whole days had passed, and still, nothing. Not a single word. What kind of game was he playing with us?

Sleep had been elusive; every little noise outside my window jolted me awake, half-expecting to see my father’s shadow lurking there. But no one ever appeared. The silence grew heavier, more suffocating than the fear itself. Maybe he never even made it here. Mom hadn’t heard from him since, but the worst thoughts crept in—what if he’d stumbled off drunk and met some grim fate in a forgotten alley?

Maybe we should count ourselves lucky if that were the case.

Now, I stood in front of the mirror, tugging on a shirt that still carried the faint scent of detergent and body spray, trying to compose a normal appearance while my mind raced in every direction.

Lexie sat cross-legged on the bed, her attention absorbed by her phone. “You still planning to go to Keon’s thing tonight?” she asked without looking up.

I shrugged, uncertain. “I don’t know. I was thinking maybe I’d skip it. Just hang out with you instead.”

She glanced up, surprise flickering across her face. “Skip it? You haven’t spent time with the team in forever. It’d be good for you.”

“I just feel bad,” I said, trying to keep the tone light, almost casual. “Maybe you should come with me—or I can just tell Keon I can’t make it.”

Lexie smiled, that half-teasing, half-generous smile she always gave when she thought she was being considerate. “Oh, come on, babe. I’m not going to ruin your first proper night out with the guys in weeks. Besides, you’re almost at the finals—you’ll miss hanging out with them when the season’s over.”

“You sure?” I asked, careful to sound hesitant, almost pleading. “I could just stay in. We could do something together instead.”

She shook her head, leaning in to press a soft kiss to my cheek. “Nope. Go have fun. I’ll survive one night without you. Maybe I’ll hang out with the girls! We both need a break. Plus, tomorrow’s that stupid family dinner…”

Oh, right. The dinner.

Tomorrow morning, I’d meet William first for the talk—to set the date officially, on his terms, of course. Another business deal on his perfectly calculated agenda. Then, in the evening, he intended to make the “good news” announcement, along with his formal proposal to include me in his partnership—as his most valuable investment.

My fate, sealed and public.

****

Keon’s dorm was already alive with energy when I arrived—music pounding through the floorboards, laughter spilling out into the hallway. The sharp scent of beer mixed with cheap cologne hit me as soon as I opened the door.

“Blake! Finally!” Keon called out from across the room, a red plastic cup in each hand. “Man, I thought Lexie had you chained to the couch.”

I grinned, accepting the drink he thrust into my hand. “She almost did. But she decided to give me a night off for some ‘guy time.’”

Keon raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “A night off? Damn, she’s generous.”

Miguel appeared beside him, arm slung casually over Keon’s shoulder, cheeks flushed from whatever round he’d just finished. “What about yours, man? Your invisible bombshell—she not coming?”

Keon laughed. “Nah, she’s got a performance with her theatre group tonight. Some experimental play or something.”

Miguel’s grin stretched wide. “Then it’s settled. No girlfriends, no drama, no curfew. We’re going all in tonight!”