Chapter 17
“Remember?” I furrowed my brow, searching his face for any hint of familiarity. The green eyes, the strong jawline – nothing clicked into place.
“I thought so.” Nolan’s smile turned wistful. “We went to Lincoln High together. Different classes though. I was that
scrawny kid always hunched in the back corner of the cafeteria.”
“Lincoln High?” The name brought back memories of brick walls and squeaky linoleum floors.
“You probably don’t remember, but there was this day in the cafeteria. Some seniors. were hassling me, knocked my lunch tray over.” His eyes softened at the memory. “This girl I’d never met marched right up, got between us. Told them off so badly they actually apologized. That was you.”
Heat crept into my cheeks. “I – I did?”
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“Changed my life that day. Never had anyone stand up for me before.” He ran a hand through his dark hair. “Been carrying a torch for you ever since. Ten years now.”
My mouth fell open. “Ten years?”
“Even when you disappeared, I kept tabs. Made sure you were safe from a distance.” He glanced away, almost shy. “Probably sounds creepy, but I just needed to know you were okay.”
“You’ve been watching over me all this time?” The revelation sent my head spinning. All those years I thought I was alone, someone had been looking out for me this boy I’d forgotten I’d helped, now transformed into the dangerous–looking man before me.
“Hard to believe, right?” Nolan’s crooked smile returned. “The bullied kid grew up to be your brother’s right hand. Life’s funny that way.”
I stared at him, trying to process this
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bombshell. Ten years of silent devotion from someone I barely remembered. The weight of it left me speechless.
“When you came back…” Nolan leaned forward, his voice dropping. “It felt like fate giving me another chance. Not to pursue anything,” he added quickly. “Just to protect you the way you protected me back then.”
My heart skipped. The intensity in his eyes, the raw honesty it hit different than
–
Ethan’s practiced charm.
“I know you’re dealing with a lot right now. The last thing you need is some guy dumping his decade–old feelings on you.” He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “But I want you to know I’m here. Not expecting anything back. Just wanting to keep you safe.”
The warmth in my chest spread. Here was someone who’d carried a memory of my kindness for years, who’d watched over me from afar without demanding anything in return. So different from Ethan’s calculated
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pursuit.
I opened my mouth, wanting to tell him how his words touched something in me, how his presence made the world feel steadier. But before I could speak-
“DeLuca!” Adam’s voice cut through the moment. “Get yourself in here.”
Nolan straightened, professionalism sliding back over his features. “Duty calls.” He touched my shoulder briefly as he passed. “Think about what I said.”
I watched him disappear down the hallway, my skin still tingling where he’d touched me. The realization hit like a thunderbolt – I was falling for him. Not because he’d saved me, not because he’d confessed, but because of who he was: someone who’d held onto kindness for a decade, who offered protection without strings.
My phone buzzed. The screen lit up with Ethan’s name. My stomach dropped.
After three rings, I answered – ready to tell
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him exactly where he could shove his
excuses.
“Emma-”
“Don’t you dare-”
“Shut up and listen.” His voice carried none. of its usual charm. “We need to meet. And before you hang up – this isn’t about us. I couldn’t care less about you anymore.”
My fingers tightened around the phone. “Then why-”
“Your precious brother Adam? He’s in danger. And so am I.” He laughed, cold and hollow. “Funny how things work out, isn’t it? You’re probably feeling betrayed, lost, angry.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Tomorrow. 4 PM. Come alone.” His tone turned smug. “And Emma? If you tell anyone about this call, if you bring anyone with you – your brother dies. Simple as that.”
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“You’re bluffing-”
“Try me. I’ve got nothing left to lose.” The
line went dead.
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