Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134

Aiden

I truly wanted the best for Noah. I really did. But hearing this news felt like a harsh slap right across my face.

While he babbled on about Lexie’s father and dinner invitations, all I could focus on was the countless hours I had already poured into his future. Every free moment outside of practice and games had been spent emailing scouts, calling in favors, sending out highlight reels, and doing everything in my power to get him noticed. To open doors for him that he rightfully deserved.

Because Noah Blake wasn’t just talented—he had the heart, the grit, the relentless drive. Every drop of sweat he shed on that field was proof he was earning his place.

And now? Now there was a shortcut dangled in front of him, wrapped in blonde hair and a charming smile.

Sure, William Hart could elevate him overnight, plaster his name on every desk across the state. But men like William weren’t fools. They didn’t hand out favors without strings attached. If Lexie wanted Noah, it meant William saw him as nothing more than his daughter’s latest accessory—and if things ever went south, William would crush Noah just as easily as he’d lifted him.

You didn’t mess with people like William Hart. Or his family.

Not unless you were truly serious.

And judging by what had just happened under my desk that morning—the way Noah had risked everything just to suck me off—I was willing to bet my entire career that he wasn’t serious about Lexie.

That thought left a bitter taste in my mouth, a fury burning through me like acid. I wanted Noah to shine. I wanted him to have it all. But not like this. Not by selling himself short, not as a pawn in some rich investor’s family game.

I took a deep breath, locking eyes with him. “So tell me, Noah—what are you willing to give? Or sacrifice? Because if you choose this path, it won’t just be about football anymore. It won’t be a game. It’ll be your entire life.”

Noah’s brow furrowed. “Why does it have to be like that? What if I impress him? What if I play so damn well that he can’t deny I’m worth it? Then I’d be paying him back with my talent, not by… by sleeping with Lexie.”

His words twisted painfully inside me. God, he was still so damn young.

I leaned in closer, my voice low and steady. “Listen carefully, Noah. The moment you accept an exclusive sponsorship from someone like William Hart, it’s no longer just football. It’s about control. You’ll be dragged into private coaching sessions, exclusive training camps, fancy events where you’re expected to smile, nod, and play the golden boy. Your life won’t belong to you anymore—it’ll belong to them. And if you slip up? If you stop being what they want… Actually, let me rephrase that: what she wants? You’ll fall flat on your face, and I won’t be there to catch you. I won’t be able to.”

Noah’s lips pressed into a thin line, but I caught a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

I pressed on, my tone sharper. “And don’t fool yourself—William Hart isn’t prioritizing his daughter’s happiness over a football contract. The man runs an empire. If she decides she’s done with you, if she wants someone shinier, easier, he’ll drop you without a second thought. You’ll be nothing more than a temporary toy she played with for a season.”

Noah swallowed hard, his jaw tightening. “So what you’re saying is, if I accepted anything from them and didn’t get dropped like you said but actually made it, you wouldn’t be with me anymore?”

I shook my head slowly. “No, I’m saying you’d be stepping into a whole different world. One where I wouldn’t be allowed in, even if I wanted to be. And God help me, without those people, I’d be there through everything. I want to see you become a star, Noah. I want to be the one to push you, to propel you forward, even if it crushes me. But if you take this path, I could never watch you…” I stopped, the words cutting deep, raw and painful.

His eyes narrowed, searching mine. “What? With another coach?”

“I need you, Sir.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. Then his mouth was on mine again—hungry, desperate. I let him strip me down, piece by piece, until I was bare beneath his hands. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close, kisses rough then soft, his body pressed tight against mine. He whispered against my skin, and I whispered back, our touches slow and reverent—a fire burning steady instead of wild.

By the time he pushed me back against the bed, I knew exactly what he thought was coming.

And damn, I wanted it too.

I let him believe it, let him think he was breaking through all my walls. His lips trailed lower, his breath hot against my chest, my stomach, moving lower still—until I caught him, kissing him hard, rolling us over.

His eyes were glassy with desire when I bent down, pressing my lips just above his groin, licking my way to his pulsing erection. I kissed his glands and whispered softly against his skin.

“Not tonight, baby boy.”

His eyes softened, obedient despite the overwhelming disappointment. “I understand, Sir. Should I bring the crop?”

My chest ached. I kissed him again on the lips, firmer this time, tasting the hunger there. “No, Noah. Both punishment and reward will come tomorrow night. But tonight…” I pulled him close, holding him tight. “Tonight I just want to hold you. Spend time with you. Whatever happens tomorrow, or next Friday, I want tonight to be just ours.”