Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

Noah

The drive was suffocatingly silent, the only sound my heart hammering wildly as if desperate to escape my chest. Aiden sat beside me, his usual composed self, unaffected on the surface. But I could see through that calm facade—he was burning inside, just like I was.

As for me? I was a wreck. My mask concealed my face, but it couldn’t hide the stiffness in my posture or the shallow rhythm of my breaths. Out on the field, I could carry myself with confidence, but here—on my knees, leash in his hand—I still hadn’t mastered the art of simply breathing. The ache inside was relentless. I was torn apart, struggling to keep my chest from collapsing under the weight of it all. Had I made the right choice? After everything, here we were, together as always. The conversation between us had been awkward, yes, but I thought it wouldn’t change anything. Would it, though?

The car doors opened, and the club’s atmosphere swallowed us whole. The music was subdued, conversations murmuring around us, the air thick with the scent of leather, cologne, and something electric—sex, raw and palpable. We checked in, shrugged off our coats, and clipped on our collars. Then, as always, Aiden led me in first, on all fours, the silver leash catching the low light, drawing every eye in the room.

I hated it. And I loved it. Both feelings crashing over me at once.

He always knew. He read me like an open book—my slight shoulder twitches, the way my head dipped just so—and yet, I did it anyway. Each step I took was a mix of pride and humiliation, sinking deep into my bones.

“Mr. A.” Master Hale’s handshake was firm, his smile sharp and practiced. “I received your message. It’s a pleasure to have you both here. I’m looking forward to tonight.”

“Likewise,” Aiden replied, steady and unshaken.

I tilted my head, confused by the exchange, trying to decipher what lay beneath those words. Before I could spiral into overthinking, Aiden’s hand brushed over my hair, calm and reassuring. I instinctively pressed against his leg. It was automatic—seeking protection, seeking him.

At our table, we weren’t alone. Mistress Diana sat elegantly, tall and striking, her pale hair twisted into a knot sharp enough to cut. Beside her knelt Iris, a delicate, wiry girl with wide blue eyes that never lifted from the floor. Across from them, Master Dominic reclined with a boy about my age, Anthony, resting at his feet.

His gaze dropped to me. “Xion?”

I nodded cautiously, my voice barely above a whisper. “Sir.”

Roman’s grin widened, as if he’d just scored a victory. Then he gestured toward Luna.

“And of course… Luna.”

She glided forward like a vision, a ghostly dream in sheer white fabric that revealed everything. Amber laces crisscrossed over her nipples, barely concealing the curve between her thighs. Her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and when her golden eyes found mine, they seemed to glow. She smiled—at me—as if I were the only person in the entire room.