Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161

Content Warning

Chapters 114-116 include references to domestic abuse and its emotional aftermath. These scenes are handled with sensitivity, focusing on the characters’ feelings and trauma, but they may be difficult or triggering for some readers. Please prioritize your well-being as you read and feel free to skip ahead if needed.

Aiden

The instant I heard the roar of a motorcycle outside my apartment door on a quiet Tuesday evening, a knot tightened deep in my stomach. Tomorrow was the first day of break, and Noah never showed up unannounced on a school night. The sound of the engine was off—rough, erratic, like it had been thrown recklessly around the corner of my street. It was nothing like the smooth, familiar hum I’d come to recognize.

By the time I reached the door, Noah was already staggering across the porch, his helmet hanging awkwardly off one side of his head. His breath came in uneven gasps, and his eyes were wild, haunted. He didn’t even pause to knock; he just pushed the door open, voice breaking as he spoke.

“Sir—please—I need help. Please… I really need your help.”

My heart clenched painfully. Without hesitation, I pulled him inside and shut the door firmly behind us. His entire body trembled as if it might shatter under the slightest touch.

“Sit down,” I commanded softly but firmly, guiding him toward the couch. I handed him a glass of water, his hands shaking as he gripped it, then crouched before him. “Breathe. Tell me everything.”

The sound that escaped his throat was raw and broken—a mixture of sobs and gasps. He swallowed hard, fighting to get the words out.

“I have to see her. I have to tell her I’m going to get her out of there. I swear, the second I can, I’ll bring her with me.” His body shook so hard that his words dissolved into sobs. He buried his face in his hands. “Please… I can’t afford the flight right now. I’ve got a little saved, but it’s not enough. I’ll pay you back, I swear—”

That was all I could take. I grabbed his wrists gently but firmly, lowering his hands from his face and holding his face between my own. I forced him to meet my eyes, which were wet and raw like his.

“Stop,” I said quietly, my voice steady but full of fierce determination. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll handle this. You hear me? You don’t need to worry about flights or money or anything else. I’ll book the first flight out—and I’m going with you.”

His eyes widened, glistening with tears, and he shook his head, trembling. “You don’t—you don’t have to ruin your Thanksgiving for me. Or the club event—please, I can go alone—”

“Never,” I interrupted firmly. My thumbs brushed away the tears on his cheeks, steadying him as he felt like he was falling apart inside. “You’re not ruining anything. I have nothing here but you. And I’m not letting you face this by yourself.”