Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Her eyes brimmed with tears that spilled over quickly, tracing silent paths down her cheeks. “Leaving isn’t as simple as you think,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Do you believe I haven’t wanted to walk away? Every single day, I’ve thought about it. But you have no idea what it’s like when you actually try. That’s when it gets unbearable. That’s when they break you.”

Her words lingered in the air between us—sharp, haunting, impossible to ignore.

She clenched her hands tightly, knuckles white. “He warned me long ago—if I ever tried to leave, he’d find us. He’d take Emily away. And Noah, it’s all in his name—the house, the bank accounts, even the car. I’ve never held a job outside this home. No money. No way to support her. He’d keep everything, and we’d be left with nothing, out on the streets.”

I swallowed hard, a surge of anger rising in my chest, clawing its way up my throat.

She leaned in closer, her voice cracking. “Emily’s still just a kid. Without any income or a place to live, how could I protect her? How could I stand a chance against him in court? He’d take her away, Noah. He’d twist the truth until I looked like the unfit parent. He’s done it before—lied, covered up his tracks. We’ve reported him, but he always walks free. And every time, he comes home angrier. Do you know what it’s like, waiting for the door to open, knowing the storm is coming?”

I closed my eyes, because the truth was, I did know all too well.

Her words spilled out faster now, desperation threading through each one. “Even if he ended up in prison, it wouldn’t last. He’d get out eventually. And a restraining order? Noah, a piece of paper won’t stop a bullet.”

I flinched, because she was right. Every reason she gave wasn’t a sign of weakness—it was a fight for survival.

And there it was—the quiet refuge between us. The soft glow of the lamp, the comforting warmth, the stillness. Aiden opened the door before I even had a chance to knock, like he’d been waiting for me all along. He didn’t ask questions or press for details. Instead, he pulled me inside, wrapping me in his arms with that steady, unwavering strength. I let myself collapse into him.

No words were spoken. Just silence. Understanding.

His lips brushed against mine in a kiss so gentle it unraveled me completely. Not demanding, not urgent—just pure, grounding love, reminding me I wasn’t alone.

And right there, anchored by the taste of him, I faced the truth I’d been running from. Aiden Mercer was both my salvation and my greatest challenge. The one who kept me breathing—and the one I might never be able to hold onto.