Forbidden romance; Not by blood

Chapter four

The medics are leading, checking on everyone, and taking the few injured to the hospital. I let go of Noah’s hand so we don’t look suspicious, and there’s a pained look in his eyes. I overhear the police talking about the fire. They suspect it was arson, and it started just outside the library.

I feel Noah’s hands on my wrist pulling me, “We have to go before they start questioning everyone.”

“Why? We might know something that might help the police. I overheard it has arson. I stay rooted to the floor, I’m not going to leave when I can help.

I see a couple of guys in a car parked across us with caps covering their faces they look they look suspicious as they drive off.

“Shitttt,” I hear Noah curse beside me, “We have to go now, we can talk at home,” he said, heading for his car, and I follow him.

Noah paces the room. I’m sitting across from him, Mom and Dad are out, so I’m a bit relaxed; they didn’t witness us walk in soaked from the sprinklers from the fire.

“We shouldn’t have gone to that party,” he says under his breath.

“I went on my own, I didn't go with you.”

He stops. Looks at me like he wants to argue—but he doesn’t. He just lets out a low breath.

“You kissed Silas,” he says finally

“I did,” I say, standing. “And you ignored me for weeks.”

He walks toward me slowly. “Because I was trying to do the right thing, like you said.”

“And what’s that, Noah? Pretend we don’t want each other?” My voice cracks.

He stops inches from me, his gaze falling to my lips. “I’m done doing that,” he said, pressed his lip against mine, and kissed him back. I missed how his lips felt against mine.

“I saw some guys outside the house. They looked suspicious, Noah.” He says nothing, “Why did you want us to leave so fast?”

He steps back. “I need to shower.”

He was avoiding the question.

I nod, though my mind’s racing, wondering what he was hiding, as he leaves the room, I hear his voice again, softer this time.

“I didn’t ignore you because I wanted to. I just didn’t know how to stop wanting you, and wanting you is wrong because we are siblings.” He said, shutting the door behind him.

I don’t sleep that night, every time I close my eyes, I think of the way Noah held me as he kissed me.

******

The next morning is quiet….too quiet. Dad’s at work. Jessy’s humming in the kitchen. Noah isn’t around.

Bee texts me:

“You okay? That fire was insane, you disappeared.”

I ignore it because I don't know what to say to her, “My stepbrother, whom I’m in love with, dragged me out of the fire, kissed me when we got home, and I forgot to text you.” doesn't seem like a great way to start a conversation.

It’s Monday morning, and everything feels different. I’m not the girl who moved here anymore, I’m not the girl who kissed a stranger at a party. I’m not even sure I’m Noah’s stepsister anymore. Because that title feels like a lie every time he looks at me the way he does.

Noah drops me off at school, his hand brushing against mine as I reach for the door. The touch sends lightning down my spine.

“You okay?” he asks.

I nod and step out of the car. I don’t see Bee by my locker grinning today; instead, I find Silas standing by my locker, and I pray for the floor to swallow me.

“You just ran off, we had so much to do that night,” he leans I feel his hands on my back his so close to my face, I freeze last week I would have told him to f**k off, but now he was part of a gang that didn't care if their actions claimed lives and I didn't know how to react.

“I’ll see you after class, babe,” he said, taking a strand of my hair and twirling it.

I think I made a big mistake because Silas thinks we are together, and I can’t have him or anyone thinking that.

LUNCHTIME

I step into the cafeteria, and my eyes meet Silas's. And I look away as fast as I can.

Bee is already at the table, talking to some guy from her chemistry class. She waves me over,

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she says as I sit.

“I think I might be the ghost,” I mutter.

I look over my shoulder.

And there he is—Noah—walking across the cafeteria straight toward Silas.

“No—” I whisper, getting to my feet.

Bee grabs my hand. “What’s happening?”

But it’s already happening.

Noah slams his tray on Silas’ table.

“We need to talk,” he growls.

Silas laughs. “Not sure I talk to people who follow me around at parties like jealous exes.”

The room goes still.

Noah doesn’t flinch. “You’re going to leave Lena alone.”

Silas leans back, grin widening. “Why? Is she yours or something?”

Silas’s words echo.

Noah just says, “Something like that, stay away from her or she pays.”

Bee looks between us, eyes wide. “Lena… what does he mean? My heart stops, everyone is looking at me, and I wish the floor would cave in and swallow me.

The tension is thick, unbreathable.