“You need a hospital.”
Noah shook his head too fast, I had to put my hand on his knee to calm him. I wouldn’t push it tonight. In the morning would be a different story.
Once more, his phone vibrated. With a mutter and a glare, I pulled it out, seeing his boyfriend’s name flash against the screen.
Instead of answering, I shut off the entire phone before tossing it aside.
At the motion, Noah seemed to deflate.
“What do you need right now?” I kept my voice gentle and calming. It wasn’t the first time I asked such a thing, and it wouldn’t be the last. When he didn’t answer right away, I rattled off some ideas. “A bath? A doctor? Cuddles? Whatever you need, Noah, you can have. I’m here.”
“You. Just you.” The words were barely out of his mouth before he crashed into me, causing us both to fall to the floor. One of his knees hits me in my upper leg while his arms wrap around my neck, never to let go again.
My own arms wrapped around him, pulling him as close to me as possible as his tears continued. Noah’s snot left warm blotches against my neck where he pressed his face into me like I was his last lifeline. And if he were to let go, then his world would end.
For all I know, his world is ending.
Chapter 18
I had too many questions. Way too many that I knew I’d never get the answers to. Least of all tonight. Not with Noah going all but mute on me as he caught his breath after soundless sobbing for way too long.
I wanted – needed – to know what happened. Who hurt him? And why. And also wondered if I needed to send someone to kill whoever hurt my best friend.
But none of that matters right at the moment. The only thing that mattered was Noah. His well-being, which really was left completely up to me.
“Let's get you cleaned up, sweetheart.” Noah still startled in my lap as I whispered the words.
At least I got a single nod, his body lax against mine once again.
“You’re gonna have to stand for me.”
With a drawn-out sigh, he slowly pushed himself from me. His legs threatened to give out, but they held as I stood up. Tears still leaked from his eyes, which he didn’t bother to wipe away.
“I need your permission, Noah. Your permission to take charge; to take care of you.”
It took him a moment for the words to register in his mind. He stood there before me, trembling with tears, bruised and broken.
All I wanted to do was hold him. I wanted to take away all the pain.
“Can I take over, Noah?” I cupped his face with both hands, trying and failing to get him to look at me. That was okay. I’d never force him. “Please. Let me do what I can to help you. Get you cleaned up. Some water, a snack, even. Then we’ll cuddle.”
“Hot cocoa?” His voice was small. Weak, as though I’d tell him no.
“After your bath, absolutely.”
“Okay. Please...” He once more lost his voice, leaning his full weight into me.
“What do you need?” It took everything in me to not cry myself. My throat clogged, unsure what to do.
“T-t-t-take o’er.”
Thank God. I breathed a sigh, knowing that I could do it. I’d do anything for Noah.
Pulling back enough so I could take ahold of his hands, I slowly led him towards the bathroom. Each step was shuffled, and with a glance downward, I noticed Noah favored one leg. I made a mental note to check it out.
“There you go. Such a good boy, Noah. Just a few more steps.” I wasn’t sure if my words helped him or not, but I spoke them anyway.
He wasn’t the type to enjoy quiet, or being totally alone. With the way he was injured, I wanted to get him calmed enough that there wouldn’t be another breakdown while he was in the bathtub. Any sane person would know that water and panic never mixed.
