“What?”
He laughs bitterly, eyes wide with disbelief. “Yeah. Your ex showed up at the meeting. He saw me, saw Esteban, and decided to stir shit up. Told McNeal he used to date you. And when McNeal asked Esteban if it was true, he admitted it. Said it started as fake, but that now he has feelings for you.”
My heart skips a beat.
Noah’s eyes shine with betrayal. “McNeal was furious. Said he doesn’t like being lied to. Lied to hisface,” he growls. “And you know what? I get it. Because that’s exactly what you and Esteban did tome.”
“Noah—”
“How could you do that to me?” he snaps, stepping back like I’ve physically struck him. “You knew how important this was. Youpromisedme nothing was going on. And Esteban swore, Eva. He gave me his word that he wouldn’t touch you. And Itrustedyou both.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, throat tight.
“I don’t want you to see him.”
His words knock the breath from me.
“I love him,” he continues. “Don’t get me wrong. He’s been like a brother to me for years. But he isnotthe right man for you. You don’t know him like I do. He’s reckless. He jumps in, makes a mess, then walks away. That’s what hedoes. And I’m not going to stand here and let him do that toyou.”
Tears sting my eyes. “You don’t know what we have?—”
“I know you think it’s something special right now.” He cuts me off, voice shaking with intensity. “But when it falls apart—and itwill—I’ll be the one picking up the pieces. So no, Eva. I’m not okay with this. I toldhimto stay away from you. Now I’m tellingyou.” Stepping closer, his voice dropping to something darker, more dangerous. “If I find out you’re still seeing him, I swear to God, Eva, I will fucking kill him. Do you understand me?”
I nod.
Because there’s nothing else I can do. Not right now. Not with him this angry. I just need to talk to Esteban. We’ll figure this out.
Noah exhales sharply, then turns and walks out withoutanother word, leaving behind a silence that feels like the beginning of a storm.
As soon as Noah storms out of the salon, I grab my phone, hands still trembling.
Me: Noah came to the salon. He is really mad.
It takes less than a minute for Esteban to reply.
Esteban: I know, mi amor. I’ll fix this.
Another message buzzes in.
Esteban: Don’t worry.
I stare at the screen for a second before typing again.
Me: I need to see you.
Esteban: I’ll come over in a few minutes.
I set the phone down on the counter and just… breathe. Or try to.
How did this all spiral so fast? Everything was perfect just this morning. We were in bed. We were happy. And now, I feel like I’ve been yanked out of a dream and dropped into a nightmare.
Noah looked at me like I was a stranger.
Pressing my hands to my eyes, I exhale slowly. I need to fix this, for him, for Esteban. For me.
A familiar voice interrupts my spiral. “As much as I love a good broody queen moment,” Ashton says, sliding up beside me, “you look like someone just canceled your birthday and took your dog.”
I blink, trying to hold back the tears. “It’s Noah.”
