Page 38 of The Addict

Noah shook his head. “I have to get you home, before he gets here. He’s on his way.”

I grabbed hold of the table, absolutely horrified at what he was saying. Silas was heading here? Now?

“This is ridiculous! You shouldn’t have to–”

Mrs. Hansen walked back into the room with Damian, and I abruptly stopped talking.

“Are we interrupting something, Noah?” Damian asked, with a hint of curiosity behind his tone. His suspicion didn’t go unnoticed by me. He had to know that something wasn’t quite right with his brother. I eyed him carefully. He was dressed in a button up and slacks, his hair slicked back with gel. He looked very professional. I considered, for a brief moment, if he’d be willing to help us—to help his brother. Noah had asked me not to say anything about Silas, but I couldn’t find myself willing to let him take the fall for saving me.

Noah must have been reading my expressions because he nudged me under the table with his foot, and gave a sharp shake of his head.

I boiled. Who would protect him? I had to do something.

Noah glanced sideways at the clock. “No, but I was just saying how it was about time that I took Delane home.”

5:48

NOAH

“Mother and I have to meet father downtown. Will you be alright by yourself, Noah?” Damian asked as I was leading Delane to the door. My mom stood close behind us, digging through a few drawers.

“I’ll be fine. I have plans,” I answered, one hand firmly placed in the small of Delane’s back, easing her towards the opening.

The escape.

“Are you sure, sweety? Is Mr. Thorne coming over?” My mom asked while gathering her purse and coat.

I cringed. I knew my mom meant well, but shit, poor timing.

“He could cancel if he wants, right Noah?” Delane loudly questioned, her fists clenched. “Then you could go with your family, right?”

Clearly, she was taking the opportunity to try and prevent the meeting. I grit my teeth. “No, Delane. This business must be taken care of immediately.”

“But–” she persisted.

“What business?” Damian asked with a narrowing of his eyes.

Christ.

“Stocks,” I blurted, needing to give him something to believe so that I could get Delane out.

“Why don’t you let me be a part of that meeting with you?” Damian suggested, like the wannabe father he was, always needing to meddle and thinking that I couldn’t handle situations myself.

“Should I lay out some food?” My mother added in, and now the whole household was about to be here to greet Silas, and I doubted that would deter him from cashing out on his deal with me.

I was stressed.

“No, I can handle it myself, I know what I am doing,” I addressed Damian and simultaneously told my mom, “I don’t think he’s hungry.”

The irony of this statement made me cringe again.

“Why do you need to confer about stocks?” Damian continued, now refusing to let the topic go. “And with Silas? You are aware of father’s opinions regarding some of the deals his uncle engaged in, aren’t you?”

I braced for impact. Delane looked hopeful. I glared at her.

Before I could speak, my mother vouched for me. “Now Damian, you know as well as I do that we can’t go blaming every Thorne family member for the faults of Jace and some of his business…ventures.”

Bless her heart.