Breaking Noah

“That’s the part I’m nervous about. He made a really good point and I think I’m going to help him. Luke said that if we want to ensure that he sells him the date-rape drug, he has to have me with him. Dillon will do anything he thinks will hurt me, and if he thinks Luke’s going to rape me, he’ll do it. Then we have him.”

“No. Hell, no. I don’t want you within spitting distance of that asshole. I’d rather forget the entire thing and just leave. No.”

“You’re probably going to get upset with me, but I’m going to do it. It’s for Karly.”

“I don’t like it. This is going against everything my gut’s screaming at me, Zara.”

“I’m not asking you to be a fan of this idea. I’m telling you I’m going to do it and I’m hoping that you won’t be too mad to still want to do this, but I understand if you don’t. Luke and I can handle it.”

“We’ll meet Luke at the student union at eight tonight. Tell him not to be late.” This shouldn’t be happening. I don’t want anyone thinking that my girl is about to screw the football star that is Luke, but what choice do I have? The kid has a point. Dillon will do just about anything to hurt Zara. He’ll want to get back at her. I just hope this doesn’t put her in the way of too much harm.

Even more than that, I really hope I can trust Luke not to hurt her. I’d hate to be known as the professor that fucks his students and kills the ones who are douche bags.

Chapter 31

Zara

I check my reflection in the bathroom mirror for the tenth time, running my ha

nd down over my long, blond hair. I’m so fucking nervous something is going to go wrong. I check my watch. Noah should be here at any moment. Just as the thought enters my head there is a gentle knock on the door.

Switching off the lights, I make my way down the hall, my heels clicking on the polished floors.

“Hey,” I say, opening the door. He stands in front of me wearing a black leather jacket and a fitted pair of jeans. His dark hair is loosely styled and falling into his eyes. I lean forward for a kiss, my lips pressing against his as his fingers curve around the back of my neck.

“I shouldn’t be letting you leave the house looking this damn sexy,” he mutters. “Especially when it’s all for another dude.”

I roll my eyes at his jealousy, but part of me feels pleased that he thinks I’m sexy. I know the strapless black chiffon dress and chunky silver jewelry was a good choice.

“Are you sure this is going to work?” I ask hesitantly. He takes my hand and squeezes it as we walk out to the car.

“It will work, Zara. Just make sure you stick to the plan, okay?”

“And you’ll be there?” I know he will be. I just need to hear him say it.

“Me and campus security will be right outside. Anything goes wrong, I’m there.”

I nod and take a deep breath. My heart is racing, because I’m scared. I’m so used to looking out for myself, the idea of relying on somebody else makes me feel sick. I have to trust Noah, because I owe him that much, but in the back of my mind I can’t help thinking…what if I’m the one getting payback here? What if me getting raped was his way of paying me back for ruining his life? Oh my God, I can’t believe I can even think that. He would never do that…would he?

“You sure you’re okay?”

I jump, his voice breaking through my thoughts. I turn to look at him and smile. We’re out the front of the student union, about to kick this plan into action.

“Yep,” I say, swallowing hard. “Let’s do this.”

I see Luke standing in the shadows outside the union entrance. His eyes light up as his gaze slowly moves over my body. Noah tenses next to me.

“Hey, Luke,” I say, forcing a smile.

“Hey. You look hot.” He winks at Noah. “Hey, Mr. B.”

“Hey,” Noah mutters.

“So, let’s do this, huh? Dill is at a frat party tonight. I know as soon as he sees me with her he’ll be pushing me to buy whatever it is he’s selling.”

“You better make sure she doesn’t get hurt,” Noah growls. “If you touch her, I swear I’ll hunt you down and kill you.”

“Calm down, Mr. B., I got this. Come on, Zars.” It’s irritating, him calling me by a nickname that only Dillon, Karly, and Ryan used to call me. I guess I could use the anger tonight to keep me levelheaded.