S A R A H

Noah is still sitting across from me, sweat glistening on his forehead as the movie plays in the background. His fingers tap nervously against the armrest, and his eyes dart toward me before looking away.

Something's off.

I reach out, touching his hand lightly. "You're sweating. Are you sure you're okay? Maybe you're-"

Before I can finish, he jerks his hand away like my touch burns him. His wide, shocked eyes meet mine, and his reaction leaves me speechless for a moment.

"What's wrong with you?" I ask, half-annoyed, half-concerned.

"You shouldn't have done that," he mumbles, almost to himself.

"Done what?" I try to pull my hand back, but he grabs it this time, his grip firm and almost desperate. My breath catches as he leans closer.

"Noah?" I whisper, unsure of what's happening.

"Don't act so clueless," he says, his voice low and strained, his forehead inches from mine.

The air feels heavy, charged, as he stares at me, his dark eyes searching mine for something I can't decipher. My heart is racing now, and I feel frozen under his intense gaze.

And then, my phone buzzes.

The sound breaks the moment, and I glance at the screen.

Ryan.

Noah's eyes flick to my phone, and his expression shifts instantly. The softness, the vulnerability, is gone, replaced by something sharp and irritated.

"You should answer that," he says, his voice clipped, as he releases my hand and leans back.

I hesitate but swipe to answer the call. "Hey, Ryan."

Noah lets out a quiet scoff, his jaw tightening as he runs a hand through his hair.

"Hey Spark, are you okay?" Ryan's voice comes through, steady and reassuring.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I say, though my voice shakes slightly. I glance at Noah, who is now staring at the TV but clearly not watching. His whole body is tense, his fingers gripping the edge of the couch.

Ryan continues, oblivious to the storm brewing beside me. "Good. I was just thinking about you and wanted to check in."

"Thanks, Ryan," I say softly, a small smile creeping onto my face.

Noah suddenly stands, the movement abrupt and startling. He doesn't say a word, just strides out of the room, his footsteps heavy against the floor.

My heart sinks as I watch him leave, confusion swirling in my mind. Why did he look so... upset?

As Noah storms out of the living room, his broad shoulders tense, I can't help but follow him. Something's wrong, and I can't ignore it. He moves quickly, but I catch up just as he reaches the hallway.

"Noah!" I call, my voice echoing in the quiet space. He doesn't stop, his pace quickening.

I reach out, grabbing his arm. "What is wrong with you?"

He halts abruptly, his whole body stiffening. He turns slowly, his dark eyes filled with a mix of frustration and something else.

"Let go, Sarah."

"No," I say firmly, refusing to release him. "You don't get to just walk away like this. Talk to me!"

His jaw clenches. Suddenly, he steps forward, backing me up until my shoulders hit the wall. My breath catches at the intensity in his gaze.

"You want to know what's wrong?" he growls, his voice low and gravelly.

I nod, though my heart is hammering in my chest.

He moves closer, his hand bracing the wall beside my head. His other hand finds my waist, his fingers brushing against my bare skin where my shirt has ridden up. The contact sends a jolt through me, and I gasp.

"Noah," I whisper, my voice trembling as his face inches closer.

He seems to catch himself, his grip on my waist loosening as his brows furrow. He pulls back slightly, his breathing ragged.

"I-I'm sorry," he mutters, his voice raw and filled with regret.

I place my hand over his, stopping him as he starts to move away. "Noah, just tell me-"

"I can't," he cuts me off, shaking his head as he takes another step back. His hand drops to his side, and he stares at the floor. "I'm sorry, Sarah. I shouldn't have..."

He turns abruptly and disappears into his room, shutting the door firmly behind him.

I stand there for a moment, my back still against the wall, trying to process what just happened. My fingers instinctively go to my waist where his hand had been. The memory of his touch lingers, confusing me even more.

Noah's words, his actions, none of it makes sense. And yet, my heart doesn't feel angry. It feels... conflicted.

I stand against the wall, my hand brushing over the place on my waist where his fingers had briefly touched. I came here to work, not to grow feelings.

Not to feel... this. Whatever this is.

I shake my head, pushing off the wall. I need to leave before my thoughts spiral any further. As I turn to walk back, I suddenly feel arms wrap around me from behind.

"Noah?" I whisper, freezing in place.

His head lowers to rest against the curve of my shoulder, and I hear him take a shaky breath. His hold isn't tight, but it's enough to keep me rooted in place.

"I'm sorry," he says softly, his voice breaking.

My heart clenches at the sound of him, so raw. "Noah..." I start, unsure of what to say.

"I don't know what's wrong with me," he murmurs, his words muffled against my shoulder. "I don't know how to fix this, Sarah. I-I just..." His voice cracks.

I feel my chest tighten. Slowly, I raise my hands and place them over his arms. "Noah, please..." I say gently, though I'm not even sure what I'm pleading for.

He loosens his grip slightly but doesn't let go. "You don't understand," he whispers, his breath warm against my neck. "Every time I look at you, I feel... It's too much. And then Ryan calls, and I just-" He stops, his words cut off by the weight of his own emotions.

I turn my head slightly, catching a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye. His face is etched with pain and anger, his eyes glistening as he looks at me.

I should push him away. I should. But instead, I stay still, letting him hold me, letting the moment hang between us in fragile silence.

His arms drop suddenly, as if my voice have broken through something inside him. He steps back, wiping his face quickly and avoiding my eyes. "I'm sorry," he says again, his voice barely audible.

Without another word, he turns and walks away, leaving me standing there, confused and shaken.

As his footsteps fade, I press a hand to my chest, feeling the rapid beat of my heart. I came here to work, not to feel. But Noah has a way of pulling me into his chaos, and I'm not sure I can escape it anymore.

You're just his maid, Sarah.