Maria.
The moment we stepped out of the room, I pulled my hand free from Noah's.
The movement was quick, almost instinctive, like I couldn't bear the contact for even a second longer. His fingers loosened around mine as I slipped away, the warmth of his grip fading instantly.
"I need air," I muttered.
My voice came out lower than I expected, strained, barely steady. I didn't wait for his response, didn't even look back, as I moved ahead of him, my steps quicker than usual, almost restless.
My thoughts were too loud.
Too tangled.
Everything that had just happened replayed over and over again in my mind, refusing to slow down, refusing to make sense. And staying close to him, after Damien's words, after that confrontation, only made it worse, suffocating me further.
