Skye Montclair stormed through the house, chest tight with anger, frustration burning hot. The truth had finally come out—the arrangement between him and Noah Blackwell wasn't just a cruel rumor. It was real. And it was about to ruin everything.
Noah stood in the living room, arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes flicking between Skye and their mothers. His expression was dark, unreadable.
"Mom, what did you do?" Noah demanded through gritted teeth.
Skye muttered under his breath, "Hey, calm down, idiot."
Noah's eyes flicked toward him, sharp and dangerous. "Shut up, princess. You're just as involved in this mess as I am," he snapped.
Skye jabbed a finger toward his mother. "Mom, what's going on? Why did you have to borrow so much money from his family business? You could've requested a bank loan instead, and our company would still stand."
Noah let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Borrow? More like stole! My family had to cover up your parents' illegal dealings."
Skye's glare didn't waver. "I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to my mother."
Noah stepped closer, looming over Skye, and for a moment, Skye felt his chest tighten.
"Well, too bad, princess," Noah smirked, voice low and teasing. "We're all in this together now."
"Mom, I'm asking you a question—answer me!" Skye shouted, pacing. His mother flinched at his sharp tone, but Noah only smirked wider.
"We didn't have a choice, Skye," his mother said softly. "Your father's company was in danger of bankruptcy. We had to take drastic measures."
"Drastic measures? At what cost? At my own cost?" Skye demanded, voice trembling with frustration.
His mother looked away, guilt heavy in her eyes. "The arrangement was made to protect everything…"
Noah cut in, voice low and cutting. "Your family's debt, my family's reputation."
Skye spun to glare at him. "Don't you dare interfere in this conversation."
Noah leaned lazily against the wall, smirk widening at Skye's glare. "Make me, princess. This affects me just as much as it does you."
Skye stiffened, jaw tight, ready to fire back, but Noah lunged before he could react. His grip closed around Skye's wrist, firm and infuriating.
"You're really asking for it now. Stop provoking me," Noah hissed.
Skye twisted, trying to pull free. "Get off me!"
Noah's smirk grew wider, almost predatory. "Still feisty as ever. I'll give you that."
Skye's mother tried to step in. "Noah, Skye, please. This isn't helping."
"It's okay now, both of you," Noah's mom said quickly. "Remember, you're going to be a couple…"
Noah released Skye's wrist but didn't move away. He stayed close, chest rising with heavy breaths. "Calm down? He's the one who started this mess!"
Skye's fists clenched. Without another word, he spun on his heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Noah hesitated, then called after him, "Hey! Where do you think you're going?"
The next day, Skye's mother moved him to a small apartment in a completely different neighborhood. It wasn't much, but at least he was away from Noah.
She handed him an envelope of cash. "I'll visit when I can. For now, stay here and adjust to Noah's presence—he'll be coming to visit too," she said softly.
Skye unpacked quietly, trying to make the small space feel like his own. Just as he started to settle, a knock at the door made him jump.
"Who… who could that be?" he whispered, heart pounding.
Noah's voice came from the other side, teasing and sharp. "Hope you're not planning on hiding from me, princess."
Skye's fingers tightened on the doorframe, and for the first time, a blush rose to his cheeks. He wasn't going to admit it, but part of him… didn't entirely mind.
Noah leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, eyes dark and dangerous. "What are you...Whatever. That's not what I'm here for," he muttered, though his gaze lingered far too long on Skye.
"So… what is it, then?" Skye narrowed his eyes.
Noah glanced around the apartment, trying to act casual. "I wanted to make sure you were… settled in."
Skye crossed his arms, scoffing. "How is that any of your concern?"
"We're engaged, whether you like it or not. I have a right to know where you live," Noah said, stepping closer.
"Move away from me, jerk," Skye snapped.
Noah's voice dropped low, dangerous. "You think this is funny? Being forced into a marriage with someone you hate?"
"You can opt out if you wish," Skye muttered, shoving him lightly, though his heart raced.
Noah's dark eyes glinted. "You think I haven't tried? Our parents won't budge. They've made their decision."
"I said—move!" Skye shouted, chest tight.
"Make me," Noah blurted, the words sharp, daring, filled with something unreadable.
Skye shoved him back, heart hammering. "Still planning to torment me, huh?"
Noah straightened, licking his teeth like a predator. "Still feisty as ever. I'll give you that."
"So… are you leaving now, or not?" Skye asked, voice tense.
Noah's expression hardened. His hand shot out, grabbing Skye's chin. "You're not sleeping with anyone else, are you?" he hissed.
"What the hell?!" Skye yelped, jerking away.
"You heard me," Noah growled. "If you're going to be my fiancée… you're mine."
Skye swatted his hand away. "You're making this way harder than it needs to be."
Noah let out a strained sigh, jaw tight. "I don't want to fight with you every time I see you," he admitted, voice low, almost vulnerable.
"Just leave my house already. It's late," Skye waved him off impatiently.
Noah hesitated, then laughed darkly. "Fine… but I'll be back tomorrow."
"You're not welcomed," Skye muttered.
"I don't care," Noah said, smirk dangerous. "I'll come anyway. You can't keep me out forever."
The door slammed behind him, leaving Skye alone. He hugged himself, trying to calm the fluttering in his chest.
A buzz from his phone made him jump. He glanced at the screen.
"Sweet dreams, future wife. Don't let the bed bugs bite… or anyone else for that matter."
Skye's fingers tightened around the phone. He hated it. And yet… he couldn't deny the thrill curling in his chest.