Chapter 40: Madison

 “Maybe some fresh air might help?” I practically made a beeline toward the door, scrambling for anything I could do to defuse the situation—whatever it was. 

“Stop!” The shout rang like a bolt of lightning down my spine, and I jerked my hand away from the door handle as if it would lead me to hell had I opened it. 

Wide-eyed and confused, I turned back to stare at Noah. He closed his eyes and breathed out, his lips twisting into even more of a scowl as he said, “The press is swarming the house.”

“The press? I don’t understand.” My attention returned to the door with a frown. “Why would they be—” My gaze darted back to Noah, realization hitting me like a punch to the gut.

“They know everything,” he confirmed vehemently. “Every little fucking thing. This could really be my downfall this time.”