Chapter 17

— Nolan's POV —

He didn't tell me much.

Just that I was in danger.

That I needed to be careful.

That things were moving too fast.

But not why.

Not who.

Not what they wanted.

And now, just like that—he was being discharged.

Like this whole twisted act of his had finally come to an end.

Good, I told myself.

Maybe he finally realized I wasn't going to play his game.

I headed to his room for the final session, coat buttoned up, expression unreadable.

I wouldn't let him pull me into his spiral again. Not today.

He was standing by the window when I entered, hands in his pockets like he hadn't wrecked the inside of my head for weeks.

I kept my voice steady. "Your act ended faster than I expected. Honestly, it's a relief. Maybe you've finally understood."

He turned, slow. His gaze met mine with something sharp underneath. "You're the one who doesn't understand."

I folded my arms. "Then enlighten me."

"You made it obvious," he said, stepping closer. "You went digging around. Asking questions. And now they know."

"Who are they, Varek?" I said tightly. "Why don't you ever give a straight answer?"

"You don't get it." His voice lowered. "I'm leaving today. I won't be here anymore. Who's going to protect you now?"

He was too close now.

He didn't stop until I was pressed fully against the wall.

His hands landed on either side of my head, caging me in.

Too close. Too much.

But I didn't flinch. I wouldn't give him that.

I stared straight into his eyes — forcing myself to hold that gaze, even as the air between us thinned.

I wouldn't let him dominate me.

Not with his presence. Not with his silence.

Not with whatever this was burning in his eyes. His eyes weren't angry—they were desperate.

And it terrified me more than rage ever could.

"Protect me from who?" I asked, staring back. "You?"

His expression twisted.

Then quietly—brokenly—he said, "Live with me."

I blinked. "What?"

"My place is secure. Safe. You won't have to worry. You won't have to look over your shoulder."

"You want me to live with you?"

"I'll stay away, I swear. I just… I need to know you're safe."

"Do you even hear yourself?" I whispered.

"Please." His voice cracked slightly. "Just this once. Listen to me, Nolan."

I could see it now—he wasn't just playing some deranged game. He meant this. Every word. Every glance.

He wasn't just obsessed.

He was afraid.

But that didn't mean I could give in.

"Tell me," I said, stepping away from his arms, "what made you think I'd ever agree to that?"

He flinched.

"I shouldn't have come," I muttered. "I thought maybe, maybe you'd found clarity. But I was wrong."

I felt it — his hand slipping into the inside pocket of my coat.

"Hey—!" I moved to stop him, but he was already holding my phone.

"I'm not stealing it," he muttered. "Just doing what I have to."

He typed something quickly, saved a number, and flashed the screen at me.

"Rev."

I didn't move. Just stared at the screen.

That name.

That feeling again — like I was looking at something I'd seen in a dream but couldn't place.

"You don't get to do that," "And Who the hell is Rev?" I snapped.I hissed.

"I just did," "And it's just… who I am."" he said flatly. "If something happens, you call me. I don't care what time it is. You don't get to disappear again."

"I'm not yours to protect."

"You are," he said, softer now. "Whether you believe it or not."

"Just leave already." I said.

I didn't wait for his response.

I walked out the door and didn't look back.

But even with the distance between us, my chest still felt heavy.

And the worst part?

I couldn't tell if it was relief or regret.