The Pickpocket's Angel

17. Gloves & Cigars

Lei's POV

I didn't curl my hair, I didn't put much thought into my outfit and I haven't stopped thinking about what I found. 

After finding the money I quickly shut the book, knowing I've seen something that I shouldn't have, something that is a secret, a secret to be kept. I walked directly back to my room and stared at the wall, questioning every single moment that I've spent with Noah. What do I honestly know about the man living across the hall from me? 

I reassured myself that I know the man I'm living with. I know his mother died from cancer, I know he has a loving grandfather, I know his favorite color is green, I know his favorite movie is Pulp Fiction. Yes, I know the guy that shares a bathroom with me. I know he can't stand cold coffee and he doesn't see the point in washing dishes before they go in the dishwasher. Yes, I know him but do I know everything? Obviously not.

After taking a shower full of dreaded thoughts and wondering what else is hidden in that bookshelf I stood in my bra and underwear. Should I even go on this date? Is everything I know a lie or an alias? Where does Noah go everyday in high black jeans and black hoodie? Why does he come home so late some nights? Who the hell is Noah Williams?

I sighed and pulled a white wrap dress out of my closet and zipped it up. I grabbed a golden necklace and gold strappy heels. My blonde hair was blow dried and looked fine. I looked for a small white handbag to go with the outfit but after ransacking my room I couldn't find one. I sighed and looked through my closet for a different handbag that could go. Finally, I found a gold one. Not just any gold though, the gold handbag I had that night in Las Vegas. It feels like it's been forever since that night.

I grabbed my phone, wallet and lip gloss. I opened the handbag and paused at what I saw inside. What the fuck.

...

I stand at the front door, tapping my foot and I'm full of nerves. I don't even know how to feel right now or what to even do right now. Noah said to be ready at 5 and it's 4:49 and I'm ready. I'm physically ready, I'm not mentally ready for whatever is about to happen. 

Noah walks into the kitchen, looking hot as hell, but my mind won't let me forget what I saw. Money, wedding rings, gold watches, ruby necklaces and what else is in there? Is this man a murderer, robber, thief? 

The man in question stops in front of me, he wears a tuxedo and if it was a few hours earlier I would be melting on the spot. His curly hair is slicked back and his eyes rake over my body. I want to feel the butterflies in my stomach, but that isn't butterflies, it's dread. Someone needs to wake me from this terrible dream.

He extends his arm towards me and he has a gentle smile on his face. I take his arm and give him a smile back, I hope it looks more real than it feels. His forest green eyes shine under the light and he catches me in them. I'm trapped with this man I think I know and I don't know what to do. 

I've been waiting for this, I've been waiting to go on a date with Noah. Why does life have to screw with me when I get something I want? Couldn't life wait until tomorrow to fuck with me? Why didn't I get the chance to enjoy a date with a guy I like? You know what? Fuck it, I'm going on this date and I'm going to enjoy it and then I'm going to ask him what the hell. But, after, I deserve a fancy date and I think it'll be a while until my next one.

"Are you ready for this?" Noah asks me, lightheartedly and I smile at him.

"I was born ready," I grin as he leads me down the steep stairs. He never takes his eyes off of me while he walks down the stairs and I feel a warmth mixing with the dread. Stop Lei.

I suck in a breath as I step down off of the last step and Noah looks me dead in the eye. He smirks at me and leans into my personal space. I catch my breath as he leans in farther, his hands resting on my waist.