by Alan Wild
Oliver kissed Noah on his forehead and said, “Noah, we both have been through the ringers. We have experienced more hardship than most people could have survived. We are strong, and we are survivors. The problem is that I don’t want to just survive anymore. I know you are angry; I am just as angry. I am not going to tolerate this life…being the target of some sick, demented person will not work for me.” Noah looked at Oliver with so much hurt in his expression. He stood and said, “I should have known you were too good to be true. I am sorry I put you in danger. I will go stay at a hotel”. Noah opened the door and headed down the stairs faster than Oliver could process where it all went wrong.
Noah made it out the front door, and Oliver ran after him at full speed. Oliver reached Noah, his intention was to grab him and pull him inside. Oliver lost his balance and ended up tackling Noah to the ground. They both were shocked for a split second then Noah began to struggle to get free from under Oliver’s massive body. Noah was crying uncontrollably again. Oliver grabbed him and kissed him with everything he had in him. Noah stopped fighting and kissed Oliver back.
Oliver pulled away and said, “I don’t want you to go. I sure as hell am not going to let you getaway. If you are ready to listen, I am ready to finish what I wanted to say to you.” Noah turned his head, feeling humiliated and hurt, thinking that Oliver doesn’t want to have him or his problems in his life. Oliver could see the emotions building up inside Noah, so he turned Noah’s head so that he could look into his eyes, and he said, “Stop, just stop! You are assuming what I am going to say, but you clearly have no idea.” Oliver could tell his temper was beginning to build a force, so he took a few calming breaths then said, “I think you will like what I have to say if you would just give me a chance. Please, can we go to talk?”
Oliver moved up off of Noah and grabbed his hand to help him up. He was headed back inside, and he realized that they had an audience. Oliver felt the heat from embarrassment creeping up. He continued inside, holding Noah’s hand. Oliver had no intention of letting him go until he was finished talking to Noah. Everyone on the team had joined them at the front door, and each had a look of concern and confusion. Oliver walked through the door with Noah in tow. He said, “Excuse us.” Before they could continue their conversation up in Oliver’s room, Ray busted in the room and asked, “What in the fucking hell was that shit? Are you trying to die today? For fuck sake, explain! I just told everyone that they needed to make sure they are careful when they leave, and you two fucking idiots go running out the door like you have no cares in the world.” Oliver had lost his patience with the situation, and he began yelling before Ray could continue, “Shut up, oh my god, will you shut up long enough to get a fucking answer?” Ray crossed his arms, and with a smirk on his face, he said, “Now there is the Ollie I know” Oliver said, “Ray, don’t you dare fucking start with me. I will wipe that fucking smirk off your god damn smug face. I am going to finish having a private conversation with Noah, and then I will explain what is going on.”
Oliver was so worked up; he didn’t trust his legs to carry him up the stairs. He didn’t believe that Noah would listen and hear him out, and his nerves were shot. He pulled Noah into his office and closed the door. Without waiting to see if Noah was ready for Oliver, he pulled Noah into a hug so tight that Noah was finding it difficult to breathe. Oliver blew out a frustrated breath and said, “Good lord sugar tits, you are fucking fast. Noah, I am sorry if I wasn’t being clear with what I was trying to say. Promise me that you will hear me out.” Noah nodded his head in agreement, so Oliver continued, “What we have, that is amazing. It is something that people go their entire lives without experiencing. I do not want to lose you because you came into my life when I least expected it. You stirred up feelings that I have never felt before. You are my person.” Oliver took another cleansing breath and began to convey his thoughts.
Oliver said, “We both have been through so much, and we don’t deserve any of this shit. No matter if we deserve it or not, we are in this together. I have lived my life, and everyone pushed me around because they saw it as a challenge. I refuse to be pushed around one more fucking second. You are angry, and I am angry. Let's use that anger, and fucking get even! If you are in this with me, then I am ready to fight back. What do you say? Are you with me?” Noah had a look of confusion and said, “I am so confused. One second, I think you are telling me that I am more trouble than I am worth, then the next second you are kissing me. You don’t want to lose me; instead, you want to fight with me. Who are we fighting?” Oliver smiled and kissed Noah on the lips. Oliver pulled away and took a deep breath and said, “You now have more money than you ever thought you had. Let's use that money to fight back. What good is the money going to do if we are dead? I am willing to use my money if you can’t get to yours. If you are tired of this shit happening to you, then let's be proactive. Are you with me?” Noah said, “Yes, of course, I am. I am so sorry that I jumped to conclusions. I’ve been afraid that you are too good to be true, and one day you would see me for the weirdo that I am and tell me to leave.” Oliver said, “Let’s talk more about this later. For now, let's go out to the team and make a plan.” Noah realized that he was so angry than hurt he forgot that he tore his T-shirt up, and his scars were on full display. Oliver waited for him to get a new shirt before rejoining the meeting.
Everyone was at the table again, so Oliver apologized. He said, “I tried to tell Noah that I was tired of being in this situation, and I want to fight back. I just failed miserably in my communication. Ray, I am sorry we ran out of the house, but damn, you have to ask one question at a time and wait for an answer. Noah thought that I was telling him that I was finished with him and wanted him to leave. What I really meant to say was that I am tired of living like a prisoner in our own home while being the target to some sick fuck. It is time we fucking fight back. I refuse to allow anyone of you to be hurt or even killed. We have money, so we are going to use it. I don’t think we are going to fill the security positions fast enough, so we need to hire a company. I am talking to armed security personnel. I am talking about the kind of security that guards the president. We need a team of people around the clock. We are now going to work in pairs when we go out. I know you all were taking turns at standing guard, but we are private investigators, and while it is to be expected that we have danger, this kind of danger is unacceptable.
Oliver asked Ray about Nate. Ray said, “I am going to bring him here tomorrow afternoon along with a nurse,” Oliver asked everyone to jump into overdrive and come up with two security firms. Ray said, “Oh, no need to go through all that crazy shit. Just tell me how many people you need. Denver police will be at your service. We have off duty police officers available for private events and things like that. It is more expensive than going to a private company. The advantage is that I can get people here in an hour, and with the private company, you will be looking at getting a few people here instead of waiting for the bid and so on. What do you say, guys? I think that they would be more efficient, knowing that they will be watching one of their own. Oliver looked at Noah, and they both nodded in agreement. Oliver said, “That just leaves us with finding round the clock nursing service.” Ray again spoke up and told them that he had that scheduled also. You just have to run the background checks. I provided Willa with the contact information, so you should be set.” Oliver discussed with the team the number of off duty officers they thought were needed to make sure everything was secure. Ray left to arrange the off-duty service. Feeling suspicious by Ray being overly helpful, he shook off the feeling there was something more at play. Oliver said, “Now, please excuse us, Noah and I need to have a conversation.”
Chapter 14
Noah Blain
Feeling like a damn fool, Noah was more than willing to escape the room full of people. He was embarrassed because he almost ruined any chance he had with Oliver. He knew what Oliver said about finding each other the way they did is incredible. They made it to the
ir bedroom and sat on the love seat.
Oliver grabbed both of Noah’s hands and asked him if he was hurt. Oliver said, “I flattened you out and landed on top of you pretty hard. Is everything okay?” Noah smiled and said, “I am fine physically. I am embarrassed that everyone saw what happened. Oliver, I am so sorry that I made assumptions and stormed out like a child.”
Oliver kissed Noah’s hand and said, “You gave me a scare. I wouldn’t ever treat you like that. I like having you and your sugar tits around me. Seriously though, please promise me that if we ever have a disagreement that we will talk it out. You can yell at me, and you can cuss my name, but leaving like that would hurt too much. If you need a moment, just say so.”
“Now, I want to see how you are doing. You took off without a shirt on. I know it wasn’t easy to have your scars on display for everyone to see. I want you to know that you never have to hide anything when you are with me. The scars are a part of who you are, and you are beautiful. I considered giving you my shirt, knowing that everyone had their eyes on us. I decided not to do that because I am proud of you, every part of you! You have nothing to hide. The people who watched us are friends, and I am sure they will have compassion. If someone asks you about the scars, just know that it will be out of concern. You do not have to talk about anything you do not want to.”
Oliver and Noah made their way down to grab some lunch. Oliver asked everyone to make a list of their favorite snack foods and dietary preferences. He made his way into the kitchen to make sandwiches. He asked if he could make anyone else a sandwich, but once it was out and everyone was shouting their orders, Oliver had second thoughts. He asked Owen if he could just take care of lunch and get it delivered. Willa asked Noah to join her because she has some questions. She said, “I am sorry that I have to ask this, I know it upsets you, but we have to talk about this Sal Petrelli. I am finding so much conflicting information on him. One report makes him out to be 78 years old, and another makes him 37 years old. Do you have someone you can ask about this discrepancy?” Noah said, “I need to call and check on my mom, so I can ask her.”
Noah retrieved his phone from Oliver’s room, where he left it after they had their talk. Looking at the phone in his hand, Noah sighed and said FUCK! Oliver asked, “What is wrong? Are you okay?” Noah said, “Yeah, I don’t check my phone because nobody ever calls me. Now, I have a billion messages from my mom and sisters. Noah didn’t even read the text messages or listen to his voice mail, he just called his sister, NelDean. She picked up the call on the first ring and said, “Noah, are you okay?” Noah told her he was fine, and before he could explain why he didn’t call her back, she became irate and started screaming at him. She said, “Noah, I swear to god you little fuckwit. I have to hear that my brother could be dead from friends and strangers on Facebook. You couldn’t call me and tell me what the hell is going on? You have dead bodies in your house, and you couldn’t pull your head out of your ass to think what this is doing to mom? We all have reporters calling us wanting an interview. They want to know if you killed those people.”
After the battle with Oliver, embarrassing and humiliating himself, and being stalked by a freak psychopath who wanted him dead, he didn’t have it in him to fight with his sister. Noah was overwhelmed and began to cry. NelDean stopped yelling, and “Hey, don’t cry.” Noah said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry that I didn’t call you, I am really sorry that I worried you all. I have been trying to stay alive, and I met someone.” NelDean said, “What do you mean you…” then she went quiet. Noah could tell she couldn’t decide what to ask about first, so he told her everything from the beginning from when he arrived home to the second, he called her back. NelDean asked, “How did you end up in this mess? And who did you meet? Wait, first define meet.” Noah couldn’t explain how he got in this mess because he didn’t know himself, so he decided to tell NelDean about Oliver. He said, “So my neighbor was concerned and came over when I had a panic attack. He calmed me down and has helped me with everything so far. I have been staying at his house because my house is still a crime scene.”
NelDean took a deep breath, and Noah thought that she was going to start yelling again, but instead, she said, “Spill it, baby brother, now! What does he look like, where does he work? I want all the details.” Noah took a deep breath and fought back the building emotion. He said, “He is amazing, he is patient with me. He is an amazing chef, and he likes me for me.” Noah could hear the smile in her voice when she asked what he looked like. He told her that Oliver is 6’4” and has a body to die for, he is all muscle. “He said, he looks like a model. And I don’t know if you heard me, but the most important thing is that he likes me.”
Noah wanted to get off the phone, but he decided there was something he wanted to talk to his sister about. He said, “Nel, are you still miserable at work? I mean, if you could do anything you wanted and money wasn’t a concern, what would you do?” She said, “First off, money is always a concern. I haven’t thought about what I want to do because it just isn’t an option. And yes, I hate my job. My boss is such a bitch, if she makes one more fucking remark under her breath, I might have to punch the whore.” Noah said, “I have a job for you, and I want you to resign your position immediately. I want you to stay with our mom. I will pay you in advance so you can do whatever you need.” NelDean asked him, “Where in the hell did you get the money? Did you win the lottery?” Noah said, “Yeah, something like that.” He asked her, “Do you still have your account at the credit union?” She said that she did, and Noah got all of her information to transfer funds. Noah told her to call him back once she had the money in her account.
Once he finished the transfer, he realized that Oliver had heard the entire conversation. Noah began to turn red, and Oliver said, “So, sugar tits, a model, huh? And I have a body to die for?” Noah smiled and said, “Yes, you do!” Oliver walked over and kissed Noah then said, “You are right about one thing, I like you. I like you very much!” Oliver brought Noah a sandwich and a bag of chips for lunch. Only when Noah had the food in his hand did he realize how hungry he was. He unwrapped the sandwich and had it to his mouth, ready to take a bite when his phone rang. He answered the phone because he knew it was NelDean. She didn’t allow him to get a word in before she began her rant. She said, “Noah, what the actual fuck? You transferred a million dollars to my account! I called the credit union because I thought it was a mistake, and I made a fool out of myself. I called the lady a bitch and said there is no fucking way; this was not their error. She put her manager on the line, and he told me the same thing. So, Noah, I will ask you, what the actual fuck? Is this legal?” Noah laughed, and again before he could answer, she said, “You laugh! Noah, this isn’t funny.” NelDean started to cry, so Noah said, “There is no mistake. I want you to leave your job and take care of mom. Everything about the money is legal. I have more for you. In fact, I will have enough for both my loving sisters and mom.
She asked where I got the money, she said: “You aren’t selling drugs, are you?” Noah was clearly upset, and he said, “That is the second time someone accused me of selling drugs. It's like you don’t even know me.” Oliver wanted to spare Noah from any more confrontations for the day, so he asked if he could talk to Noah’s sister.
Oliver said, “Hello, this is Oliver Thaddeus, you must be NelDean. I want to apologize to you. I should have had your brother call you right away. He has been overwhelmed, and this is very difficult for him. I also want to give you my cell phone number so you can reach us. Noah hasn’t figured out that his phone is mobile yet. He leaves it charging in one place and walks away.” Oliver winked at Noah and kissed him on the top of his head. Oliver continued to talk to NelDean as he walked out of the room, leaving Noah to his sandwich. After what felt like an hour, Oliver walked back in to give the phone back to Noah when he heard Oliver say, “I know we don’t know each other, but your brother means everything to me. I promise you that I will keep him safe.”
Noah was abo
ut to disconnect the call when Oliver said, “Your sister still wants to talk to you,” so he put the phone to his ear and said, “Hello,” NelDean said “Oh my god Noah, I think I am in love. He has the most amazing voice, and he is polite. I am not going to push this money issue right now, but you will explain how you got it. I am sorry that I accused you of selling drugs, I am just worried out of my mind. I know the money didn’t come from selling drugs, you couldn’t sell drugs because that would mean you would have to actually talk to people. Now, thanks to my little bro, I am going to tell that bitch formally known as my boss to fuck off.” Noah asked if their mom is happy in the assisted living facility. NelDean said, “She told me that she did like it, but I will give her the option whether she wants to move back to her house or stay there. I will let Oliver know what she wants to do. I would send you a text message too, but you don’t check your messages. Love you!” NelDean disconnected the call. Noah whispered to himself, “Oh good lord, what in the hell did I get myself into?”
Oliver jokingly asked Noah, “So don’t you trust me talking to your sister, huh?” Noah told him that he wasn’t worried about Oliver, he was concerned about NelDean embarrassing him. Oliver said, “I love your sister, she is a hoot. She has the mouth of a trucker and a heart of gold. We will get along just fine because we have one thing in common that we both care about. And that is you! Plus, I can have a mouth of a cancerous sailor at times too.”
