Callous Heir

by Michelle Heard

  His answer piques my curiosity. “Why?”

  “Because I struggle with the emotional side of a relationship.”

  His answer makes a frown form on my brow. “But you’ve been fine with me.”

  Noah shakes his head, and his mouth curves up. “You’re patient with me. You give me the time to process what I’m feeling where the others didn’t bother.” Noah takes a step closer to me, and he presses a tender kiss to my lips. “It’s like you know exactly when to push and when to wait. Besides my family, Kao’s the only one who understands me like that.”

  I grin up at him. “I’m glad to hear that.”

  He opens the door. “We better get going, or we’ll be late.”

  My heart feels as light as a feather as we leave his room. When we walk out of the suite, Noah wraps his arm around my shoulders and yanks me tightly to his side.

  NOAH

  The past week of being in a relationship with Carla has been surprising. It’s definitely not what I expected. There are no demands, no arguments about me not telling her I love her back. No angry glares because I haven’t bought her anything or made a huge fuss over her.

  Carla’s happy with me just as I am, and it makes me want to do everything for her that I hated doing for any of my ex-girlfriends.

  I realize it’s because I hate being told what to do. Carla’s letting me take the lead where the others tried to lead me.

  I now understand why the emotions I feel for Carla scared and confused the hell out of me in the beginning. It’s because I knew it would give her power over me, and I didn’t like the idea one bit.

  Turns out, that’s not the case.

  With every happy smile, every cuddle into my side, and every moan drifting over her lips, Carla is making me fall in love with her – deeply, irrevocably, and fast.

  For the first time in my life, I struggle to focus on the lectures. No article can keep my attention.

  There’s only Carla.

  The instant the lecture is over, I’m up and out of my seat. I grab my bag and flinging it over my shoulder, I stalk out of the class. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I text Carla.

  N: Where are you right now?”

  Seconds later, she types out a reply.

  C: I just finished at the library and walking toward the restaurant.

  Another couple of seconds later.

  C: Passing the parking area.

  A grin tugs at my lips as she keeps typing.

  C: Passing the dorms.

  She comes into my line of sight, and I shove the device back in my pocket as I walk toward her. When I’m within touching distance of Carla, her head snaps toward me, and then a beautiful smile spreads over her face. I grab hold of the back of her neck and crush my mouth to hers.

  Dropping my bag to the sidewalk, I bring my hand to her back and press her against me as I kiss her with every realization I’ve had about us.

  The little girl who used to annoy the shit out of me has become the epitome of love. She is the most real thing I have ever felt in my entire life.

  She’s the other half of my soul.

  I pull back, and my eyes lock on hers.

  She must see something on my face because she asks, “What? Did something happen?”

  I shake my head as everything I feel for her fills my heart to the brim, and then I murmur, “I love you.”

  Carla blinks at me, and then she whispers, “What did you just say?”

  My lips curve up as I take in her shocked expression. Lifting my hands, I frame her face. I press a tender kiss to her parted lips, then repeat the words. “I love you, Carla.”

  Watching the words take root inside her is like watching a flower bloom. Then in typical Carla-style, she lets out a shriek, and throwing her arms around my neck, she bounces with happiness.

  Carla stills, and she tightens her hold on me as her body jerks. “Oh my God, Noah. Thank you,” she whimpers against my neck. “Thank you for loving me back.”

  I wrap her against me and press a kiss to her temple.

  When she pulls back, she wipes happy tears from her face.

  “Why the fuck are you crying?” Jase suddenly growls near us, startling the shit out of us.

  “I got good news,” Carla says, smiling at her brother. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here to pick up Mila.” Jase’s eyes snap to me, then he says, “Can I have a moment alone with Noah?”

  Carla places her hands on her sides, and tilting her head, she scowls at Jase. “No, you cannot. Whatever you have to say to him, you can say in front of me.”

  I have to suppress a grin at her spitfire attitude.

  “Fine,” Jase huffs. He crosses his arms over his chest as his gaze locks on mine. “Imagine my surprise when I just saw you kissing my little sister. Care to explain?”

  I wrap an arm around Carla’s shoulders and pull her against my side, all while not breaking eye contact with Jase. “We’re dating.”

  Jase’s eyebrow lifts slightly, then he grumbles, “Are you now?”

  Knowing how protective Jase is of Carla, I say, “I love her. I’ll take good care of her. You have nothing to worry about.”

  He stares a moment longer at me, and then his features relax because he knows I won’t just say those words if I don’t mean them.

  The corner of his mouth begins to lift. “You know how lucky you are to have her, right?”

  My mouth curves up. “Yes, I do.”

  Jase looks at Carla. “I’m impressed.”

  “Why?” She frowns at him.

  “You didn’t settle for a guy you could walk all over,” Jase explains.

  “Pfft,” Carla huffs. “Where’s the fun in that?”

  Jase bursts out laughing, then he gestures to the restaurant. “Let me just find Mila, then we can have an early dinner together.”

  “Sure,” I answer on our behalf.

  Chapter 15

  CARLA

  There are no words to describe how happy I am. The only wish I ever had is coming true. It’s been ten days since Noah and I became official, and every moment with him is still surreal.

  Whenever I walk into a room, and he’s there, butterflies erupt in my stomach. For a split-second, I’ll hesitate, the old feelings of having to keep my distance from him surfacing. But then his eyes will lock on mine, and they’ll fade.

  Noah’s mine. I can touch him at any time. I can kiss him.

  Walking into the library, I whisper a line from The Little Mermaid, “Who says that my dreams have to stay just my dreams.”

  A soft smile plays around my mouth as I set my bag down by an empty table, and glancing around, I notice Noah sitting a couple of tables away from me. My gaze takes him in as he concentrates on what he’s reading.

  Damn, he’s hot.

  I let out a happy sigh and go get the books I’ll need on ethics. I set them down on the wooden surface as I take a seat. Opening my laptop, I glance at Noah, and when I see him leaning back in his chair, watching me, I grin at him.

  I try to focus on my work but feeling Noah’s eyes on me makes it near impossible. I glance at him again, and it makes the corner of his mouth lift.

  I begin to contemplate whether I should ditch getting my work done when a girl approaches Noah.

  I lean back in my chair, ready to enjoy the show, as she sits down in the chair next to him.

  I wish I could hear what she’s saying, but she seems to be whispering. Noah shakes his head, and it makes her pull a pleading face. Then he nods in my direction, and she turns her head toward me.

  I lift a hand and wave my fingers at her. “The position of annoying talking animal has already been taken,” I impersonate Donkey from Shrek.

  She darts up and giving me an apologetic look, she walks away as fast as she can.

  When my eyes find Noah’s, he winks at me as laughter shakes his shoulders.

  Blowing him a kiss, I try to focus on my assignment. Suddenly someone shuts my laptop, and as I glance
up, Noah murmurs, “Follow me.”

  I’m just about to argue when I see the dominant look darkening his irises. Knowing what it means, I swallow my words, and rising to my feet, I follow Noah to the back of the library.

  He opens the door to a storage room, and once I’ve stepped inside, he shuts it behind me.

  Taking a step closer to me, Noah’s hands drop to my thighs, and his fingers trail up my skin and under my dress. His head ducks low, and his mouth claims mine. His scent envelops me as his lips work me into a frenzy. One of his hands grips hold of my butt while his other slips between my legs. He shoves my panties aside and then begins to rub my clit hard. I grab hold of his neck as my moans are muted by his mouth.

  It doesn’t take him long to make me come, and my body leans into him as my legs go numb for a moment.

  I gasp against his lips as I come down from the orgasm. Noah fixes my panties before he presses a tender kiss to my mouth.

  Grinning with satisfaction, I ask, “What was that for?”

  Noah’s eyes drift over my face. “For not assuming things and getting jealous when Amber came to talk to me.”

  “I trust you,” I say. “You know that right?”

  His lips curve up. “I do now.”

  When Noah opens the door, I check that my dress is right before following him back to my table.

  This time he sits down next to me, and taking out his phone, he begins to read something.

  I manage to work for an hour before Noah’s hand settles on my back. He leans over me, and I feel his breath skim against my ear when he whispers, “I’ll see you for dinner at six.” He presses a kiss to my temple and then walks away.

  NOAH

  Dressed in charcoal cargo pants and a white button-up shirt, I make my way to the restaurant.

  As always, I ignore the other patrons while walking to our table. One glance can lead to a conversation, which is the last thing I want. Before I take a seat, I remove the small box from my pocket and set it down on the pristine white tablecloth.

  Checking my watch, I see Carla should be here soon.

  A waiter comes to the table, and I place an order for two glasses of fruit juice.

  When the waiter leaves, I lean back in the chair and picking up the box, I open it. My lips curve as I stare at the earrings. They’re in the shape of half a heart with a diamond set in the curve. It was a part of the ‘Epitome of Love’ collection from Tiffany’s.

  Who would’ve thought Carla would be the one?

  Certainly not me.

  I let out a chuckle at my thoughts.

  Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve fallen in love with all her quirks, which used to annoy me.

  “Carla,” I hear someone call, and my eyes dart up. I watch as she stops at a table where Kennedy is sitting, and then she shakes her head and gesture in my direction.

  My gaze scans over the other tables, and I notice how guys drool over what’s mine, especially Adam-the-dipshit.

  I close the box and tuck it in my pocket as I rise to my feet. I stalk to where Carla’s standing, and feeling an overwhelming need to stake my claim, I take hold of the back of her neck. Carla’s head whips in my direction, and then I crush my mouth to hers. I brand her with my lips before I pull back.

  I shoot a glare around the restaurant, then settle my gaze on Adam, growling, “Back the fuck off. She’s mine.”

  Carla lets out a burst of laughter, and when I turn my attention back to her, she pats my chest, murmuring, “Caveman much?”

  “Not even close,” I reply as I take her hand and pull her to our table. “I couldn’t very well fuck you in front of everyone.” I pull out her chair so she can sit down, and then I take my seat next to her. “Did you get all your work done?”

  “Yeah, thank God,” Carla lets out a sigh as she pulls a menu closer. We decide what we want to eat and place our order when they bring our drinks.

  Carla leans back in her chair, and her eyes scan slowly over my face.

  Reaching up, I brush some strands away from her face, then ask, “What are you thinking right now?”

  The corner of her mouth lifts. “How happy I am. It’s still surreal at times that we’re dating.”

  I tilt my head, our gazes locking. Knowing she needs to hear the words, I murmur, “I love you, Carla.”

  A dazzling smile graces her lips. “Say it again.”

  I lean closer to her until my mouth brushes against her ear, then I whisper, “I. Love. You.” Pulling back, I take the box from my pocket and place it down on the table. “I got you something.”

  Carla’s gaze darts to the box, and then she frowns. “Really? A gift?”

  I nod and watch as she carefully opens the lid, and then her lips part on a gasp. “They’re stunning.” Her eyes dart to me. “But why?”

  “Because I wanted to,” I say as I lean back against my chair.

  “Thank you, Noah.” Carla removes the diamond studs she’s wearing and puts on the new set. She closes the distance between us and presses a kiss to my mouth. “I love them.”

  “Yeah?” I murmur as she pulls back.

  She nods, a euphoric expression on her face.

  Lifting my hand, I brush my fingers over the line of her jaw while my gaze drinks in every inch of her face.

  We stare at each other for the longest while, then Carla says, “Tell me something about you, I don’t know.”

  I let out a chuckle. “That’s impossible, seeing as you stalked my ass. I’m starting to think you know me better than I know myself.”

  Letting out a burst of laughter, Carla shakes her head. “I didn’t know you were a caveman. I’m pretty sure there’s more I don’t know.”

  My phone beeps, and glancing at the screen, I see it’s a message from my mother. Opening the text, I turn the device so Carla can read what Mom sent. “This is what I’m always reading on my phone.”

  Mom: I did an anatomical segmental resection today. Basically, I removed a cancerous tumor, the blood vessels, the lymphatic drainage, and the lung segment where the tumor was located. The patient is in recovery and responding well. How’s your day?

  Carla’s eyes scan over the words, then she looks at me. “I’m going to pretend I know what your mom’s talking about.”

  I let out a chuckle and reply to Mom.

  N: I’m proud of you. My day was good. I’m having dinner with Carla. TTYL.

  Turning my attention to Carla, I say, “My mom’s medical journal entries have been my bedtime stories since I can remember.”

  Carla scrunches her nose. “No wonder your IQ is so high.”

  I move my hand to her leg and begin to caress my fingers up and down her inner thigh's soft skin. “Tell me something about you, I don’t know.”

  “My grandfather and I read the same books, then discuss them once a week,” she whispers, her breathing speeding up a little.

  “Yeah? What are you reading now?”

  Carla opens the kindle app on her phone and shows me the cover of the book. “You Do You by Sarah Knight,” I read the title. “How is it?”

  “Inspirational,” she answers. “Thought-provoking.” Her eyes smile into mine. “Kinda like you.”

  Her words make me close the distance between us, and I press a tender kiss to her lips.

  Chapter 16

  CARLA

  I’ve been studying all morning and afternoon, and exhausted, I shove the laptop aside and lie back on the bed.

  Damn, I could sleep for a week.

  I snuggle into my pillow and figure I’ll just close my eyes for a couple of minutes.

  “Carla,” I hear Noah murmur.

  I let out a groan, then mumble, “I just finished studying. Give me a couple of minutes, and I’ll be up.”

  Noah places his hand on my forehead, then asks, “Do you feel sick?”

  I pry my eyes open. “No, I just want to nap.”

  His eyes scan over my face, a concerned look tightening his features. “You’ve been sleeping since yes
terday afternoon.”

  I shoot up, gasping, “What?”

  “It’s Sunday. Eleven in the morning,” he states.

  “Nooooo!” I glance around for my laptop. “I needed to study. Why did I sleep so much?”

  Noah frames my face with his hands and makes me look at him. “Are you sure you feel okay?”

  I nod. “I’m just tired. It feels like I haven’t slept at all.” I begin to scoot off the bed. “I need to make up for the hours I missed.”

  Noah rises to his feet and then locks his fingers around my hand. “Shower. Eat. Then you can study. I’ll help you catch up.”

  I let out a sigh. “Okay.” I move closer and wrap my arms around his waist. Closing my eyes, I rest my cheek against his chest. “God, I could sleep just standing like this.”

  His arms move around me, and he holds me tightly. “After the exam tomorrow, you can sleep all you want.”

  I nod, and pulling away, I walk to my closet to get clean clothes.

  “What do you feel like eating?” Noah asks.

  Not hungry at all, I say, “Something light. A salad or soup?”

  Noah’s eyebrow pops up. “You want soup? Now I’m really getting worried.”

  I let out a chuckle. “I’m not hungry, that’s all.”

  “I’ll get you some Hydralyte to drink. The electrolytes will help boost your energy.”

  I give him a thankful smile before I walk into the bathroom. After I’m done showering, I brush my teeth and get dressed.

  When I walk into the kitchen, Noah says, “Drink this. The food should be here soon.” He watches me like a hawk as I swallow the electrolytes down.

  I rinse the glass then grin at him. “How was your Saturday night?”

  He lets out a burst of air as a smile tugs at his lips. “I spent the night watching you sleep.”

  My grin widens. “Yeah? Must’ve been boring.”

  He shakes his head and slowly moves closer to me. “Not at all.” Wrapping his arm around my lower back, his other hand comes to my jaw. He lifts my face and presses a soft kiss to my mouth. Pulling back an inch, his eyes scan over my features. “Even though you were right there, I still missed you.”