Chapter 22

22

" D o we have to go?" I whined, looking around. Unfortunately, I could already see Ivy from where Noah and I stood at the gate. Before we saw them, he threw his arm around my shoulder and pulled me to his side. He wore his normal casual black attire, completed with sunglasses that hid his eyes. I couldn't understand how Noah just wearing sunglasses could be so attractive to me.

"I suppose not. We could always pretend to be in a frenzy over one another and insist we need to go back to my place."

I widened my eyes at that but had no fitting response. My cheeks burned, and I forced myself to look away, because if I was being completely honest with myself, I fancied the idea of that more than I wanted.

"That's what I thought," Noah said, and if I didn't know better, he sounded disappointed. "Did you bring your dose?" Noah lifted the small clutch I had slung over my shoulder. I nodded, grinning widely at our success.

We'd finished the potion last night and had made enough for both of us to have three doses, just in case we didn't have time between uses. We were going off campus, so I knew nothing was going to happen tonight, but both of us agreed to always have a dose with us.

"Glad you're coming, mate," Remy said as he approached, reaching out to shake Noah's hand. I had to reel in my surprise.

"Me too," Noah responded and pulled me closer. "I'm driving?"

"That would be great." Remy grinned, seeming to fully accept that I was with Noah now. Ivy's face, on the other hand, told the exact opposite story. Right now, she could win an award for best RBF. "I thought Lukas was coming?"

"I'm sure he'll show up at some point." Noah shrugged. "He's sorting some things out with his girlfriend at the moment."

When we approached his car, Noah's hand trailed further down my arm until his hand engulfed mine. "Girls, why don't you both ride in the back?"

"Perfect," I answered, still seeing no change in the expression on Ivy's face. It made me nervous, and I wondered what was going through her mind.

"This is your car?" Remy jogged up to the silver car as soon as Noah unlocked it, making the lights flash. He looked like an excited child in the candy aisle as he circled the car.

"Parents got it for me." Noah opened the car door for me, and I slid in, allowing Ivy to slide in behind me.

Once the door closed, we could only hear the muffled sounds of Noah and Remy talking about the car.

"Seriously, Henri? Does the man work for a thing in his life?"

I gritted my teeth, keeping my eyes in a neutral position instead of rolling them like I wanted to.

"He's not a bad guy, Ivy. I…really like him." I gave her the most serious look ever, and damn, I could have even convinced myself with how much sincerity I had when I spoke. There was a burning need in my gut to defend Noah and his character, and I was truthfully pissed that I had to do so to my best friend. "And he's working for his mastery to work in potions and perhaps even teach at the mastery level one day. Just give him a chance and stop being so judgmental."

Ivy crossed her arms over her chest and stared out the window, giving me no other response.

In front of the car, Remy and Noah's heads poked above the hood, which was now open as the boys inspected the engine together. There was an authentic smile on both of their faces as they conversed, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling too.

That was the smile I discovered I wanted to see more and more often. Yes, it was beautiful—straight teeth, perfectly plump lips, and a handsome face to go with it. Eyes that crinkled slightly at the edges when that smile was genuine. But what truly hooked me was the person behind the smile. He wasn't someone who seemed distant and untouchable, but someone who was surprisingly warm and comfortable to be around, someone who gave me a sense of safety when I was with him.

"Henri," Ivy whispered, but I didn't pull my attention away from the smile I might have become addicted to. "You're in love with him."

That caught my attention. My head snapped in her direction, and I was ready to give her a full-force denial of her claim. Yes, I thought much higher of Noah now that we'd been spending so much time together. But in love? That was preposterous. But the look on her face was so much softer than it had been before, and I caught myself.

We stared at each other in silence, and I couldn't force myself to deny her claim. It felt like we were sharing a secret, one I wasn't sure was true, but she seemed convinced of.

"I wouldn't say I'm in lo-"

The clack of the car doors opening cut me off, and I shut my mouth.

"I'll have to take you further out into the country sometime for you to drive it and see how fast it really is."

"Name the time, and I'm there."

As the car hummed to life, Remy's face lit up even more. He continued in conversation with Noah, the topic shifting to football. Ivy and I watched from the back, silent observers. The chaos in my chest had calmed slightly with Ivy's softer attitude, but her words haunted me.

My gaze stayed on Noah, even catching his eyes in the rearview a few times. There was no way I could be in love with a man I hated only a few months ago. Sure, my opinion of him had changed so completely in our time together, but he was still an annoying prat most of the time.

But he was also the guy who had just showed his car to my very excited friend and offered to take him driving. He was the guy who intervened for me when the love potion made someone nearly assault me. He was the guy who was willing to fake a relationship with me purely for my safety. He was the guy who was willing to be uncomfortable so I could sleep in his luxury bed.

He had so many redeeming qualities that far outweighed any I'd ever found less appealing.

Ivy and I didn't say a word to each other, not even when we'd finally arrived at Whaler's. I didn't know what I was going to say to convince her I wasn't in love with Noah, and it served me better for her to think so anyway. It would help us keep up appearances.

When Noah opened my door, his hand was there immediately for me to grab as I stood from the car, and he stood in front of me while I adjusted the dress I wore, pulling it back down so it reached my lower thigh. It was much shorter than anything I normally wore, but when I was deciding on an outfit, it just seemed…right. My stomach fluttered.

"You look stunning tonight," Noah said, holding my hand up so he could get a better look at my dress. I couldn't help the blush that crept up, even though I knew he was saying it for the sake of my friends.

"Thank you," I whispered back, smiling at him. When we turned to walk, both Remy and Ivy were staring at me like I'd grown a third head. I just raised my brows at them, and they immediately turned away, snickering.

We all headed to the entrance together, and Ivy detailed everyone who had said they would be here tonight. What she'd said was a small gathering of friends turned out to be more like a party of fifty by the time she finished. She must have invited her entire class and then some.

Inside the building, we headed to the back, where there was a bar, tables along the outer walls, and a dance floor in the middle. I was never one for dancing, so I usually found myself on the wall anytime I came here with Ivy and Remy, but I didn't mind.

"Anything to drink?" Noah asked, leading me to a table near the edge of the dance floor. I set my small purse down on the tabletop, and Ivy did the same before wandering off.

"Just club soda for now." I smiled as Noah moved off to the bar, staring after him.

"Fancy seeing you here," a voice said from behind me. I turned just as they continued talking. "I wouldn't have pinned you for the going-out type."

"It is a Friday," I joked, trying to seem comfortable as Ollie sat down in the seat across from me. Ollie was a student from Ivy's mastery—Early Wizarding Education—and I'd run into him a few times on and off for the past few years.

"You've never come out before."

"That's not true! I've been out plenty, just not as often as Ivy would like."

"Regardless, I'm glad to see you here. Can I get you something to drink?" Ollie leaned on the table, a lopsided grin on his face as he touched my arm. I forced myself not to recoil.

"She's already got one, but thanks." A glass clanked down in front of me at the perfect time as Noah announced his presence—and with the arm sliding around my shoulder, announced his claim on me.

"Noah, hey. Really didn't expect to see you here." Ollie looked between us uncomfortably.

"Henri convinced me to come out with them tonight." Noah smirked like we had some secret bet between us regarding his attendance. He pressed a long kiss on my temple, and Ollie's eyes widened.

"Are you two…together?"

Noah raised a brow at me, not even looking back at Ollie. He was waiting for me to say something, and since I couldn't stand the uncomfortable silence, I did.

"Yes, we are." I smiled at Ollie, watching his face falter. It was clear he must have been the mate Ivy was trying to set me up with.

"That's great," he coughed out, making a hasty exit.

"You scared him off," I whispered to Noah, bumping him with my elbow.

"What, would you rather me have let him hit on you for a few more minutes?"

"He wasn't hitting on me. He was just…"

"Hitting on you. Trying to buy you a drink. Either way, he wants you."

"Is that so wrong?" I asked, suddenly defensive. Yes, I was here with Noah as my fake date and didn't exactly want an actual relationship with whoever Ivy tried to set me up with, but why did Noah seem to think I couldn't be wanted by anyone? Perhaps for once, I wanted to feel attractive and wanted.

Noah set his glass down next to mine, lowering himself down until his mouth was at my ear.

"You're mine, Baker. Regardless of the authenticity of our relationship in private, you're publicly mine. And no one touches what is mine." His hot breath on my neck sent a shiver down my spine, and his words sent something else entirely throughout my entire body. "Understand?"

I nodded, though his mouth was still next to my ear. I couldn't speak even if I tried, for all the breath had left my body.

Noah's palm reached around the back of my neck, cupping the other side of my jaw before I felt another ardent kiss against my temple. Even when his lips left my skin, his hand still lingered, threading in my hair.

"Henri! I got us shots—oh." I looked up, the haze in my mind clearing a bit as Ivy approached. Her steps slowed, as if she was nearing a wounded animal.

"Thanks," I said, my voice cracking, though I was trying to play cool. I was certainly not cool.

She meekly handed me the shot, and I threw it back, coughing as the liquid burned all the way down. Ivy was squealing before I could even look at her, and I was thankful.

"You made it!" Ivy walked past the table to hug some friends I had no name for as they joined us.

Over the next thirty minutes, more and more people piled into the back of the pub, drinks and laughter flowing freely. I was happily sipping on my soda, glad to watch Ivy interact with friends, have drinks, and flit about the room.

"Noah!" a male voice said, and Noah stood from his seat that was probably too close to mine to greet a friend. Lukas approached the table, his dark hair disheveled. For Lukas, that was odd, as I'd never seen him not look perfectly put together.

"Damn, Henri! You look great!" Lukas said, fake-clapping as he looked me over.

"Stop hitting on my girl, Lukas," Noah scolded, his eyes dark as he shoved his friend. Lukas muttered something under his breath I couldn't make out. Noah shook his head with a laugh, pushing Lukas away from the table. Noah turned to give me a quick wink before he and Lukas walked to the bar, and I couldn't help but watch Noah as he strode away.

"Having fun?" Ivy appeared out of nowhere at my side. I jumped nearly out of my skin.

"Yeah, I am," I responded, my heart rate elevated. My friend looked like she'd had plenty to drink tonight as she slid me another shot. I really didn't want to take it, but I did anyway. After knocking it back, Ivy grabbed my hand and dragged me out of my seat.

"Let's dance!" she half-yelled, pulling me to the dance floor that was already overcrowded with bodies.

Ivy held onto my hands while we swayed to the music, and eventually, both of us were fully dancing, singing the lyrics back to each other. We were both enjoying ourselves, and I felt more relaxed than I had in a while. Thoughts of the love potion and poison were completely gone from my mind, and I just wanted to enjoy this time with my friend. All the worries I'd had about her and me getting along were gone, and instead, we were just us again.

"I'll be right back!" Ivy yelled over the music, leaving me to stand alone in the crowd. I searched for Noah, hoping to see his blond hair above the heads of everyone around me. Every place I looked, he wasn't there, and I couldn't find Lukas either. Rolling my eyes, I just swayed to the music, waiting for Ivy's return.

"Sorry!" Ivy bumped into me, more drinks in her hands. "Here!" I took one shot glass from her, really not caring to drink it. I'd already had more than enough. She had already drunk hers and started dancing again, closing her eyes and feeling the music. For a moment, I wished I could be more carefree like her.

A crash sounded across the room, and I lazily assumed it was a drunk patron knocking over their glass and kept dancing. My thoughts gently swayed to Noah as I thought about his handsome grin. It was only when Ivy stopped dancing that I paid attention. She looked at me with glassy eyes before wordlessly leaving my side, weaving through the crowd of people.

"Ivy!" I groaned, trying to push my way through the others. Everyone seemed to disperse and close in at once, and my chest tightened, though not in fear. I needed to find Noah.

"There you are," I heard from behind me as hands came down on my hips. I turned, seeing Ollie standing behind me, his eyes dark.

"Ollie, I really need to get out of this," I said, trying to separate his hands from my body.

"You want to leave? We can go back to my place." He leaned down, pressing a kiss against my neck that had nausea rolling in me, though not just because he put his lips on me. It was because he wasn't who I wanted to put his lips on me.

"No, I'm not interested. Have you seen—"

"Come on, I promise to take care of you. Let's get out of here."

"Really, Ollie, thank you, but I'm not interested. Let go of me." I forced myself away from him, shoving my way between two people and hoping Ollie would just let go. I needed to find Noah. He was the only one I needed to see right now.

If I could just get to him, I was sure the desperate feeling in my gut would go away. I needed his hand wrapped around mine.

But I couldn't see him over all the tall people in this crowd. Even stretching up onto my toes, I still couldn't place his blond hair.

"I'm crazy about you, Henri. I have been for years. Ever since I met you when we all went to the cinema together, I've wanted to know you better." I cringed at the confession, finding no care for it. I remembered going to the cinema with a bunch of friends, but honestly, I couldn't remember that he'd even been there. Ollie still had his hands firmly on my hips, and I wanted to claw at him to get him to stop touching me. I didn't want anyone other than Noah touching me right now—or ever.

Finally, I broke through the throng of people dancing in the pub, freeing myself from Ollie's grip. I frantically looked around, searching for Noah or Lukas, hoping they'd be together. I needed to get to Noah immediately, and I had no idea why. But deep in my gut, I knew he would be able to fix this feeling in my chest and protect me from everyone else in this pub—protect me from Ollie, just as he'd protected me from Daniel.

It was like my body was itching, and the only way I could get it to stop was to land sight of Noah. That would be enough, surely.

"Henri, just hear me out," Ollie continued, yanking me backwards until my back met his chest. Just the idea of being this close to him made me want to heave.

"Stop touching me, Ollie," I demanded, not even affording him a glance over my shoulder. I'd had enough with him touching me, so I pushed at his hands, desperate to get them off me, but he wouldn't budge.

"Give me a chance, Henri. You don't always have to be so uptight."

"Get your hands off of my woman before I break every bone from your wrist to your fingertips." The sound of Noah's deep voice had relief coursing through me like salve on a burn. I looked up, instantly seeing his green eyes, but they weren't looking at me. They were trained on Ollie's hands, which were gripping my hips.

"Take it easy, Noah. We both know she's better off with me."

"She asked you to stop touching her, and so did I. Rather nicely, if you ask me. I won't ask nicely again." Noah looked completely savage as he took a step closer, and Ollie finally snatched his hands from my body. I immediately moved closer to Noah, pressing up against him. His hands came down on my hips, soothing the shadow of a touch Ollie left behind. Already, I felt more relaxed, but also more desperate.

"Dammit, Baker. We have to get out of here."

"I know," I panted, grasping his shirt in my hands. A shirt I suddenly found rather annoying, though I had loved it early in the evening. But now, it was keeping me from his skin, so I hated it.

"Where's your bag?" Noah was already leading me through the pub, back to the table I'd sat at for most of the night. I didn't really care about my bag at the moment. Instead, I just wanted my lips on his. I didn't even know why; I just needed that right now. The memory of the few times we'd already kissed was no longer enough for me.

"It's not here." Noah looked over the heads of couples locked in embraces, hoping to find my bag. It wasn't where I remembered putting it, but I didn't care.

"It's fine. Let's just go." I pulled at his shirt, trying to get as close to him as physically possible.

Noah sharply turned, fully facing me and cupping my jaw. He inspected my face, as if looking for something, and his eyes widened. "Wait, are you actually affected right now?"

"Affected by what?" I said, gazing at him dreamily. "Noah, I need-"

"Henri," he breathed, shaking his head. "We really need to find your bag."

"Why?"

"Because I already took my dose of the anti-potion. I felt it the second the potion took effect, but you actually need the dose for once." He grabbed my hand and pulled me through more people. I could feel his concern in the air, but I didn't understand.

"I don't need a dose of anything, Noah. Can we just leave? I want to go back to your flat."

"No, Henri. You really need that dose."

I pouted but went along with Noah so I could maintain contact with him. Surely, after all of this, we would go back to his flat, right? I could be patient, even though I wanted him to shove me against the closest wall and-

"Open," Noah commanded, grabbing my jaw in his hand and forcing my mouth open. I hadn't noticed he'd found my purse and certainly hadn't paid attention to him pulling a vial out of it. What exactly was the vial for again? I didn't care, because his hand was on my face, and it felt wonderful.

But Noah seemed to want me to drink it, so I did. If it pleased him, I wanted to do it. I needed to.

"Bloody hell, Baker." Noah ran a hand through his hair after discarding the vial to the table beside us. "The love potion actually affected you this time."

Slowly, the haze in my mind cleared, but then Noah was pulling me again, this time toward the exit.

I watched as multiple couples gave into the pull of infatuation between them in the pub, and what was happening became painfully obvious to me.

The potion. The love potion. The one that had only been cast at the school. We'd all been attacked with it here at the pub, where plenty of academy students were.

The fresh air from outside hit me like a ton of bricks, fully clearing my mind to think critically. It nearly made me dig my heels into the ground to prevent myself from further embarrassment. Instead, my steps only faltered, of which Noah took notice.

"Are you okay?" He looked back at me as he led me through the parking lot.

"Fine." I wasn't. I was actually freaking out, thank you for asking, but I could never tell him.

I was well and truly bonkers.

The love potion had just been used against the crowd of academy students spending their night off-campus. My brain barely computed how unusual that was when compared to the fact that the potion obviously affected me for the first time tonight and in Noah's favor.

I ran through the sequence of events as best I could, but it was foggy, and I couldn't remember if I'd damned myself or not. Did he know? Was it obvious I was hot all over when I was around him? That I still am?

He opened the passenger door to his car and put a hand on my head as I stepped in, wobbly at best. I credited my shakiness to the two potions, not the fact that I was internally losing my mind. Even when he got in on his side, though, he made no mention of how the potion affected me. Surely, he'd be mocking me by now if he'd realized I fancied him.

The drive to Noah's house was silent, and as we drove, I calmed down both mentally and physically. As Noah helped me out of his car, I noticed he looked quite tired as well.

"Are you okay?" he whispered as we walked through the front door.

I only nodded, because I couldn't bring myself to produce any sort of noise. All I wanted to do was climb into bed as soon as possible.

Both of us finally made it to his room after what felt like years of trudging, and he sluggishly got clothes for me to change into. Gratefully, I dragged myself to the bathroom to put them on, leaving my dress discarded on the floor.

When I emerged, Noah was lying on the bed facedown, his feet still on the floor.

"Noah," I barely whispered, moving to him and tapping his shoulder. "Noah, at least move up the bed."

He grumbled, rolling over and opening his eyes. We stared at each other for a bit before he reached out and took my hand. Wordlessly, I climbed onto the bed and pulled at his arm, coaxing him to actually get on the bed instead of being half-off.

"Henri, I think the anti-potion worked, but it…"

He trailed off, and I could barely keep my eyes open or force out a response, so I used the rest of my energy to pull the covers over us.

Just before I succumbed to unconsciousness, Noah pulled me closer.