Chapter 18 : Unwanted Visitor

*Lexie’s POV*

I wake up in Noland's arms, a strange mix of fear and comfort surging through me. His chest rises and falls gently, the rhythmic beating of his heart beneath my ear both soothing and unsettling. At this moment, he seems almost vulnerable, a stark contrast to the powerful, dominant man I've come to know.

As I lay there, unable to tear my eyes away from his sleeping face, I can't shake the feeling that what we're doing is catastrophically wrong. Yet, I can't deny the magnetic pull I feel towards him – an attraction that goes beyond physical desire; I feel like he understands me, knows me, and cares for me more than I care for my own safety. And it terrifies me.

Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass somewhere near us echoes, yanking me out of my thoughts. Noland's eyes flash open, a protective edge to them as they dart between me and the door. We both tense up, our hearts pounding in unison.

"Are you alright?" His voice is low and urgent, filled with genuine concern fo