Chapter 40

"Interesting... you..." As Simon turned his back, Noelle seized a vase and hurled it at his head with all her might. The vase crashed against his forehead, and as he slumped to the ground, his eyes locked on Noelle's. "How dare..."

Noelle had given it her all, and now she was totally wiped out, slumping to the floor in a heap. Outside, Winter's voice mixed with the others, worried because they could not find Noelle. They were outside the only locked room in the house, talking about busting the door down. Noelle's heart sank. She thought she was a goner for sure.

Then, like a shadow slipping through the night, Charles appeared out of nowhere. His face, all sharp angles and soft skin, came into view as she looked up. She bit her lip so hard it turned a deep, enchanting red. Desperate, she grabbed onto Charles's pants and pleaded, "Charles, save me!"

Charles narrowed his eyes, a fierce look flickering across his face as he took in Noelle's flushed cheeks and the figure on the floor.