Lei's POV

I didn't curl my hair, I didn't put much thought into my outfit and I haven't stopped thinking about what I found. 

After finding the money I quickly shut the book, knowing I've seen something that I shouldn't have, something that is a secret, a secret to be kept. I walked directly back to my room and stared at the wall, questioning every single moment that I've spent with Noah. What do I honestly know about the man living across the hall from me? 

I reassured myself that I know the man I'm living with. I know his mother died from cancer, I know he has a loving grandfather, I know his favorite color is green, I know his favorite movie is Pulp Fiction. Yes, I know the guy that shares a bathroom with me. I know he can't stand cold coffee and he doesn't see the point in washing dishes before they go in the dishwasher. Yes, I know him but do I know everything? Obviously not.

After taking a shower full of dreaded thoughts and wondering what else is hidden in that bookshelf I stood in my bra and underwear. Should I even go on this date? Is everything I know a lie or an alias? Where does Noah go everyday in high black jeans and black hoodie? Why does he come home so late some nights? Who the hell is Noah Williams?

I sighed and pulled a white wrap dress out of my closet and zipped it up. I grabbed a golden necklace and gold strappy heels. My blonde hair was blow dried and looked fine. I looked for a small white handbag to go with the outfit but after ransacking my room I couldn't find one. I sighed and looked through my closet for a different handbag that could go. Finally, I found a gold one. Not just any gold though, the gold handbag I had that night in Las Vegas. It feels like it's been forever since that night.

I grabbed my phone, wallet and lip gloss. I opened the handbag and paused at what I saw inside. What the fuck.

...

I stand at the front door, tapping my foot and I'm full of nerves. I don't even know how to feel right now or what to even do right now. Noah said to be ready at 5 and it's 4:49 and I'm ready. I'm physically ready, I'm not mentally ready for whatever is about to happen. 

Noah walks into the kitchen, looking hot as hell, but my mind won't let me forget what I saw. Money, wedding rings, gold watches, ruby necklaces and what else is in there? Is this man a murderer, robber, thief? 

The man in question stops in front of me, he wears a tuxedo and if it was a few hours earlier I would be melting on the spot. His curly hair is slicked back and his eyes rake over my body. I want to feel the butterflies in my stomach, but that isn't butterflies, it's dread. Someone needs to wake me from this terrible dream.

He extends his arm towards me and he has a gentle smile on his face. I take his arm and give him a smile back, I hope it looks more real than it feels. His forest green eyes shine under the light and he catches me in them. I'm trapped with this man I think I know and I don't know what to do. 

I've been waiting for this, I've been waiting to go on a date with Noah. Why does life have to screw with me when I get something I want? Couldn't life wait until tomorrow to fuck with me? Why didn't I get the chance to enjoy a date with a guy I like? You know what? Fuck it, I'm going on this date and I'm going to enjoy it and then I'm going to ask him what the hell. But, after, I deserve a fancy date and I think it'll be a while until my next one.

"Are you ready for this?" Noah asks me, lightheartedly and I smile at him.

"I was born ready," I grin as he leads me down the steep stairs. He never takes his eyes off of me while he walks down the stairs and I feel a warmth mixing with the dread. Stop Lei.

I suck in a breath as I step down off of the last step and Noah looks me dead in the eye. He smirks at me and leans into my personal space. I catch my breath as he leans in farther, his hands resting on my waist. 

"You look fucking gorgeous."

...

We step out of the car. I breathe in deeply, I can do this. All I have to do is pretend I didn't see anything. Just go on the date, try to enjoy it and ask questions later. Hopefully you don't get killed later when you ask but, it's okay Adrian will be there.

Noah walks by my side, his arm is wrapped around my waist and I shiver slightly. We walk up the steps of the high-class restaurant and I wonder how Noah is paying for it. Assuming, he is because he told me he was paying earlier. Is he paying with stolen money... does Noah wash money? Does Adrian know about this?

Shut up, we're asking the questions later, Lei.

"Hello, we have reservations," Noah smiles warmly at the hostess at the front. She twirls her hair around her finger and I feel like reaching across and sla-

Calm down, Lei.

"What's the name, buttercup?" She winks at him and Noah just keeps the same smile. Is he pretending or is he actually smiling at her. 

"It should be under Williams," he says and I begin to pick at my nails. I hate that I haven't had them done in a while and they're bare from any paint. I wish I would've done them myself, just so they could look okay.

"Right this way," the hostess begins walking deeper into the restaurant, her hips swaying way too much. Noah keeps his arm around my waist and we follow the hostess into the restaurant, the walls are covered in mirrors. There's a big crystal chandelier and everything looks like it came out of a Disney movie. 

"It's beautiful," I murmur in a trance just looking at the ceiling where there is a replica of the Sistine Chapel ceiling painting. Noah cups my face in his hand and I lower my head to meet his eyes.

"Not as beautiful as you," his thumb strokes my cheek.

Don't believe it. You don't know this guy. Don't fall for it. Don't explode.

Why does he have to make it so hard? Why can't my mind let go off the stupid money? Why can't he be a normal guy? How did I get here? Someone answer me.

We catch up with the hostess again and she doesn't look as happy as before. We're seated in the middle of it all, the chandelier is directly above us and I have to force myself to look away from it.

Light piano music can be heard, coming from a live performance at the front of the room. People are all laughing, drinking and talking. Women wear white gloves and sip on champagne and the men all sit and smoke cigars. The cigar smoke wafts up to the ceiling and it's a fascinating scene.

Noah looks at the menu, he flips it over and over. He looks perfect, one strand of hair has fallen out of place and his lips are quirked up a little bit as his brow furrows in concentration. 

"What are you going to get?" He asks, looking up at me and my eyes shoot to the menu. I haven't looked at it yet I was too entranced by the scenery. 

"I am going to have the Pasta Con Pomodoro E Basilico," I read off the first thing that looks good and Noah nods his head in approval. 

He continues looking at his menu and then he sets it down, apparently having come up with a decision. I turn my head to take in the people all around me and I can feel Noah's gaze on me. I desperately want to fall off the Earth. 

"Is everything alright?" He asks me with a concerned voice.

"Yes, everything is fine," my voice cracks at the end but the other sounds drown it out, I turn to give Noah a reassuring smile. He smiles back, unsure, I can tell because it doesn't reach his eyes. His eyes aren't smiling as well. 

"You seem quieter than usual," he notes and I shake my head.

"I'm just taking it all in," I gesture towards the room, "it reminds me of Pulp Fiction."

Noah doesn't reply but I know he heard me. I know his eyes are on me, watching every move and hearing every word. 

I can't do this. I can't pretend everything is alright.

"I found something in my handbag," I turn around to him so I can see his reaction to my words, but I can read him about as good as a Latin book right now. 

"What did you find?"

I place my golden handbag on the table and I open it up. Inside the handbag there is my phone, my lip gloss, wallet and something else separate. A wad of bills, a big amount of bills. But not just any amount. It's the exact amount that was stolen in Las Vegas. 

"Damn, is it Christmas or something? Who in the world gave you that present?" Noah looks amazed at the money in my hands and I narrow my eyes.

"Noah, don't lie to me."

His smile drops off of his face and he looks at me with curious eyes. 

"Lei, there's no way I could afford to give you that money. It wasn't me," he says, earnest. But I know better than that now. I know that I've tripped over Noah before.

"I know it was you."

"What are you saying Lei?" 

"I'm saying, that you stole from me that night in Las Vegas."

"That's fucking outrageous, Lei," he pinches the bridge of his nose for a second and then runs his hand down his face. I'm certain he stole from me, just how and why, is what I need to know.

"Then let's talk about A Cold Trail."

His eyes widen at my words.

Caught red-handed.

...

ik it's crappy but i wanted to update and my contact is causing me sm pain rn im in tears but i wanted to finish another chapter. the real shit ab to go down in the next. tell me what you think pls

'til next time, haylizzle