Page 5 of Ruthless Possession

“I’ll be fine,” I said, though the words felt hollow.“It’s nothing.”

Tim didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push it.“Alright.Just… be careful, okay?”

I nodded, but I knew it was already too late for that.Noah had gotten under my skin, and I didn’t know how to get him out...

CHAPTER 4

William

The days blurred together, each one feeling heavier than the last.

Noah hadn’t spoken to me since that night.Not a word.Not a glance.It was like I didn’t exist to him anymore.

I told myself it didn’t matter.I told myself I didn’t care.But the truth was, I did.I cared too much.Stupid of me, right?

I found myself watching him more than I should have.In the hallways, during lectures, even at the gym.I couldn’t help it.My eyes would seek him out, drawn to him like a moth to a flame.And every time I saw him, my chest would tighten, my stomach would twist, and I’d feel that same stupid ache I’d been trying to ignore.

I now understood why people became stalkers.It was because of people like Noah.They clawed their way into your soul, left you craving more, and then denied you the pleasure.They made you feel like you were nothing, like you were disposable.And the worst part was, you let them.You let them because you couldn’t help it.Because you wanted them, even when you knew they’d destroy you.

I hated myself for it.I hated how weak I was, how I couldn’t just let it go.But every time I tried, I’d remember the way he’d looked at me, the way he’d touched me, and I’d feel that same stupid hope stirring in my chest.Hope that maybe, just maybe, he’d look at me again.That he’d want me again.

But he didn’t.

It had been a week since the party, and Noah hadn’t so much as glanced in my direction.He walked past me like I was a stranger, like I was nothing.And maybe I was.Maybe that night had meant nothing to him.Maybe I was just another body, another name he’d forget as soon as the next one came along.

I tried to convince myself that it was fine.That this was how one-night stands were supposed to go.You hooked up, you moved on, and you pretended it never happened.That was the deal.That was how it worked.

But it didn’t feel fine.It felt like I was being torn apart from the inside out.

Because even though he ignored me, I stillfelthim everywhere.It was maddening.

Everywhere I went, it was like he wasthere, watching.The moment I stepped into a lecture hall, my pulse would spike, scanning for him.He wouldn’t even be looking at me—but heknewI was looking at him.I could feel it, the silent game he was playing.

He sat in the back of the room, legs sprawled out, arms crossed.I’d catch myself glancing back at him like an idiot,waitingfor something—anything.A smirk.A glance.A fucking blink in my direction.

Nothing.

And that?That was worse than any cruel taunt.

Because Noah had made me feelwanted, even if it was in the most twisted way.He had devoured me, consumed me, left me gasping—and now he acted like I wasn’t even worth acknowledging.

FUCK HIM.

Tim noticed first.“Dude, what’s up with you?”He threw a fry at me during lunch, brow raised.“You keep zoning out.Did the aliens finally take you?”

I forced a laugh.“I’m fine.”

“You sure?Cause you look like you’re about to have a mental breakdown.”

I shoved my tray away.“I’m just tired.”

Tim narrowed his eyes, chewing on his fry like he didn’t believe me.“It’s him, isn’t it?”

I stiffened.“What?”

“Noah.”Tim leaned in.“Look, I don’t know what the hell happened between you two at that party, but it’s obvious you’re losing your mind.Just… talk to him.Or move on.One of the two.”

I scoffed.Talk to him?Yeah, right.As if Noah would even acknowledge me.

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