fight so dirty// closed noah&kay

[Ashton Wentworth]

“I would say I’d let Ashton take my place but I’ve put too much devotion and money into you to just go away that easy. That’s why I’ve secretly charmed the hot rod to be equipped with a parachute should this idiot casually drive us off of a cliff.” Oh he had absolutely better not have touched his car. that was one of those hot button issues, and the laughter that came off of Ashton was more than a little terse. Thankfully, the comment about his car made it easy for Ashton to focus on that aspect...and not the first half of his comment. Thinking about him and Kaydence sitting on the other side of that table, with a much smaller far more practical ring on her finger wasn’t a subject that he was willing to touch for any reason whatsoever. He couldn’t think about it. That subject was so off limits that his brain nearly instantly shut it the fuck down. No, his car was off limits and Noah absolutely had not done anything of the sort to his car or else Ashton would have noticed. “We’ve been together too long already my friend,” That still begged the same question, how long was too long. He needed to know. Ashton was rapidly developing a need to know which one of them had come first, and which one had overlapped. Had she waited in meeting him? Had there been any sort of bereavement period at all? Had everything that happened between the two of them been absolutely and totally fake? He wasn’t willing to risk such a thing...but how else was he supposed to take that comment? “I’m done with the engagement. I just want to be married and call her my wife.” Of course he was. The trophy needed to be put up on the shelf. Couldn’t have her walking around where somebody else might take that title - of course not. Ashton fought the urge to roll his eyes at that comment, he was playing a part here and he couldn't let it break. he just, had to keep telling himself that over and over again. there was no option to be had. There weren’t words to properly express how much Ashton was regretting this entire dinner idea. If it had been just he and Noah perhaps - he had mentally prepared himself for the end of that bargain, at least he was getting closer to it...but this was so many more complications than he had even begun to understand. A personal attachment to this case really was grounds to have let himself off of it, but if he stopped now, without completing his task...all of it would have been for nothing. All of the sacrifices and the living on the ‘run’. not to mention the lack of fucking money into his own pocket. Which, really led to bad consequences. Being selfish wasn’t something that Ashton cared about. He had no problems putting himself first...at least he never used to.


“Emme, don’t you have a nut allergy as well? How funny,” Why yes, she did. Good of him to pick up on that. Something casual enough that Noah was unlikely to think too much about it, but there was no doubt in his mind that Kaydence had picked up on it. He should be playing nice. He should have been. He just couldn’t. His self control only stretched so far. “I am apparently the only person in this room with no sort of allergy so I will take whatever they can’t eat. Gladly.” Ashton watched with little interest as those around him started to help themselves to the food in front of them. Ashton wasn’t entirely certain that he would have been able to eat. Taking his sweet time in unrolling his silverware and placing it around his setting. Focusing a little too hard on the little details as he waited for them to serve themselves before grabbing a couple pieces of bread. If nothing else, it would soak up some of the alcohol that he had been indulging in for the last...however many hours it was that it had been now. It had already felt like he had been trapped in this personal hell for three hours when really it couldn’t have even been thirty minutes. “Good call there mate,” At least the man was bringing fucking ashtrays. Ashton wasn’t above ashing into his water glass, but he the last time he had done that in Kaydence’s presence...she had thrown the whole thing ash and all into his face...which was a much bigger mess than most people would normally assume. It wasn’t long before the man had returned with two crystal ashtrays, one for himself and one for Noah, placed softly on the table and excused himself as Noah delved into the pocket of his dinner jacket. Unsurprised whenever that gold case made its appearance. Ashton didn’t hide the click of his tongue against the roof of his mouth in an ‘of course’ noise. Though, handing him one of his personal cigarettes was a little bit more surprising. “Rolled with love,” Inclining his head toward Noah in gratitude he started to pat down the pockets on his own chest in search of his weather worn, beaten zippo. Though, Noah apparently had solved that issue was well. Flint of gold catching the dim lighting in the room as a lighter arced through the air and into Ashton’s nimble hands. What was this? Ashton’s lip curled in distaste and looked at the thing with a headshake. “Happy early birthday Wentworth. You’ve earned it.” it was for him? This gaudy, ugly ass thing was supposed to be for him? Actual belly laughter came as he turned the thing over in his fingers. Cackling because it was such a useless, extravagant little thing. Of course he was going to use it. “Aw, you shouldn’t have.” Ashton spoke between his slowly fading laughter.

“You get a gift! You get a gift! Everybody gets a gift!” Clearly, bread was the thing that Noah needed to be happy in his life. That, or he really was a lot more of a lightweight than he presented himself as. Then again, to Ashton - just about everybody was a lightweight. Funny, that Kaydence was saying - actually nothing through this whole thing. It wasn’t like her to be quiet, and he shouldn’t care one way or another - but he did. Ashton’s gaze flicked across the table at the worst possible moment. The hand that wasn’t holding the still unlit cigarette tearing up bits of bread instead of actually eating it. Honestly, he neither knew what anything on most of that tray was, nor did he really care to put it into his mouth. Kaydence’s arm lifted - whether on purpose or by accident, running her hands down the side of her neck like that. Couldn’t have been on accident. Could feel his pulse quicken - her eyes lifting to his at the worst possible moment. She wasn’t supposed to see what was no doubt written all over his face. Drinking was a bad idea. Probably, the very only time that Ashton had actually thought that in his whole life. She really did, look really damned good in that dress. Her hand could dip just a little better - just a touch. The neckline was certainly cut low enough. Thankfully, or not, her hand stopped the moment she caught him. Ashton’s attention diverted again to the tablecloth as his hips shifted in the chair, leaning off to one side and settling, finally going about lighting that cigarette in his hand. Engaged, She was...is engaged. She is engaged. To the man in this very room. She was engaged. She had a family. She had a child with this man. They were a family. Get your shit together Ashton.

He couldn’t help it.

Ashton’s gaze lifted across the table once more - glancing at the body across from him, the one who was actively attempting to hide her face from the gaze of either one of them. What was her problem? Before his internal filter could stop it, the words were right on out of his mouth. “Something wrong with the food?” His tone was wrong - he said it like himself. Catching himself his gaze shifted seamlessly to Noah, “Pretty sure that not even you could take issue with the stars of this place’s food Eklund.” His body shifted to lean more in the direction of Eklund instead of center. Downing the rest of his glass and reaching for another to keep his head clear. Ashton wanted to ask what was going to happen tomorrow. He wanted to ask if Noah was ready for the trip - but that would be touching on that subject that this ‘Emmeline’ was not supposed to know the details about, apparently. Which - left very little topics of conversation for Ashton to pull from that wasn’t more homoerotic humor or just - work/shop talk. He couldn’t eat. Ashton for once, didn’t think that he was going to be able to stand the silence. Given that he was a traditionally monosyllabic man - this was going to complicate things. Couldn’t possibly know how complicated it already was. “Thanks,” he waved the lighter at Eklund before pocketing it, “For that, by the by - i’ll make sure to use it never.” He winked, “Unless I’m thinking about you of course. Flick it three times and you appear?”

[Noah Eklund]

Noah was feeling marvelous. Really couldn’t think of a better word at this point. With the exception of Emmeline’s little hiccup earlier, things were going great. The whiskey was great. The company was great. The form-fitting silver sparkler of a dress his fiancée was wearing was great. Another glass or two of his drink and he was going to find it extraordinarily difficult keeping his hands off of her. Although Wentworth was a friend, he was still a business associate. He would have to keep his hands as best to himself as he could. Even showing a small amount of affection risked him giving himself permission to touch other areas of her skin. Ashton hadn’t brought a date. Noah could only imagine how awkward he’d feel if he pulled Emme into his lap. He would have no distraction other than to bear witness to the very public displays of affection or excuse himself to the bathroom. Not to mention, he didn’t much care for having the man belittle him at his earliest convenience for making him feel like more of a third wheel then he assumed he already was. Chewing silently on his bread, he smiled to himself. Probably looked stupid. He didn’t care. He wanted to enjoy every minute of this night off while he could. It’d be back to business extremely early tomorrow morning and he needed to rejoice in the few hours of carelessness he had left with his friend and his fiancée. He wanted to fill his belly and get extremely drunk with his company.

”Something wrong with the food?” His ears perked up at Wentworth’s voice. Instantly looking to the man, he saw that he was actually looking at Emmeline. Eyes narrowing, Noah looked over to his fiancée who appeared to not be feeling well. Her second glass of wine was already half-empty and it appeared her eyes were closed. Was she feeling nauseous? He hadn’t given her enough of the pill to have significant effects when combined with alcohol. A decent amount yes, but nothing she hadn’t taken before. ”Pretty sure that not even you could take issue with the stars of this place’s food Eklund.” He briefly took his eyes off of Emmeline. “No issues for me sir,” he responded, resuming his gaze towards his fiancée. “Emmeline, are you alright?” The woman said nothing in response. Placing his bread down on his plate, Noah shifted uncomfortably towards his right. Leaning in towards her, he grabbed the hand holding her wine glass and pulled it from her face. “Emmeline what’s wrong with you? Was there something in the food that shouldn’t have been?” He peered at her, genuinely concerned for her well-being. Merlin forbid she said yes. His wrath towards the staff and chef would know no bounds as he berated anyone who looked in his direction for their stupidity. He tightened his grip on her hand. Why hadn’t she said anything yet? “Emme…” He was interrupted as her eyes shot open. She said nothing for a moment as she looked across the way at Ashton before turning to look at him. And when she did? It took every fiber of his being to not erupt into laughter. Pupils dilated, edges of her lips twitching, staring intently at him but not quite sure if she was actually focusing or not. Emmeline was high as a fucking kite. ”Yes. I’m fine. I just needed a moment.” She mostly certainly had. Grabbing her wine glass hand, he moved it down to the table for her and took his hands into her own. Smirking, he brought them to his lips and placed a kiss on it. “I’m sure you did.” Verbally confirming he knew what was going on with her.

Emmeline was not going to be a bother for the rest of the night. The pill he had intended to give her wouldn’t have caused the reaction she just had. Moving his hand to his back pocket, Noah felt for the three small pills that he had brought along to really keep the night exciting for the trio. Looking to the side, he discreetly pulled them out, allowing himself to laugh silently as he realized that he had somehow swapped the chill pill for the fun pill. She was going to kill him. He needed to drink up and fast. Replacing the pills in his pocket, he continued to say nothing for fear of the giggles that wanted to creep from the back of his throat. ”Thanks.” He turned his gaze to Ashton, giving a single nod to the man as he went for his whiskey. ”For that by the way – I’ll make sure to use it never.” He finally allowed a small laugh to pass. “Sure you will.” Tilting his head back, he downed the rest of the whiskey contents and helped himself to another glass. ”Unless I’m thinking about you of course. Flick it three times and you appear?” Raising the glass to Wentworth, Noah nodded his head again. “There’s always ulterior motives for what I do.” All one had to do was look at Emmeline. Casting a quick glance at his fiancée, who was staring at him. He had no doubt how good she was feeling right now but he could read the expression on her face very well at this point. She had figured out what he had done. Instead of focusing on the anxiety that was elevated from the come up, she could channel it into anger or she could literally…roll with it.

“Are you sure you’re alright darling?” Noah asked, clearly mocking her. “You should probably try to put some more food on your stomach.” He was such a smug bastard sometimes. Taking another sip from the glass, he placed it back on the table and turned his attention to the half of baguette still resting on his plate.

[Kaydence Morgan]

”Something wrong with the food?”

Something was not right. In the few seconds Kaydence’s eyes had been closed, she started feeling extremely anxious. Heart racing, stomach turning knots, a heavy feeling weighing on her chest. She felt like she was having a panic attack. But why? How? She had been feeling fine just seconds ago. The noise around her got louder. It wasn’t much, but the sounds of their forks scraping against their plates was almost deafening. If she was on the verge of an episode, she would have no choice but to leave. She’d have to demand Noah take her back to the condo so she could go to their bedroom, where Lukas couldn’t see, and she could hyperventilate in peace. Perhaps all of this was just simply too overwhelming for her. Being out in public, though presently shielded from the rest of the world. The mounting stress of wedding planning, dealing with Lukas’s outbursts and stumbling upon Ashton only a few weeks ago. Ashton here now. It was quite possible that now, at the most inconvenient time, all of those stressors had bubbled to the surface and were ready to backhand her across the face. Kaydence took a sharp intake of breath, feeling like she had to burp. “Emmeline, are you alright?” Noah sounded like he was right next to her ear. Wanting to curse at him for yelling at her, she tried but couldn’t open her mouth. Instead she was tensing up. “Emmeline what’s wrong with you? Was there something in the food that shouldn’t have been?” She still couldn’t answer. The cold touch of his skin against her hand felt nice considering how much warmer she was feeling all of a sudden. Warmth…spreading all over her body like wildfire. It was all she could do to keep from taking her hand from Noah and rubbing at her arms.

Then just like that. ”Emme…” Kaydence’s eyes shot open. Widened, she looked at Ashton before realizing what she was doing and turned to Noah whose facial expression was quickly turning to that of amusement. She knew this feeling. It had been a very, very long time since she had experience symptoms similar to one of her common anxiety attacks. Had it not been for her fiance’s half-assed attempt to keep from laughing, she may have thought that she was indeed experiencing another one. That son of a bitch had given her a pill at some point. “Yes,” she said slowly, finding it difficult to hone in on his face as much as she was trying. “I’m fine. I just needed a moment.” Kaydence felt him pull her hands towards him, smiling softly as his lips connected with tops of her fingers. ”Yes I’m sure you did.” All the confirmation she needed. Right…there. As he dropped her hands, she quickly pulled them onto her lap and began to fidget. She wanted to be mad. Deep down, she was furious. When had he done it? When they got to dinner? No, he hadn’t poured the wine. He hadn’t touched her glass at all with the exception of a few moments ago. Even then that wasn’t enough time for these baby rolls kicking in. Her mind retraced the early part of the night as best as she could while she began to feel the effects of another small roll coming. The kitchen. When he had given her the first glass of wine. He had to have done it then. Inhaling deeply, she was suddenly terrified, the anxiety so much worse. Why had he thought it appropriate to drug her? Did he really think she was going to cause a scene? As soon as the question arose, Kaydence looked off to the side and shrugged in response to no one, silently answering her own question. They had fought earlier. He probably did. She did have a hard time letting things go. But why? Negative feelings were the worst. Feelings like what she was experiencing now was much better.

She could hear Ashton and Noah talking in the background but she was completely incapable of paying any attention to them. Even with all of the internal shit going on inside of her body, she felt fucking amazing. She wanted to contain it. Wanted to be as solemn as she could and just eat the delicious breads and cheeses in front of her but she couldn’t. Too much going on. Thoughts going a mile a minute. Couldn’t even understand how terrible of an idea this was that Noah had. Couldn’t yet process how she was stuck in a room with two extremely good-looking men. Couldn’t process how the one in front of her was staring at her, no doubt wondering what the fuck was wrong with her. Didn’t matter. Only a few minutes in and she was feeling the best she had in months. ”Unless I’m thinking about you of course. Flick it three times and you appear?” Thinking about who? Honing in, she looked at Ashton. Merlin he was the most handsome man in this room. Especially with the way the light was cascading around him. Surely he had to know how attractive he looked. Surely he had to know how any woman who looked at him would want to undo that tie and rip the buttons off of the shirt he was wearing underneath. Kind of like how she felt now. Realizing where her thoughts were going, Kaydence’s eyes widened yet again and turned to face Noah. Merlin he was so good looking. The light wasn’t as good from where he was sitting but she still wanted to place her hand on his cheek and rub at his stubble. She wondered how that would feel. She couldn’t remember how it did way back when the first time she felt this way with him. “There’s always ulterior motives for what I do.” She smiled. He was a tricky bastard. But he was her tricky bastard and all she wanted to do was leave and have her way with him.

“Are you sure you’re alright darling? You should probably try to put some more food on your stomach.” Chuckling, she pointed her finger at him in a scolding way, or at least she thought she was. As Noah’s attention diverted back to his food, Kaydence felt Ashton’s eyes on her yet again. This time, not feeling shy at all, she returned the gaze. It was so easy to get lost in those eyes that resembled the deep blue abyss of an ocean. As much as she wanted to scowl at him, roll her eyes, stick out her tongue, anything, she quickly remembered what it had been about him that captured her attention in the first place. The cool guy, rebel-without-a-cause attitude. How could she ever look at his face and be mad? He was so sexy. In that moody, hating everyone who wasn’t him demeanor he always kept up. Not realizing what she was doing, or maybe she was, she didn’t fucking know anymore, she tilted her head to the side again and brought her hand to the opposite shoulder. Sliding her fingers underneath the strap, she lightly lifted up and pulled it to the side, sliding her nails across her collarbone as she did. A sensual smile on her face, he would no doubt be able to see that. She was treading very dangerous waters but couldn’t stop herself. Hopefully the man that had started all of this nonsense would quickly catch on before it was too late. But then again, hopefully not. She was thoroughly enjoying the look Ashton was giving her.

[Ashton Wentworth]

“No issues for me sir,” Ashton’s eyes flicked over to Noah as he spoke - waiting for Kaydence to answer. What was wrong with her? Why did she look like that? She didn’t seem like...anything was physically wrong with her but then again...she was so focused on something somewhere else. If he hadn’t had the time to think better of it - he would have thought that she was drugged. “Emmeline, are you alright?” Watching them interact like this - was a learning experience for him. He hadn’t even noticed that she was off - and that didn’t sit right with Ashton. “Emmeline what’s wrong with you? Was there something in the food that shouldn’t have been?” Ashton’s gaze diverted the moment that Noah took her hand - back down to the bread that she was shredding, focusing on his cigarette instead. Now that it had been pointed out to him - he was so invested. As each moment passed - it was growing so much less, and less likely that Ashton was going to be able to sit through this whole dinner. He needed to find a way to set an alarm - or schedule a phone call, to have somebody message him in just a moment so that he could come up with an excuse not to be here any longer. Ashton wasn’t even going to be able to get to the first course. “Emme…” The fact that she wasn’t answering was even worse, in his opinion. She had never been shy about her opinion, or whenever something was wrong with her. Not in the slightest - she was always the first person to turn up and voice her thoughts on any given subject. Even if it wasn’t wanted. Seeming so...sedated couldn’t possibly just be because of his presence. ”Yes. I’m fine. I just needed a moment.” Had missed her looking at him, but her voice sounded off. Perhaps all of her years away had mellowed her out. Perhaps she was a lot more of a lightweight now than she had been before. It wasn’t his place to ask - it wasn’t his place to tell her anything, and she had made her feelings on this subject abundantly clear. . “I’m sure you did.” It was sickening, hearing that tone come out of the man’s mouth. Most of all when it was directed toward that other body. Ashton’s lip curled upward, smoking a touch too fast he was certain. Ashton’s blue eyes rolled toward his whiskey glass - contemplative because he should likely slow in order to keep his true self from coming into view.


“Sure you will.” Ashton finally picked up a piece of bread and popped it into his mouth, holding it with his tongue against the roof of his mouth for distraction purposes alone. “There’s always ulterior motives for what I do.” Ashton nodded, talking around the obstruction in his mouth “Well I didn’t have to meet you to know that,” Kaydence was glaring daggers at that other body next to her - or at least from this ankle it seemed that way. “Are you sure you’re alright darling?” Ashton had missed something here, obviously. “You should probably try to put some more food on your stomach.” Didn’t like being on the outside - but what choice did he have. Chancing a glance in Kaydence’s direction, Ash found her staring at him. Swallowing hard, a single brow lifted in questions. Wondering what she could have wanted looking at him like...that. Her gaze all hooded - her pupils were fucking huge. Was she on something? Merlin she was fucking high. Her arm lifting like it was - moving back to the side of her neck in that same move that she had made earlier. What the hell was she playing at? Could feel his pulse quicken at he shot a glance to Noah - and then back to her. They weren’t friends. Not that good of friends. Hardly even knew the prick. Kaydence had been his way, way longer than she had been with this prick - he knew it in his bones. It was the only way that this could actually have existed. Looking at him like that - deliberately, and on purpose. She was wanting him to look. The fuck kind of game. He would bend her over this table right here right now. She should know that - doors were closed and he would knock Noah clean out - real quick.

If only that were an actual, total option. Ashton’s jaw set and he shifted in his seat, balling up a bit of bread between his fingers and waiting until he was sure that Noah wasn’t looking - and threw the damned thing at her - aimed to hit right between her eyes. Angry with her for pushing such a thing after all of this time. Further grateful when those doors opened yet again, a cart full of something smelling incredible wafting into the room. Ashton couldn’t hear what the waiter was saying. He couldn’t understand the words used and he didn’t care any other than the large platers were being placed on the table and portions were being doled out into respective place settings and he couldn’t even think to thank the man this go around, the bottom of Ashton’s shiny new lighter tapping against the perfect white tablecloth - who the hell did she think that she was? Just because she was pretty - just because she was in that fucking dress she thought that she could fuck with him? Just move like that - like nothing had ever happened, and none of it had ever mattered in the first place. That it was in any way acceptable for her to act like that in front of him - least of all directed at him. Put out his cigarette and near instantly lit a second - couldn’t fucking stomach food at this moment. Couldn’t help himself, chin lifted and smoke blowing out toward the ceiling. Had Noah drugged her? Had she done this on purpose? He knew from the look at that been on her face that she hadn’t known that her dinner was going to have company - so she couldn’t have done it in preparation of seeing him. There were too many questions and not enough answers.

[Noah Eklund]

It had dawned on him that he had still yet to tell Emmeline that he was leaving tomorrow. There had been plenty of opportunities to have mentioned it throughout the course of the night. Not just at the restaurant but back as the condo as well. Noah knew he could have mentioned it when he had first gotten there, before their fight. He could have mentioned it during their fight as matter of fact. Right after she had mentioned how sick she was of him being gone every single day since they had been there. He had probably saved himself a black eye from not going that route. In the heat of the moment, Emmeline had the tendency to get physically aggressive when she was that triggered. It had only happened two or three times, but all the instances had caught him off guard enough to be on the receiving end of a powerful punch. He would then always tell her how she needed to stop working out so much, too much muscle behind that closed fist. That comment always seemed to satisfy her. Also causing her to extend her lifting sessions by an hour, making Noah regret saying anything in the first place. He could tackle her easily, if push came to shove, but his mother had taught him to never put his hands on a woman, well, in that manner anyway. Dinner had seemed the best option. Give her the chill pill, give her a few glasses of wine, wait until the opportune moment, address his travel itinerary (somewhat) to Emmeline and Ashton and then pray his thought process had been right on the money.

However, now that she was beginning to roll her face off, Noah realized the revelation would have to come soon. Emmeline would be furious at him, when she came back down to Earth, but he would leave strict instructions with Mikkhal to remind her after she had her cup of coffee and breakfast on the balcony the following morning. He didn’t dare make him tell her without either drink or food in her system. She might fling something at him again. The last time she had done that, Mikkhal had nearly put in his two weeks. Considering that his assistant had been around him longer than his fiancée, that was one relationship he wasn’t willing to give up for her. He trusted Mikkhal more than any other soul. The man knew him in and out. He was the right person to run his business while he was gone because he knew how Noah thought. How he would act. Still, he felt guilty about leaving Mikkhal to deal with the wrath of Emmeline so he would make sure to add in a couple thousand galleons to his next paycheck. All of this would be worth it in the long run, for everyone involved.

Making it a point to avoid looking at Emme, Noah held his cigarette off to one side as he finished eating the baguette that had been on his plate. Although it probably didn’t look it, he did feel the slightest bit guilty. He truly hadn’t meant to drug her, in that way anyway. He knew how stressed she had been lately. He knew how depressed she had been, moping around the house for whatever reason while he had been away. Getting her out of the house on her own free-will would have been nothing short of a miracle. He had her best interests at heart. Whether she cared to admit it or not, Emmeline needed to get out of that fucking condo. She needed to have a night out, with him, and throw any worries to the wind just for one measly night. There had to be a part of her that knew that. There had to be a part that knew he was only looking out for her. It was an unorthodox way of looking out for someone, but he was nonetheless. Noah would make sure she enjoyed herself tonight and he wouldn’t stop until that beautiful smile of hers was plastered on her face for longer than a minute. Wiping his free hand on the napkin across his lap, he turned his head towards his cigarette and took a long drag. He held the smoke in his mouth for a few moments before slowly exhaling it. Looking down at his watch, he noticed it was fifteen til 9. The trio still had some time here before their table would be ready at the club down the street he had researched when Ashton told him where they would be having dinner. Some swanky place called Halcyon Nights. A club once owned by the former Dark Lord Darren Morgan himself. Word had it was that his sister had helped him run it. Couldn’t remember the broads name. The club was clearly under new management now but Noah’s interest had been peeked.

The doors opened again and Noah smelled the food before it even came into his line of sight. Turning his head to the side, he watched as the waiter pushed a cart to the table. He could barely understand the man, too focused on the steaming bowls of soup that were being placed in front of each member of the dinner party. Grinning, he looked to Ashton who seemed rather perturbed about something. Then to Emmeline, chin propped up on the back of her hand and was staring at him with a stupid smile. Giving her a wink, he leaned over and squeezed her knee underneath the table. She was gone. The food in front of her was pointless. It was unlikely she’d be eating anything for the rest of the night. Glancing back at Wentworth who was staring so angrily at the wall for whatever reason, perhaps he was enjoying the food too much he didn’t want to give Noah credit where credit was deserved. Wouldn’t have been the first time. Noah decided to use the opportunity he hadn’t meant to give himself. The dinner was supposed to be a celebratory one but he still hadn’t given his friend the few details he knew he needed. Leaning further into Emmeline, he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and whispered, “I know you’re not hungry my kärlak. Why don’t you go over to that that seat in the corner and just relax.” Emphasizing the last word, he turned his lips to her temple and gave her a kiss. Bringing himself back into his chair, he watched Emme think for a moment before nodding and placing her napkin on the dinner table. ”If you’ll excuse me gentlemen. I’m going to go be with my thoughts.” Sliding out of her chair, she placed her hand on his shoulder. Noah grabbed it, bringing it to his lips for another kiss before she pulled it away and slowly strutted towards the area in the back with chairs that had been sent up for after-dinner drinks and desserts. It was difficult to tear his eyes away her hips as they moved back and forth until she found a seat with her back facing the table. Pulling his wand from his right coat pocket, he quickly mumbled a silencing charm over the area, making Emmeline oblivious to the conversation they were about to have. He did, however, make sure that the soft music that had been playing in the background was still audible for her to hear.

He turned his attention back to Wentworth. “I hate talking about work over dinner again but I figured it’s best we have an idea of the game plan for the next week. I also have something I need to ask you. Hopefully you’ll say yes, it would take a lot of stress off of my plate.” Taking another drag from his cigarette, Noah placed the smoking end of the rod into his ashtray and pressed firmly down. Noah replaced the cigarette with his soup spoon and slowly began to stir in the garnishes that had been placed on top of it. “As I’ve told you, I found the Babi. I’m leaving early tomorrow morning to retrieve it. I’m not telling you where it is, it’s simply how I do business, I hope you still understand, but it will take me a few days travel to and from. I can’t tell you when I have it. I’ll only be able to reach out once I have returned back to Austria. I know I’ve already told you, but once I land, I want it out of my possession as quickly as possible.Have you finished arranging the details for the exchange?”

[Kaydence Morgan]

In the past, one of Kaydence’s favorite things to do was to look at Ashton. They’d be in their respected parts of the room, her on the sofa, him on his favorite chair, both watching the same show on television. He would have come home only a few minutes prior, heated about something at work and refusing to talk until he had a glass of whiskey in his hand. At first, it bothered the hell out of her. She had been stuck at the house all day, no social interactions with anything but her dog. All she wanted was for him to come home, snuggle up to her and fill her in on how his day went so she could live vicariously through him. Even the few times he had given her what she wanted, his answers were short, brisk and to the point. More often than not, Ashton came home annoyed. Kaydence knew he never purposely tried to come home that way, he was an emotional man who internalized instead of externalized as time went on. He lashed out less and less until she knew to leave him alone until he had his drink and was ready to be close to her. He was the cutest when he silently stewed. The way the corners of his eyes twitched when he was trying so hard to distract himself from the events of the day. She would prop a couch pillow on her knees and rest her head on it, smiling. He always knew she was staring at him. ”What the fuck are you looking at?” It was how it always used to start until he had just accepted what she was doing. Eventually, his features would soften and he would roll his eyes over in her direction. Kaydence would then lift her head up, tilt it to the side, turn her eyes to the empty space next to her to motion for him to come sit before resting her head back on the pillows while she waited for him to finally join her.

A close second would always be the satisfaction of him walking over to her and taking his seat. He’d either pull her into him or rest his head on her chest, allowing her to run her fingers through his hair. Those had always been moments of pure bliss for Kaydence. No worries in the world except for him and how he was feeling. Wanting to show him that she was there for him and she was perfectly fine with staying in silence as long as he was next to her. Looking at him now, that need was only intensified. There was still the want to have him. Wanted him to grab her and kiss her with such feverish passion that they completely forgot Noah was in the room. That feeling had subsided, if only a little, to the need of him just holding her. She wanted to lean her head into the nape of his neck and have him lead their bodies in a soft sway back and forth in tune to the soft music in the room. She wanted him to rub at her back, maybe quietly hum the melody. The thought alone was sending chills down her spine. She continued looking at him with a soft smile, pleading with him to see what she was. She may have been feeling risky, but deep-down Kaydence knew he probably didn’t feel the same. They both remembered how their last meeting at the alley had gone. That had been it. Chapter closed. Anything that was happening between them right now was the alcohol playing very cruel games with them. The drug in her system was engineered to increase serotonin in her brain. Making her feel happy and loved and yearning for euphoric moments. These were mere distractions from the reality of the situation at hand.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she watched Ashton look back and forth between her and Noah. What was he doing? Had she been able to psychically tell him what she was thinking. Her bottom lip opened enough to cause a small space between the upper. Straightening up, she felt herself tense. And then he threw a piece of bread, hitting her directly inbetween the eyes. The impact sent shockwaves through her entire body. The confusion turning into slight shock. What a child. Kaydence couldn’t for the life of her figure out why he had done that. Then she remembered her teasing. Placing her hands back on her lap, she made a face and looked at Noah. A piece of bread. She wanted to be mad but all he had done was draw her attention away from him and to her fiancé. Noah was puffing at his cigarette, but the angle at which his head was turned…Merlin. How did she get so lucky to be stuck in a room with two of the most attractive men she had ever met? Dirty thoughts crossed her mind, causing another smile to remain stuck on her face as she stared at Noah, imagining him leaning in to grab at the left strap of her dress while he used his free hand to feel her up while Ashton’s lips traced a path behind her neck to her shoulder and grabbing the other one. Goosebumps. Kaydence could feel them popping up on her arms as she continued smiling at Noah, totally oblivious to the food that was coming into the room at her naughty daydream. That was something Ashton would never allow to happen though. He had always been very clear he did not share.

Smiling still as he winked at her, she practically shivered as his hand squeezed her knee. The warmth that had come from that spot was exhilarating. Noah leaned into her, pushing her hair behind her ear. “I know you’re not hungry my kärlak. Why don’t you go over to that that seat in the corner and just relax.” It wasn’t quite what she was hoping to hear him say to her, but the idea of being able to take some time to herself was probably a good one. Too many feelings from looking at both of the men to either side of her. The kiss to her temple felt nice as he pulled himself away. Nodding to herself, Kaydence grabbed her napkin and dabbed at the corners of her lips before laying it on the table. Pushing herself away from the table, she spoke. “If you’ll excuse me gentlemen. I’m going to go be with my thoughts.” That was one way to put it. She pulled herself from the chair, standing up and placing her hand on Noah’s shoulder as she did so. More warmth from him grabbing her hand and kissing at it. She didn’t dare look at Ashton, but she could feel him and Noah watching as she retreated to a plush lounge chair facing the wall and slid into it. Merlin this thing was fucking heaven. Angling herself to the side, Kaydence peered over the top of the chair where only her eyes could be seen. Couldn’t hear a damn thing. She frowned. They must have been talking business now. It was strange she couldn’t hear them but she did hear the music playing in the background. Finding Ashton’s line of sight, she stared at him for a few moments, wishing so badly she could do her little motion for him to come join her but knowing that was impossible. Sliding her head out of sight, she leaned it into the back cushion and closed her eyes, softly patting the cushion to the beat of the tune.

[Ashton Wentworth]

”If you’ll excuse me gentlemen. I’m going to go be with my thoughts.” Food should have always been a distraction. It should have always been enough to keep him far more than entertained. Hypothetically. It would have been simple - should Noah have been engaged to a random female who was just boring, or annoying - or any number of other negative personality traits - food would have been the perfect thing to keep his occupied until such a time as Ashton could fuck off, or get her the hell out of there. As it was - it was Kaydence and she wasn’t a body that Ashton was easily capable of ignoring - the idea of attempting to force food into his stomach was going to make him just that much more uneasy. He didn’t really think that he liked the way that Kaydence had just been dismissed. Thought that it was even more strange that she just - up and did it. That she was willing to just, walk away from it? From the table...from him? To be alone with her thoughts? What thoughts? She had no thoughts. She was a ball of rage. Given how intoxicated she clearly was - no doubt she was going to go sit in that corner and examine the fingerprints on her fingers and space entirely out of the rest of everything. She lifted from her chair, and all of the affection. Kissing - all things that couples should have been doing. It was perfectly normal - he was the one that was having an issue with it. Couldn’t say a single word about anything whatsoever - and it took everything in him not to watch the way that her hips moved on her way across the room. Ashton almost missed Noah’s wand being whipped out because his head was still spinning a mile a minute.


Was this something that happened often between the pair of him? How strange that such a thing was commonplace. Ashton supposed it was one of those breeding things that he just didn’t understand. One of those - it was just supposed to be a certain way sorts of things. Did ‘Emmeline’ go and excuse herself to corners often and just let things go? Was this an agreement that the pair of them had come to? Must have just been because he had no freaking clue who the hell it was that he was about to marry. “I hate talking about work over dinner again but I figured it’s best we have an idea of the game plan for the next week. I also have something I need to ask you. Hopefully you’ll say yes, it would take a lot of stress off of my plate.” Ashton’s attention turned back center - poking at the food on his plate with his fork while he nodded, listening carefully to whatever was about to come out of that man’s mouth. As for favors - it wasn’t like Ashton could have said no, even if he had wanted to. “As I’ve told you, I found the Babi.” Well yeah, he would fucking hope so. It was rather the whole, entire point to all of this. ” I’m leaving early tomorrow morning to retrieve it. I’m not telling you where it is, it’s simply how I do business, I hope you still understand, but it will take me a few days travel to and from.” Yes - Ashton had assumed that much as well. He had assumed that he would be gone to wherever it was - and back within the week. Ashton just hadn’t decided whether or not he wanted to have the man followed. ” I can’t tell you when I have it. I’ll only be able to reach out once I have returned back to Austria. I know I’ve already told you, but once I land, I want it out of my possession as quickly as possible. Have you finished arranging the details for the exchange?” Yes - of course he had. Naturally - Ashton wanted it out of his hands as quickly as possible as well. That uncomfortable drop in Ashton’s stomach happened again - would all be over soon. Noah - possibly his whole family brought in on treason charges, transporting illegal goods across country lines - black market dealings - the list went on and on. Things that Ashton nearly instantly pushed down into the very bottom of his brain because he simply did not wish to think about it for more than a couple seconds. Putting out his own cigarette Ashton nodded. “Yes - will just need to finalize details when I have the Babi in hand - and then the rest of your payment of course.” which was what all of this came down to, wasn’t it? “I don’t think that counts as the favor you’re wanting to ask though?”

[Noah Eklund]

It was an interesting realization; the fact that in just a few days’ time this would all be over. The past year, well a little over at this point, Noah’s life had been dedicated to finding this damned artifact. It had been the most challenging of his career. So many people to meet with. So many people to write. So many countries to travel. So many puzzle pieces to put together. It had fully consumed him as it got closer to the end. Still did. He wished he could tell Emmeline why he had spent so many days and nights away from her and Lukas. She had to understand deep down that the payoff was going to be worth it for all the time he had devoted to finding it. He also knew it was likely that she would have shot down the idea if he had ever brought it up to her. Noah was sure she would have told him how dangerous it was. She wouldn’t have been lying. If she knew he was working with a former government official she probably would have lost her entire mind. Again, he wouldn’t have been able to blame her. Every little detail of this venture was risky. Honestly, too risky for his liking. However, the only reason, and truly the only reason, he had decided to take Wentworth up on the original offer was because of the money. That’s it. The need for adventure, it had been satiated a long time ago. He didn’t need any more connections, he had them all over the world before all of this. He was getting older. He had a family he wanted to spend time with. All of this had been done so that he could take his beautiful fiancée and their son and go spend the rest of their lives on a tropical vacation. Noah had been sacrificing his time, his money and his patience all for the end goal. Happiness and isolation.

Placing his soup spoon in his bowl, Noah brought the utensil up to his mouth, blowing on it carefully before placing the spoon in his mouth. The flavor was exquisite. Apple and butternut squash. An unlikely pairing but somehow meshed beautifully together. Kind of like him and Wentworth’s relationship. He swore he could taste chunks of duck as well. Making a noise from the back of his throat, he looked at Ashton and made a face indicating how delicious he thought the steaming hot liquid was and how Ashton needed to try it. As he looked at his friend, he noticed how the man had barely touched anything on his plate. Was he not hungry? Not pleased? If he was going so far as to prove a point then Noah felt he would really need to lay into the man about the importance of getting the stick out of his ass. It was okay to treat himself for the night. They may have ragged on each other all the time for their different opinions on how to spend money. He found it extraordinarily hard to believe though that Ashton wasn’t enjoying ANY part of this night at all. The expensive whiskey. The privacy. Being treated like royalty. Hell, even the company. He and Emmeline weren’t bad dinner guests. A little affectionate at times perhaps but they certainly weren’t boring. The fact that he had dismissed his fiancée because she was too high to function should have proven that. It was a strange feeling, and he knew better than to be feeling it, but Noah began to feel a little annoyed with Ashton. He got it; this wasn’t his scene but for the love of Merlin he could at least pretend to be enjoying himself tonight. If spending too much money was an issue, he would have handled it. All he wanted was to have a delicious feast with his friend and fiancée and then go out for a few drinks after. What was so troubling about any of this?”

He continued eating his soup while he waited for Ashton to respond. Seemed he was processing the little information Noah was willing to provide. ”Yes - will just need to finalize details once I have the Babi in hand – and then the rest of your payment of course.” That didn’t sit well with him. Giving him a curious look, he grabbed his napkin and wiped at his mouth. “Once you have it in hand?” he repeated. “I’d prefer for them to be done before I get back.” His last comment was a little assertive but he had already worked under so much uncertainty this entire time. “Mikkhal will still be in contact with me. I would appreciate if you could have the fine details to him within the next day or so.” Noah knew Ashton wouldn’t have much of a chance to tell him no. He had no idea where the hell he was going. The next week rested entirely on his shoulders and his shoulders alone. If he or his assistant had any sort of feeling that shady behavior was afoot, he would drop all communication immediately and flee with it if necessary. Ashton had no idea where he was taking his family. He had given him some insight into his personal life but still left particular details secret. The amount of money people would be willing to pay him if they knew he had the artifact in his possession was astronomical. ”I don’t think that counts as the favor you’re asking though.” He shook his head, leaning towards the table and propping his elbows up, lacing his fingers together. Before he could say anything to Ashton, Noah heard the door behind him open again. Quick footsteps came to his side. ”Sir.” Looking up, his head security warlock was standing next to him. “Yes? I hope this is important. You’re interrupting my conversation.” The warlock nodded. ”I understand sir. I wouldn’t interrupt you unless it was.” Sighing, he waved the man off and turned back to face Ashton. He’d deal with his guard and whatever “important” issue was awaiting him in a moment.

“My apologies,” Noah said, gripping his fingers together. “I know this is a little unconventional, but as much as I hate to admit it, you Wentworth are one of the only people I trust. Mikkhal is going to have his hands full with my business while I’m gone. I’m going to have some of my security with me while the others are back home. I was hoping that you would allow me to tell Emmeline to reach out if she needs anything she doesn’t feel our security can provide her.” He paused. “By that I mean, she has told me over and over how she feels unsafe here. I have no clue why. Perhaps the paranoia of my career and being kept in the dark.” Noah paused again, this time to take a sip from his water glass. “My family means everything to me Wentworth. I can’t express that enough to you. I’ve read all about you. I know you were very good at your job when you had it. Newspaper articles are just opinions to me. I prefer to judge people once I’ve gotten to know them and you, I can tell you know how to look after your best interests. I’m asking you to look out for mine, just while I’m gone. I’ll even take a small cut from my payment if I can have your word you’ll be easily accessible if she needs you.” He had hoped he had imposed the seriousness of the situation with the mention of the pay cut. Ashton knew he didn’t fuck around with his money.

[Ashton Wentworth]

“Once you have it in hand?” Ashton nodded - but of course he would have an issue with that. “I’d prefer for them to be done before I get back.” Naturally, but as far as Noah was concerned - this was the part about Ashton and his revenge on the Ministry that had done so poorly by him. That had flipped in such great measures - for all of the suffering that he had been made to endure. That was the half of their arrangement that Ashton didn’t speak about. Didn’t matter what the reason that Noah thought that it was for. Noah didn’t discuss things that were too personal - Ashton didn’t discuss the beef that he had with the Ministry, plain and simple. “Mikkhal will still be in contact with me. I would appreciate if you could have the fine details to him within the next day or so.” Ashton eased back into his seat, plucking one of those small pickles from the tasting board off of the center of the table and popping the whole thing into his mouth with a nod. “As much as I can divulge with you, certainly. I’m sure that you understand.” Vague - but of course he had to be. This was where they got to business - Noah had yet to tell him what this favor was and he needed to know, and now - before it was that Noah went and left the country. He was just about to tell him - whenever another person entered the room, looking to address Noah alone. ”Sir.” Bad timing all around. Ashton was watching but only with casual interest to keep him from looking in the direction of Kaydence. She was complicating - everything. “Yes? I hope this is important. You’re interrupting my conversation.” Something about this didn’t sit right with Ashton. Didn’t like the timing of it all. Felt - well he wasn’t entirely certain just what word he wanted to use to describe how it felt. Was this by design? ”I understand sir. I wouldn’t interrupt you unless it was.” Noah certainly seemed rather irritated by this development - but he wouldn’t have put it past Noah to be well versed in all manner of poker faces and when to apply them. Ashton watched silently as he waived the man away - leaving them alone together again.


“My apologies, I know this is a little unconventional, but as much as I hate to admit it, you Wentworth are one of the only people I trust.” Ashton found that highly unlikely. Was sure that he said that to all of his business partners. However, what Ashton would have given to have had Kaydence overhear that little comment. Would have made his whole fucking week to see the look on her face. ”Mikkhal is going to have his hands full with my business while I’m gone. I’m going to have some of my security with me while the others are back home. I was hoping that you would allow me to tell Emmeline to reach out if she needs anything she doesn’t feel our security can provide her.” Fuck. Hell fucking no. Absolutely fucking not. “By that I mean, she has told me over and over how she feels unsafe here.” Oh fucking really. Ohsafe? No fucking shit. Irritation was bubbling to the surface very quickly inside of him - taking more and more effort to contain. ” I have no clue why.” Ashton was willing to venture a few guesses there, him being a large part of it. Selfish cow. Ashton reached for his drink while Noah was talking, listening carefully and drinking perhaps a little too deeply. ” Perhaps the paranoia of my career and being kept in the dark.” Oh good - filling in all of the gaps for him, very helpful - poor bastard. Fucking Kaydence - no doubt had been playing the damesel in fucking distress for years now. Did he even know that she was from here? “My family means everything to me Wentworth. I can’t express that enough to you. I’ve read all about you. I know you were very good at your job when you had it. Newspaper articles are just opinions to me. I prefer to judge people once I’ve gotten to know them and you, I can tell you know how to look after your best interests. I’m asking you to look out for mine, just while I’m gone. I’ll even take a small cut from my payment if I can have your word you’ll be easily accessible if she needs you.” Well then. Ashton finished the contents of his glass, considering carefully. A slow look from Noah over to the girl out of her head in the corner while pouring himself a refill. Lifting the glass in toast he nodded, “Your family is my family Eklund.” Waiting for the glasses to clink together softly and himself to take another sip before leaning over the table, “This is excellent - and if you ever mention that I’ve said such - I will deny it tooth and nail.”

[Noah Eklund]

Overall, Noah was a charismatic, outgoing man. He worked hard, but he knew how to play harder. Due to how he conducted his business, he felt that he earned the right to live his life to the fullest. When he was working, there was no stone he would leave unturned in a transaction. No research he wouldn’t shift through books for. Because of his strict practices, he simply expected his partners to do the same. If he ran a tight ship, they needed to do the same. If he could present precise details down to dotted line, they needed to be able to reciprocate. He didn’t like one bit that Ashton would “finalize the details once he had the Babi in hand”. That’s not how business like this worked. Given his shadiness, Noah would have assumed that the man sitting across from him would be aware of that. He had already agreed upon receiving his final half of payment once the exchange of the artifact was over. Why couldn’t Ashton assure him of this significant part of the plan? It didn’t sit well with him at all. ”As much as I can divulge with you, certainly. I’m sure that you understand.” He smirked. “So it appears we have a Mexican standoff,” he remarked, finishing the last bit of soup from his bowl. “I won’t press further. For now. I can respect where you’re coming from as long as you can do the same for me Wentworth. There’s a lot of ways this could go wrong…for the both of us.” Noah reached for his glass of water and took a long sip. “Every. Single. Detail needs to be concrete. It is unacceptable for anything to lead to any margin of error.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Noah could see his head of security shifting anxiously near the door. His curiosity had certainly been struck. What could have possibly happened where the man felt the need to interrupt his dinner? Hopefully Ashton would respond to his favor soon so he could hurry and find out. He sincerely hoped it would be something that could wait before he left tomorrow. Pushing his bowl out of the way, he grabbed a small handful of olives and leaned back, staring intently at his friend. He hoped he would understand the seriousness of the situation at hand. Emmeline and Lukas were his world. If he could have a little extra help to make sure they were protected then he would do whatever was necessary. Having someone like Ashton who knew Austria, and hopefully many of its inhabitants, would play a vital part in keeping his family safe. Bringing the olive-encased hand to his mouth, Noah tossed them back. Chewing silently, he watched closely as his friend finally moved and grabbed his glass, pouring a refill as he did so. He wiped his hands on his napkin, practically on the edge of his seat as Ashton finished pouring his whiskey. As soon as he did, the man lifted his glass up to toast. Grinning, he grabbed his own and lifted it. ”Your family is my family Eklund.” His grin even more broad, he clinked glasses with the man. Thank Merlin. Another tidbit of stress to take off of his shoulders. Noah tilted his head back, emptying the glass of its contents as he did. ”This is excellent – and if you ever mention that I’ve said such – I will deny it tooth and nail.” He laughed, leaning over his side of the table to grab Wentworth by the shoulder and give him a shake. “It’s got you feeling right, eh? Listen to me every once in a while, Wentworth. I don’t try to purposely steer you wrong.” Straightening himself upright, he slid out from the chair. “I sincerely appreciate your assistance in that matter, Ashton. Thank you. There’s a high possibility she may not need anything from you, stubborn ass woman she is, but it gives me a great deal of relief knowing you’ll be here.”

Patting the sides of jacket that had rumpled, he moved around his chair. “I’ll only be a moment,” he promised, holding up a finger with a wink as he began walking towards his security. As he passed by Emmeline’s chair, he chuckled to himself. She was hugging a pillow from it, head cuddled into the back of the chair with dreamy smile on her face. At least she was enjoying herself. Stopping as reached his guard, Noah extended his arms out to the side. “What is it?” His head of security peered over at Ashton, then to Emmeline before looking back at him. ”There’s been a change in plans sir.” His brow furrowed. “What are you talking about change?” The guard cleared his throat. ”The man who has been your line of contact with the boat captain received a message from him about an hour ago. He relied it to Mikkhal. There’s a storm brewing out in the South Atlantic, not far away from your extraction site. He requested that you come at once so the boat can navigate safely to your destination before the waters are unsafe, delaying things. Mikkhal has already prepared your things as well as the Portkey but it is of dire importance you get back to Ilfracombe at once to begin the journey.” Noah’s face dropped. He hadn’t planned for inclement weather. Shouldn’t have been surprised. With the climate change storms seemed to be happening with more frequency and intensity. “We have to leave now?” he repeated, folding his arms as he cast a glance to his drug-ridden fiancée. The guard nodded. ”Yes sir. We must.” Dropping his head back on his shoulders, he sighed deeply. Well this really put a fucking wrench in the plans for tonight. There was no doubt about it. Emmeline was going to kill him. Tomorrow morning, he’d be lucky if he heard the condo was still standing after she realized he wasn’t sharing the bed next to her.

Bringing his head back to its normal position, Noah propped his left hand on his hip and wiped the lower half of his face with his right. “Right.” Turning around, he walked back towards the table. Stopping, he plastered a fake smile on his face and extended his arms outwards. “It appears I have to go,” offering no other explanation. Dropping them to his sides, he waited for Ashton to stand before taking another step towards him. Sliding his hand into his pocket, he pulled out a few galleons and set them in the front pocket of the man’s dinner jacket. He gingerly patted the area where the galleons lay. “Take these and let my lady have a night out on me. Take her dancing or something. Let her dance it out of her system. I have a table at that club…Halcyon Nights is what I think it’s called. Under Sebastian Berg. Please. She can’t go home in that condition. I need to take the guards with me. With any luck, this will be the only time you need to help her out.” Bringing his hand down, Noah grasped Ashton’s to shake before putting his other hand on the man’s arm. “Take care of her Wentworth,” he said, gripping both the man’s hand and arm. “I mean it.” His tone was assertive. Not necessarily threatening but forceful. He’d be able to pick up the hidden meaning. Dropping his hold, he then turned on his heel and made his way over to Emmeline. Kneeling in front of the chair, he grabbed her chin and smiled softly at her as her eyes opened. Merlin her pupils were fucking huge. “My kärlak, I have to go.” She said nothing, staring at him carefully. Digging his hand into his back pocket, he pulled out the small bag of pills and carefully maneuvered them underneath the fabric across her breast. Tucking them underneath, Noah copped himself a quick feel before moving his hand to the side of her face. This was fucking torture. The only send-off he wanted was a good roll and a great fuck. He’d be getting neither of those tonight. “Go have fun,” he said, rubbing her cheek with his thumb. “Find Ashton a girlfriend. Maybe she’ll be your new best friend.” Emmeline’s eyes narrowed. Bringing his lips to hers, he gave her a long kiss before pulling away. “Behave.”

Pushing himself from the ground, Noah turned back to Ashton one more time before playfully bowing at him. “I bid you adieu sir.” Also giving a last look to Emmeline, who was now looking at him curiously, gave her a wink and met his guard at the door. “Well, let’s fucking go gentlemen.” With that, he allowed the man to open the door for him as he walked out. He led the three men back the way they came, meeting the third guard at his spot at the door. The group walked outside. Looking up to the sign, he sighed and shook his head. It was going to take a long time for Emmeline to forgive him for this one. She would have every right to feel the way she did. ”Ready, Mr. Eklund?” Casting a glance over to his guard, he nodded and closed his eyes, imagining the driveway of their rental and disappearing not too shortly after.

[Ashton Wentworth]

Your family is my family? No. That wasn’t the thing that he had meant to say - even though he could see from his two comments alone a drastic change in Noah’s mood. A different way of speaking, that tension that had drawn lines in his forehead just - gone so easily. That was how he was supposed to be acting. See? Remove the bitch from the equation and then suddenly everything was possible. Just needed to stay over there. Ashton really, really hoped that Noah had no intentions of telling Kaydence - Emmeline - whoever the fuck she was pretending to be that she was allowed to have his number or reach out to him. Though, he was also equally certain that over her dead body would she ever come to him and admit that she needed help. Family was my family indeed. Should have been. In another life - many years ago maybe that was where they would have been headed. Perhaps it was nothing of the sort - time would have been the only voice on that matter and she had stolen all options from him. From the both of them. Clearly, they weren’t meant to be. Had said goodbye to her in that alley - and he had meant it. He had hoped to never see her again - and now here he was, promising to take care of her? The hell was he thinking? If Ashton could have removed himself from his own body - and thrown something large at his own idiotic, thick skull - he would have done it.


“It’s got you feeling right, eh? Listen to me every once in a while, Wentworth. I don’t try to purposely steer you wrong.” Something like that. Ashton’s brow lifted, attempting to show some sort of middle ground - that he was agreeing but under protest. Wouldn’t admit to liking the flavor because then it was like he was admitting the price tag was worth it - which it absolutely most certainly did not. However - it made Noah happy, and that was the entire goal wasn’t it? Wait. Where was he going? He couldn’t possibly be going to attend to the security matter. He better be taking ‘Emmeline’ with him. “I sincerely appreciate your assistance in that matter, Ashton. Thank you. There’s a high possibility she may not need anything from you, stubborn ass woman she is, but it gives me a great deal of relief knowing you’ll be here.” Little did he fucking know. Stubborn was putting it nicely. If Noah only knew who she really was, putting her in a room anywhere near Ashton was the last thing that he was going to allow to happen. If she thought that Ashton hadn’t noticed the way she looked at him since she had come into the fucking room in the first place - she was wrong. Little mess she was creating for herself. Mess for the both of them. They weren’t even a thing anymore and somehow all of her own personal drama was coming in to quite literally ruin his life. “I’ll only be a moment,” He was leaving? He was really fucking leaving? No. He couldn’t be. Ashton watched in muted horror as he moved over to Kaydence’s chair and lowered down in front of her - he was just going to leave her like this? To be Ashton’s problem no less? Dinner hadn’t even been finished. She was tripping balls - it was no way responsible for him to be leaving her in the care of another man. She looked like a fucking child all bent over like that. Ashton couldn’t hear much of what they were saying by the door - but that he was in fact leaving - and something about a ship whispered between the lot of them. Interesting that he would be leaving by such an outdated method of travel as an actual ship. Ashton wanted to be following that lead. He wanted to have the availability to be leaving after him to have him suitably followed. Now he was going to be stuck here - with Kaydence tripping ass.

“It appears I have to go,” Ashton nodded, pretending to be just perfectly fine with that. Just another drawback of their positions he would ask if Noah were to ask - which of course he wasn’t going to. He would say nothing - and Ashton would ask nothing. It was how things were done. Rising to meet him to see him off, as was the ‘proper’ thing to do - he almost protested the coins being slipped into his jacket pocket - whatever they were for couldn’t be anything good. “Take these and let my lady have a night out on me” What kind of fucking moron - put a girl that looked like that into the arms of another woman? Fuck he really must trust him for something like that. Stupid. Never should have done that. Ashton wasn’t trustworthy - just ask his own fucking Fianceee. Needed to get the fuck out of here, that was what. ”Take her dancing or something. Let her dance it out of her system. I have a table at that club…Halcyon Nights is what I think it’s called.” Of fucking course it was. Kaydence’s own fucking club. Couldn’t take her there - Darren or no Darren. How the hell was she going to have played that one off if Noah hadn’t been leaving? ”Under Sebastian Berg. Please. She can’t go home in that condition. I need to take the guards with me. With any luck, this will be the only time you need to help her out.” All of the guards? Even Mikkahel? Fuck. That was so much pressure. Regardless, Ashton shook his hand the moment that it was offered. “Take care of her Wentworth,” Ashton nodded, “I mean it.” The laugh that met those words was humorless. He understood that veiled threat for what it was - hated that he was being tested in this way. Hated that all of a sudden, this was making his own job harder to do. Releasing his hands - he watched, helpless to change this upcoming situation as he went to speak with Kaydence - Emmeline - whatever. Turning away - Ashton wanted nothing to do with the conversation that was going to happen between the two of them. Perhaps given her altered mental state she would just - shut up, play nice, and go the fuck home. Ashton had no idea how it was that he was supposed to convince her to get the hell home after this - or if he would be able to convince her even that they no longer needed to finish dinner, they just needed to get her home.

“I bid you adieu sir.” Ashton bent into a faux bow the moment that Noah did, waving his own hand theatrically in front of him to play along. He said nothing as Noah addressed his security guards - but it still made no sense that there were so fucking many of them. “Well, let’s fucking go gentlemen.” Ashton’s arm lifted to give them a cheeky little wave and wink - waiting with baited breath until those doors closed behind that party. He couldn’t fucking breathe. Those magical wards snapping in place around the room the moment that it was sealed shut - barring them from the rest of the restaurant - might as well have been from the entire world for how isolated he felt in that next moment. Ashton found himself staring at the doorway, the small line between the two - hoping that they were going to open again - hoping against hope that Noah was about to come barging back in with ‘I’m kidding’ written all over him - but Ashton also knew that was in no way about to happen. He didn’t want to turn around. He didn’t want to face whatever blown pupil monster he was going to have breathing fire all over this room in about oh point three seconds.

Less than that apparently.

Something soft hit Ashton in the back square between the shoulder blades - and he was forced to have to deal with the situation at hand. Turning half the way around to see what it was that hit him - he saw the offending pillow resting on the ground near his feet. He was stuck here. He was stuck in this room. He had no fucking choice. Had put far too much into this. Too many questions - and she had thrown a fucking pillow at him. “What are you? Five?!” Ashton bent to pick up the pillow - throwing it right back at her chest with just as much force. “Emmeline by the way? Are you fucking kidding me?” Ashton’s hand lifted “It’s not even creative! That like - the worst fucking alias I’ve ever fucking heard!” Ashton started to pat down the pockets on his chest - looking near frantically for the pack of cigarettes. “And I’ve heard some real shit ones.” Came with the territory when one worked on the Auror floor for long enough.

[Kaydence Morgan]

Besides being a savvy businessman, if there was anything else Kaydence could give credit Noah for it was his ability to find drugs that would knock her completely off of her ass and make her feel utterly euphoric. They hadn’t gotten high but three times together but each time had been more glorious then the previous. They would always start out intense. The come-ups were brutal. Didn’t help matters that she had anxiety out of the ass. Every single symptom was reminiscent of a panic attack. She really wasn’t sure how she was able to handle it. Her panic attacks took so much out of her that willingly, well not so willingly in this case, allowing herself to experience the side effects was stupid. The only difference was that at least she knew what was happening. Kaydence knew the weight on her chest, rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath and the intense feeling of just being so damn overwhelmed were short-lived. She’d have to ride it out for the next little bit and then once she hit her peak, it’d be smooth, happy sailing. Clutching the chair pillow closer to her chest, she snuggled deeply into it. Just needed to take deep controlled breaths in and out. Had to ride it out. Each time she’d get that harsh feeling, she squeezed the pillow tighter, forcing her body to tense up as it built and then releasing and enjoying the small bit of normalcy before it started back up again a few minutes later. Needed to keep remembering that this too shall pass.

Completely in her own little world, she was oblivious when Noah passed by her the first time. Kaydence had felt the slight breeze from him walking but was enjoying the happiness creeping in, reassuring her that things were going to be normalish soon. Still completely oblivious when he walked back to the table. The room had been silent for her, all but the music of course, for a little while now. Probably would have still been clueless he was in front of her had he not touched her chin. Feeling fingers on her jaw, she opened her eyes and was greeted with Noah’s smile. She wanted to return it but another roll was starting to hit. All she could so was stare at him, silently cursing him for doing this to her. She’d enjoy it soon enough but would have appreciated the respect of being told what he had done. Kaydence hated being caught by surprise. “My kärlak, I have to go.” Had to go? Heart racing, head swimming. She began to blink as she felt him enter the top of her dress, put something underneath her boob and then take it upon himself to have a little squeeze. She wanted to be mad but his touch felt really, really nice. “Go have fun.” Confusion settled across her features. The feel of his thumb rubbing at her cheek sent waves of tingles throughout her entire body. “Find Ashton a girlfriend. Maybe she’ll be your new best friend.” What the fuck was he talking about? Before she could say anything, Noah’s lips found hers and she relished in the passionate exchange between the two. Perfect timing at the roll was at its worst again. His kiss was the ultimate distraction. “Behave.” Kaydence had no idea why he was telling her to behave. Also, why he wanted her to find Ashton a girlfriend. That was the very least worry on her mind now or ever.

Then just like that, he was gone. As the door shut soundly behind him, Kaydence stared at it blankly for a few minutes. He was gone. No explanation as to why. They were supposed to have been together tonight. What had she missed throughout the course in the evening to give her any indication as to why he had left? Straightening herself up on the chair, she sat on her knees. By doing so, her new vantage point caused her line of sight to fall directly on Ashton’s back. Ashton. He was still in here. He didn’t leave with Noah. Why hadn’t he left? Where were the guards? She looked around nervously. No, no, no, no, no. This was not happening. Panic sunk in, at the exact time of yet another fucking intense roll. Eyes widened; she grabbed the pillow she had been hugging earlier. She was frightened. Not so much of being in the same room as Ashton but for being alone…with him. Ecstasy was called the happy love drug for a reason. Kaydence needed to get the hell out of here immediately. Furrowing her brows, she was infuriated. He had made Noah leave, hadn’t he? Whatever business arrangement they had going on…business. She had almost forgotten about that. They were working on something together. What a small fucking world it was. Of all fucking people. HIM. HIM?! Tightening her fist as her body tensed, she squared her jaw and reared her right arm back, pillow in hand. Releasing a small yell of frustration, she threw the pillow as hard as she could right at that slimy bastard’s back. As the pillow fell to the ground, she watched as he turned, meeting his look of bewilderment with her own of total annoyance. ”What are you? Five?!” No, just incapable of doing anything else at the moment. She hadn’t been expecting Ashton to throw the pillow back at her, directly hitting her in the chest and practically causing her to fall off of the chair. Catching herself at an opportune time, she huffed as she attempted to regain her balance.

”Emmeline by the way? Are you fucking kidding me?” Nope, not doing this right now. Kaydence’s legs wobbled like a baby giraffe learning to walk for the first time. She had been sitting for far too long. ”It’s not even creative! That’s like - the worst fucking alias I have ever fucking heard! And I’ve heard some real shit ones.” Finally righting herself, she took a deep breath. “So sorry. I didn’t think to consult you. I’m sure you would have come up with something so much better.” Walking as best as she could over to Ashton, who was extremely distracted in search for something, she stopped as she got to the table. “I don’t know what the fuck you’ve done and what the fuck you’ve gotten Noah involved in but I want no fucking part of it!” she yelled, grabbing her clutch but knocking it over in the process. Damn her lack of coordination. Grunting, she bent over and picked it up, holding it close to her chest. “I am very upset,” she announced, pointing a finger in his direction, “but I am NOT doing this right now. Fuck this.” Turning on her heel, Kaydence dramatically began to walk away, only to lose her footing in the process and fall to the side of the chair she had been sitting at. How many milligrams had been in that pill anyway? She was abnormally disorientated. Could have been Ashton’s presence making things worse though. Feeling another wave hit, she crumpled to the ground, back against the side of the chair. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she hugged at them tightly and forced herself to inhale and exhale deeply. She had to get out of here.

[Ashton Wentworth]

Ashton was going to get him for this. He was going to make him pay for sticking him in a room with a woman that as far as Noah knew, he had just met. A perfect stranger. Just how was it that Noah thought that this was supposed to go? The pair of them to sit here and finish this meal that neither one of them had been overly interested in eating in the first place. That he would have left his woman, dressed like that, to go out drinking and dancing with a perfect stranger? To make awkward conversation and let this Emmeline speak circles around them - that they were what, supposed to be unlikely friends? Absolutely not. Even if this was - just on surface level what Noah was thinking that it was going to be - no matter how much he ‘trusted’ him - it was a damned stupid idea. He had no idea what Ashton was like with women. For one. Business dealings and his skills with a wand were one thing - this was something else entirely. Now Kaydence was left - in the room with him, both equally uncomfortable and having to find a way to kill time until such a point as the doorman of Noah’s building would report that the pair of them had made it back at an acceptable hour with the lady of the house in a good enough mood. Somehow, Ashton doubted that his presence here was going to make any of that a possibility that could actually happen.

Kaydence couldn’t even fucking stand.

Stumbling all over the place like she had forgotten how to use her feet. The heels on her feet and the dress that she was wearing with it’s long skirt was going to make nothing easy for her. Couldn’t find his fucking cigarettes. Couldn’t find them. How the fuck was that possible. He had searched all of his pockets over twice now - on the fucking table. Of course they were on the fucking table. God damned - gold fucking lighter sitting there next to them, just another bad reminder that this wasn’t a place that he fucking wanted to be. Not for fucking anything. Could she not stop next to the very thing that he was looking for? Nothing was fair. Absolutely damned nothing at all. “I don’t know what the fuck you’ve done and what the fuck you’ve gotten Noah involved in but I want no fucking part of it!” Outstanding. What he had gotten Noah into? Noah had been into some questionable shit way before Ashton had gotten involved. If he hadn’t of been - then Ashton never would have known his name in the first place. Never would have had anything to do with him - that world, none of it. Noah could have been a fucking car salesman somewhere making decent money - he had the personality for it. That was what he should have been doing - not this illegal shit. He had done that to his damned self. “I am very upset,” Oh she was something alright. “but I am NOT doing this right now. Fuck this.” Ashton watched as she turned on her heel as if that was making some sort of point to anybody - when it absolutely wasn’t Just further proving that she knew nothing. She couldn’t even stand properly. Ashton watched - mildly disinterested as she turned, her body crumbling after jarring against something or another and falling right the fuck to the floor. Merlin what the fuck had she taken? Ashton watched her curl her legs up to her chest - pulling her whole body in on itself - that wasn’t anything like her.

Didn’t want to do this. Didn’t want to give a fuck. Mostly he just wanted to walk the fuck out of this room and leave her to clean up the mess that she had found herself in. Instead - Ashton was crossing the room and squatting down in front of her. “The fuck did you take?!” Accusation all over his features - why the fuck was she dropping shit just to go to dinner. Was Noah really that intolerable to her? He couldn’t see how. “You can’t even fucking stand!” Ashton lifted one hand - a single finger extending and poking her dead in the forehead - wanting to see if she even had the capacity to keep upright or fall the rest of the way over. “Looks like you don’t have the OPTION of ‘not doing this’”

[Kaydence Morgan]

This was horrible. A fucking nightmare. Felt like the walls were closing in all around her. Kaydence prayed all she had been given was an ecstasy pill. She didn’t think she had ever taken any else before. Nothing remotely close to how she was feeling. No, this was normal. She had to keep telling herself that. There were two immensely important things that were making everything worse. The first being her location. She had gotten high in public before. One when she was younger and in her party girl heyday stage and the other being when she first met Noah. The other two were back at home with him. During the occasions when she was out and about, Kaydence hadn’t had a care in the world. She was with trusted company, although a stranger with drugs thirty minutes after meeting him probably wasn’t the safest of company. Her surroundings out and about had been in a clubby atmosphere. Loud music, bright lights, everything to create the perfect sense of euphoria. Which lead into the second thing, Ashton. There was too much bad history with him to give her a proper roll. She needed to be in a mindset where she was open and willing to give her body and mind to the chemicals for however long they wished. Right now, she absolutely wasn’t. Too many outside factors that imposed a detrimental risk to her well-being. If Kaydence didn’t get a handle on herself soon, she was slowly going to be consumed by a bad trip and unable to leave the room until it had subsided. Ashton would have to leave her in the corner.

Opening her eyes, she came face-to-face with Ashton. How long had he been kneeling there? The look on his face..so fucking angry. Did he think that she wanted this? ”The fuck did you take?” Her expression turned to that of shock. Was he serious? “I DIDN’T FUCKING TAKE ANYTHING,” she emphasized, leaning her face closer into his. “I started feeling weird when we apparated here. I thought I just got light-headed from the trip. Then as dinner went on, I started feeling stranger and I thought it was just the wine. But when I saw you looking at me that’s when this-“ Kaydence moved her hand down her body “started.” Taking a deep breath, she looked up at the ceiling. “I would really think you would expect better from me going to a dinner to not get fucking high before I go.” She chuckled and leaned into the side of the chair. “But you wouldn’t! You shouldn’t! Why the fuck are you here?!” She wasn’t expecting his hand to poke her in the forehead. ”You can’t even fucking stand!” Was he completely unaware that someone coming up on drugs needed to be soothed not prodded? Frowning, she pushed his hand away with as much force as she could give. “I KNOW I CAN’T FUCKING STAND! I’m coming up you idiot! I have no fucking coordination until it mellows out.” Kaydence huffed, bringing her hands to the side of her head as she closed her eyes again. This was awful. All she wanted was for him to leave her and just let handle this on her own. It would be for the best. Less stress. She needed quiet. Needed to get back to that couch pillow to cuddle until things stopped. ”Looks like you don’t have the option of ‘not doing this’.” She wanted to do nothing more than to slap him right now.

Releasing a frustrated sigh, Kaydence righted her head and pushed at him. “WOULD YOU LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE? If you’re not going to help then just get the fuck away from me and let me deal with this on my own. Pushing herself up from the ground, she made sure to grab her clutch as she steadied herself. Grabbing the pillow she had been cradling before, she stumbled to the couch and fell back into it, moaning as she moved her legs up towards her. “I think he gave me ecstasy,” she mumbled, turning away from him folding her body into the back of the couch. “At least that’s what it feels like. You are stressing me the fuck out so just shut the fuck up until I can get my shit together.” Kaydence curled her head towards her knees and covered both part with the pillow, desperately hoping that when she took it off Ashton would be gone.

[Ashton Wentworth]

“I DIDN’T FUCKING TAKE ANYTHING,” Well there was no need to be so fucking hostile. He was trying to help her - sort of. She clearly had taken something. Pupils didn’t get that fucking huge all on their own. She was on something - and she hadn’t properly dosed herself. That much was clear. He had arrested - countless people over the years for being out in public a lot less intoxicated than she was right now. Her money and station - all of her connections would have meant nothing. Shit was still fucking illegal. Didn’t matter that technically, in this moment he couldn’t do shit about it. He still knew plenty of people who could cart her right away - would have served her right. One well timed phone call and she would be put away in a little padded room in her underwear for the night. How would she like that? “I started feeling weird when we apparated here.” Okay fine. Apparation could do that to some people - most of all side-along...but she had been licensed to apparate for such a fucking long time he really didn’t see how that alone could have done it. ”I thought I just got light-headed from the trip. Then as dinner went on, I started feeling stranger and I thought it was just the wine. But when I saw you looking at me that’s when this-“ Ashton’s gaze dropped down to where her hands were motioning to - in hindsight that was very likely a bad thing to do because she was all cleavage and silver shiny shit. “started.” Certainly should have stopped looking when her hand moved away - but she took in such a deep breath that he couldn’t help it - they might be small, but they were still really nice boobs. Couldn’t help it. Wouldn’t apologize. “I would really think you would expect better from me going to a dinner to not get fucking high before I go.” Ashton didn’t expect shit from her. He had to clamp his teeth down onto his tongue to keep from retorting that same old dead cow - he would have thought a lot better about a lot of things once upon a time. When he had met her he had thought that she was just a normal, stuck up girl with a great ass...couldn’t have expected that she had been the once Dark Lords fucking sister. Then he had thought that - oh wait, she was a DeathEater - oh okay fine - then he had thought that they were something to another, couldn’t have expected that she would just up and run off - oh wait, wrong again. “But you wouldn’t! You shouldn’t! Why the fuck are you here?!” Her head falling against the chair like it was. Sounded like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Hoped that she knew that. Limp ass shove of her hand against his own. “I KNOW I CAN’T FUCKING STAND! I’m coming up you idiot! I have no fucking coordination until it mellows out.” Slow, measured sigh filtered out of his parted lips, waiting for her to finish speaking. Well. Short of taking her to a fucking hospital - there was nothing that he could do about it now. Didn’t have shit on him. Didn’t have access to anything to make that trip of hers any shorter and looks like one way or the other - he was stuck making sure that she didn’t fall over and crack her fucking head open. Would have served her right.


Ashton almost laughed when she shoved at him - hardly even making him rock backward onto his heels. She was hopeless. All the fire and none of the bite. “WOULD YOU LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE? If you’re not going to help then just get the fuck away from me and let me deal with this on my own” Ashton moved back as she went to push herself up off of the ground. There she was - working yet again and refusing to actually ask for help. Where the hell was she going to go anyway? She couldn’t even make it out of this room let alone navigate the maze of tables and chairs out on the main floor. He didn’t move to stop her as she grabbed her bag - watching with bemusement as she plopped back down on the couch - curling around that stupid pillow. Soft surface. Made sense. “I think he gave me ecstasy,” Ashton’s jaw dropped slack. He what. She thought? She didn’t know? She hadn’t done it willingly? Noah had fucking drugged her. It was - a deep red sort of rage that flashed in front of his eyes. Overtaking him so powerfully, that for a whole moment he couldn’t even move. Couldn’t do much more than blink at the far wall - his brain refusing to process absolutely anything that she had just said. “At least that’s what it feels like. You are stressing me the fuck out so just shut the fuck up until I can get my shit together.” Ashton didn’t do drugs. He had watched his brother spiral downward, and then subsequently ruin his whole life to drugs. Ashton was having to help raise children that asshole had fathered and a wife that he had abandoned also draining his wallet because of drugs. Because he never knew when to stop. Because he was addicted and as far as Ashton’s logic went - because Warren did it - that meant that he couldn’t afford to. Nevermind the fact that he drank himself out of a liver no doubt on the daily - but he had never touched anything stronger. Not since he had been a teenager at least. So very, very many years ago. Couldn’t stomach the thought of somebody doing that to another person on purpose. Least of all somebody that they claimed to care about. Ashton didn’t give a fuck about the reasons behind it. So many of Noah’s comments were making a hell of a lot more sense now.


Ashton’s jaw was set so tense he was likely going to crack a fucking tooth. Hand balled into a fist down beside him, cracking each of his knuckles in turn. Grabbing Kaydence’s glass of water from the table he crossed the room quietly, Sliding his jacket off of his body one arm at a time and moving to drape it over her pillow covered head - would help with some of the light maybe. Tapping the water glass against her bent leg he again lowered himself to be almost face level with her. “Noah did this to you - without your permission?”