“Because that man is the Devil,” I hiss. “You don’t know Noah, but I do.” I take a shaky breath. “I just want to be alone. Why can’t you just leave me be?”

“It’s not that easy,” Alex murmurs. “You expect me to walk away when you look half out of your mind with fear? You’ll hyperventilate yourself into a panic attack.” He pulls me into his arms, wrapping them around me like steel bands. “Just breathe easy now. You’re safe.”

I’m not a child who needs ...