Fadel’s POV

She shook her head violently, water flying from her hair.

"No,” she said again, her voice breaking. “I refuse. I refuse to be the subject of that. I refuse to be the reason something happens to you. Noah, please, please do not agree to anything.”

The line went quiet for a second.

I leaned closer to her, invading her space, my fingers lifting as if to brush her wet hair back. She recoiled instantly, slapping my hand away, eyes flashing with fear and fury.

On the phone, Noah ...