"Emily... or Amada? Who are you?" Daniel growls, taking a step forward.
I find myself backing away slowly, my heart racing. I've never seen him like this - his eyes are simmering with barely contained rage, his face twisted sourly. For the first time in a long time - I'm afraid.
"D - Daniel, please..." I whisper, my throat dry.
He swipes at the air with his hand, a harsh gesture that instantly quietens me. "Don't! Just... don't!"
I breathe heavily, finding my back against the wall - and he's still moving towards me. I know that if I try, if I focus, I can probably get away... but I feel so weak suddenly, my knees like jelly, barely holding me upright. I press harder against the wall.
"Who the hell are you?" He snarls, eyes narrowed. He's an inch away, standing very still, his body terse and tight.
"My... my name is Amanda Clarke." I whisper, eyes on his, a quiver taking over my body.
He reaches forward and shakes me suddenly, his fury evident. "How could you lie to me! Why did you lie! Why!"
My head snaps back anf forth as I struggle to break free, fear clenching at my heart, making me unable to defend myself.
"Whoah, whoah, whoah - what's going on here kids?" A familiar voice says suddenly and Daniel is ripped away.
I stand panting, my heart still racing, a cold trickle spreading through my body. About a foot or so away, Nolan has Daniel pinned - which I never would have thought possible. Nolan might be taller, but Daniel looks a lot stronger. Maybe it's the rage infusing him, making his struggles weaker than they should be.
Suddenly Daniel is shoved away a few feet and Nolan stands tall, eyes narrowed. Daniel looks between us both, shoulders and chests heaving as he glares furiously.
"Just stay the hell away from me, you've done enough." He points his finger at me, spitting the words furiously.
He turns and stalks away and I stand there, letting out a tiny breath, my pulse still hammering. Nolan turns to me, tucking his hands in his pockets, refusing to meet my eyes.
"You 'kay?" He asks quietly.
"I'm fine." I growl, blinking back sudden tears. "I didn't need your help."
He lets out a small sigh, running his hands through his dirty blonde hair. Our eyes meet for a moment and I can see the emotions rushing through his eyes - annoyance, worry, concern... relief.
I swallow hard.
He scoffs lightly. "Sure you didn't. Definitely didn't look like that."
I shrug, glaring at the ground by his feet, at a loss for words, still breathless and weak. I look up as he moves swiftly towards me. I look up at him, almost having to strain because of his height.
"What?" I bark, forcing my voice to be strong.
He raises a hand and trails his fingers down my cheek, his fingertips cool. I jerk back, feeling a faint twitch in my face, surprise shooting through me.
"Nolan - what are you doing?" I mutter.
I try to move around him but he steps in front of me, blocking my escape. "I don't have time for this. Get out of my way."
He reaches his hand towards me again and grips me from the back of the head, his fingers in my hair. I wish I could pull away, wish I could escape from his touch but that weakness continues to enthrall me, stopping me from moving.
He leans down, incredibly slow, eyes searching mine as if worried I might hurt him for trying this. But when his lips touch mine, incredibly sweet and warm, I can't stop myself from reaching up, entwining my arms around his neck, arching against the heat emanting from his body.
It feels right.
So damn right.
Why have I been wasting my time?
My heart belongs here - with Nolan.