Noah: in your eyes

22 — Noah Foster

“Wherever you go, I follow

And wherever you are, it's my home

And every day I want to make you smile”

I follow — Loi

Three weeks!

Three damn weeks that woman's temptation hasn't left my mind!

After that night when I tried to forget her, my case evolved drastically. Yes, believe me, the well—known case of blue balls grabbed me and never let go, all because, after imagining her before cumming, I couldn't face those women and feel at ease, it was as if I was cheating on Catarina.

Betraying. Cheating on my body, only if it is.

Fuck this!

I have nothing to do with her, who does is fucking Benício, my best friend!

And that made me worse with each passing day, moody, wanting something, strictly forbidden.

I spent a whole week practically being a ghost in the company. He arrived before everyone else and left when there was no one else in the building. I avoided seeing, hearing or finding out about any subject related to her nor about the investigation, I wanted to know. I know, that was totally selfish of me, but I need to focus on something else so I don't do something crazy. Crazy, like fucking my best friend's wife!

Now I've been in Greece for two weeks, trying to resolve an administrative problem we had with another project that's been in progress for months. I intend to return tomorrow, I can't continue like this, no more running away.

I tried to leave, find a woman to see if I could solve my problem, but it didn't work. I'm still angry, for being controlled by something that doesn't belong to me. Not being in control makes me furious, I need to be one step ahead, always.

I realize that I'm already late for the meeting, so I grab my things and on the way, I send a message to Norah to let her know that I'm already there. This time, I brought her with me on the trip, because I need someone to control me and she does that very well!

— Noah, I'm going to pack the rest of my suitcase. I can't believe we'll be home tomorrow. — Norah tells me, relieved.

— Yes, I want to be home too. Sorry to drag you along, I didn't think it would take so long, sweetie.

— Don't worry. — Hug me, as always. — Meet you in thirty minutes, at reception?

— Yes, I'm ready, I'm going to take a shower and meet you there. There's no need to rush, the jet will wait for us.

We say goodbye and I go to my room. Lying on the bed, I grab my cell phone, planning to call old Jack. I avoided talking to him as much as possible, some messages I didn't even view. Before I dial, my phone rings. It's him.

— Hi, dad — I answer.

— Noah Foster, like your father, I am extremely upset that you haven't given me any news, but I have already been informed that you will return today. Anyway, — Sigh. — When you arrive, I need to speak to you immediately.

— What was there?

— If you had returned my last calls, you would know. Now, you'll have to wait until you get home and don't give me excuses that you're tired or anything like that.

— Okay, see you at home, dad.

He hangs up without saying goodbye. He must be really pissed at me. I don't understand his reason, I took my bad mood out on everyone, I was acting exactly like a spoiled kid who doesn't value anything or anyone around him and that's certainly not me.

After taking a relaxing bath, I grab my suitcase and go downstairs. I see Norah waiting for me and we head straight to the airport, where the company jet is waiting for us. It's going to be long hours getting home, I'm going to take advantage of it to sleep, since it looks like I won't be able to rest when I get there.

— Sweetie, I'm going to get some sleep. You know you can ask for whatever you want, right?

— Yes, go and rest. I will be fine.

I smile, heading towards the jet suite, but the last thing I have is sleep. All I can think about is Catarina, how she is, if something happened to her that made my father so worried, and now I feel bad for having gone so long without hearing any news.

All out of pride and stubbornness.

Damn, I'm a complete asshole!

Catarina has no idea of ??my desires, I can't blame her for all this out of control, just because I'm completely in love with this girl.

No, that's definitely not it.

Attracted is the correct word, if I fall in love, it will be the end of my friendship with Beni, I can bet on that.

I would never betray my best friend's trust.

Every time he called me, I didn't answer. Talking to him, in the state I'm in, is the same as shooting myself in the foot. I've never been able to lie to him, the most I do is omit it and I know that, deep down, he's just pretending to believe it, his gift for reading people goes beyond any normality.

I hear knocking on the door and I believe it must be time for us to land. I thought about life so much that I don't remember when I fell asleep.

— Sir, we will be landing soon.

— I'm coming, Alex. Thanks.

Finally back home, I hope this torturous phase passes soon, I want my life back.

I realize how much I miss home when Iaiá comes to greet me with one of her hugs.

— Leave your bag here, your father is already waiting for you in the office.

The time has come to face my father, I just hope nothing serious happened. I head straight there and hear Thomaz's voice. It really is serious.

— Good evening — I greet them both, as soon as I enter.

— Hi, Noah. Good thing you've arrived, we need to update you on the investigations.

— Yes, son, we discovered important data and Catarina is at more risk than I assumed. I'm sorry to inform you, but that bastard who brought you into the world is on your trail. We haven't confirmed it yet, but we're almost certain that he already knows her identity — my father lets go at once and I feel a hole opening in my chest, I worried about her so much that I forgot about the bastard.

— It's okay, dad. I'm the least of this whole situation, I want to know everything about Catarina. She is the main point here. Speaking of which, is Benício okay?

— Yes, physiotherapy has already started. He wants to talk to you, when he can, go visit him.

“I will,” I say, uncertain about this.

— Well, son, let's go. Our team and Thomaz's team investigated thoroughly. Her father was actually murdered on Otávio's orders. Whoever did the job, you can already imagine, the two have known each other for a long time, anyway, the difference is that Otávio invested in pretending to be someone who could attend high society and that piece of shit Cox, got the dirt .

— Two shits together — I comment.

— Exactly. Anyway, they owe a large amount to a man who is involved in drug trafficking and gave it to Catarina as payment. On graduation night, it would be handed over to them.

— Damn, dad! — I exclaim, irritated by this.

— Thomaz had suspected this for a while, and that's why he orchestrated everything so that her escape would take place on that very day.

— And her mother?

— Noah — Thomaz calls me — This is a subject I haven't been able to talk about with Nina yet. Otávio is keeping Victória locked up at home, it seems, but I have a sneaking suspicion that he took her somewhere else, and trust me, I'm committed to bringing her here. I saw how much this woman suffered. One of my boys, until a few weeks ago, managed to keep me up to date with everything in real time, as he hacked into the house's monitoring system, however, some cameras were disconnected, this is what makes me deduce that the situation is not is not good for her.

—And why did she marry him? — I ask, wanting to understand all this shit better.

— She found a letter left by her husband and it was unlucky for Otávio to find it with her. That day, the threats began, she got married two weeks after the incident, and believe me, she already suffered enough protecting her daughter from that monster.

I punch the table at the same moment. I want to kill them both, an immense hatred fills me.

— I need to protect Catarina, fuck what Benício will think.

— What does my son have to do with Catarina, exactly? — Thomaz arches his eyebrows.

“You should know,” I reply, annoyed.

— Ok, I understand — he answers me with a certain humor and I don’t question what the hell this is.

— What measures should we take from now on? Is it safe for her to still continue with the company? — I feel suffocated, caged, imagining that something bad will happen to her. — And how is she? Does she already know everything?

— Noah! — I was scolded by my father. — Calm down, I've never seen you this nervous and the way you are, you're going to end up drilling the floor from all the circling you're doing in the same place.

— Dad, this is not the time to make fun of me! You don't understand, I need it. — Sigh. — May she be safe, more than anything else. I know they won't understand my attitude now, maybe never, but I owe my life to her.

They both look at me in amazement, then I realize I said too much.

Drug!

I sincerely hope that they don't interrogate me, I don't want to open up, I can't, it will complicate me, what I feel for her is enough.

Unfortunately, if it can't be mine, I can only protect it from afar.

Cum! The image of the two hugging each other, exchanging affection, invades my mind.

Crap! It should be me, not Beni, she's mine.

I need her.

I can't have her. Hell!

— Noah. — I feel like arms are holding me. — Stop punching the wall. Son, calm down and tell me what the fuck just happened. If it's because of your past, we'll sort it out. However, taking it out on the wall won't help. Is there anything going on that you want to tell me?

— Well, my time here is over. — Beni's father says goodbye, while I regain my sanity. — Noah, open up to someone, don't keep this anguish all to yourself. Jack, call me anything. I will continue with our line of thought.

He leaves us alone, closing the office door. I think about what I said and maybe, just maybe, I can open up to my father, but at the moment, it will be impossible.

The adrenaline, along with the worry, is so much that I feel like I'm about to destroy anything in front of me. I need to go out, clear my head, relieve myself.

— Dad, I need some time.

As if he knows what's going on inside me, he just nods and leaves. My head is buzzing, so much is my desire to have her here with me, so that I can take care of her as if she were a princess.

My princess.

I laugh at my own thoughts.

Benício knows, better than anyone, how to protect her.

I arrive in my room and go straight to the closet, I need to regain control. Before changing, I call J. asking him to wait for me in the garage, because we're leaving in ten minutes. I put on sweatpants, a t—shirt and a pair of sneakers. Running will be the solution.

—Where to, sir? — he asks, as soon as I get into the car.

— Long Beach, I'm going for a run along the shore.

— I believe that given the time of day, it's not very safe, but I thought you might need it. If you give me two minutes, I'll be ready to accompany you.

— Right — I respond, even though I don't tell us much, he's been with me for so long that he understands what I need just from my tone of voice.

A few minutes later, we are on our way to our destination. Actually, going out at this time is a risk I'm taking, even more so knowing that my past is possibly watching me. However, I'm no longer the boy who hides, if he wants to find me, I'll make a point of breaking him down like I saw him doing to my mother.

I start to speed up my steps, as I feel the wind hit my face. Running has become a hobby, in addition to clearing my mind, it makes me regain control of my thoughts, something I won't give up. I feel the phone vibrate in my pants pocket and I stop to see who it could be.

Benicio.

Something probably happened, it's already late.

— And there? — I answer.

— Speak, asshole, are you here yet?

— Yes. And, yes. I'm already aware of everything. I'm not in a good time for small talk, so anything urgent?

— What animal bit your ass? I called to see if everything was ok, since he spent almost a month away and practically forgot that he has friends and a father who cares. Apparently, the cool guy is giving way to a bigger brand of asshole, and the worst part of all is that we don't even know what the fuck is happening to you! — Dump, angry.

— He is going to screw it up!

— Stick up your ass, Noah! — I hear her in the background, scolding him. I want to smile, at the same moment my mind clouds with jealousy.

— Enjoy your girlfriend and see if you forget me! — I hang up, putting the phone away and taking a long breath with my hands resting on my knees.

Damn, I've never talked to my best friend like that.

As soon as I stand up, I notice that the Irish Pub is quiet, so I head straight there with J. on my tail.

I go in and go to the bar, ordering one shot of whiskey after another. I just want to drink to the point of forgetting my mediocre life.

I'm an imbecile.

I drink another glass.

I'm not a cool friend anymore.

I take another dose.

I'm a bigger brand asshole.

The whiskey comes tearing down.

And so it goes on for a long time, my thoughts interspersing with the drink.

Some time later, a woman appears caressing me, blonde, at that moment I imagine her, just her and I let my instinct lead me.

It's her here, I'm sure, my dick starts to throb. Catarina left him and came here, for me.

I order a few more drinks, I don't know how much I've had, until I feel everything start to spin and my stomach is turning, something is wrong, very wrong.

I try to get up, but I end up losing my balance. The woman walks away and I notice, at that moment, that at the end of the counter, a man is staring at me.

My eyes meet his, and there I am sure.

The worst certainty of all.

The past is just a few steps away from me and I will face it.

But before I reach him, my vision gets blurry and my legs go soft.

Then everything goes out.

— Yes, he is better. We found some substances in the blood, I believe you would like to know. That's why, Mr. Foster, we've done a report, in case you need it. — I hear an unknown voice, as I try to get out of the darkness. — I'll leave you now, if you wake up, ask them to call me.

— Thank you — my father responds and I struggle to open my eyes.

I can't believe I'm in a hospital, I don't remember anything except a few moments before I blacked out. My body is heavy, I can't move my eyelids, but I need to and, with a lot of effort, the light begins to appear, forcing me to close the little I managed to open because the light hurts.

What the fuck happened to me? — I think.

— Son! Finally! Calm down, I'll call someone. — I hear the door being opened.

I try to open my mouth to respond, but my throat is dry, scratchy. I get restless, I really hate being just useless in bed, and apparently that's me at the moment.

A nurse approaches and right behind, I can see an elderly man, accompanied by my father. She gently takes a moistened cotton pad and wets my lips, then puts a small cup so I can drink some water, helping me, as if I were a baby.

— I see you woke up. How are you feeling? — asks the man, who I think is the doctor.

— Dizzy — I whisper, with difficulty because I still can't speak properly.

— Let me examine you. — He carries out the procedures.

— Good very good. You're very lucky, boy, the amount of gamma—hydroxybutyric acid, in addition to other drugs that they put in your drink could have caused serious consequences. — I form a crease in the middle of my forehead, trying to understand exactly what he means by that. — This acid, together with other drugs, is the famous cocktail better known as “good night, Cinderella”, which is placed directly into the victim's drink in a way that they do not notice. — Inevitably, my eyes widen.

How beautiful of shit! — I think.

— Anyway, from what your security guard reported, the high dose of alcohol you had already consumed also contributed to your body shutting down quickly that night. — In other words, your nervous system was already weakened by the drink itself, adding this cocktail the damage was faster, as the cocktail acts directly on the central nervous system, inhibiting mental activity and acting mainly in the memory center — the doctor explains. — That's why it's widely used on girls who are victims of rape — he adds. — Be grateful for having a security guard as efficient as yours.

— What do you mean, that night? — I'm starting to worry. — How long have I been here?

— Almost seventy—two hours, son — my father says. — Don't worry, as soon as you're discharged we'll talk. The important thing is that he's fine now. — I hear the relief in his voice, as well as a certain rebuke.

— Doctor, am I discharged yet? — I don't want to stay here for another minute.

— Yes, your discharge is ready at the reception on the floor, although I would think it advisable to stay under observation for a while longer, however your father assured me that he will keep an eye on you and any abnormal symptoms will bring you back. — he explains. — And, as for the dizziness, it occurs due to having slept for so many hours in a row. Soon you will be free of her. If you feel anything, just look for us. We managed to remove all the substance from your body, there is nothing to worry about.

— Thank you — I say, feeling like a complete idiot.

What do you mean someone put something in my drink and drugged me? I can't accept this. The worst of all is realizing that my father is disappointed in me.

A while later, we're arriving home and I'm still very confused, however, I'm sure of one thing, what I saw before I turned it off.

He will pay me dearly for this. I know he had something to do with this shit.

Iolanda, helpful as always, helps me get comfortable in the room, as the feeling of weakness still persists and then brings a wonderful meal that just by smelling the aroma, my stomach confirms how hungry I feel. I finish eating and feel like I need to sleep again, after all, it's three in the morning and there's nothing that can be done now. Tomorrow I will be one hundred percent, so the hunt for Steve Cox will begi n . I guarantee that.

Unfortunately, I can't find my father in the morning and even against Iaiá's wishes — and feeling very good — I decide to go to the company.

I make a point of thanking J. for everything he did for me that night.

The guy is awesome, he did much more than his job, he saved my life, when I deserved a good kick in the ass.

Since it's been three days since I've fulfilled my commitments, my desk must be cluttered with stuff.

I decide to ask Norah how those days were, however, she is not at her table when I arrive. He probably went to get some documents in another department, I realize.

However, I am taken by surprise when I enter my room.

Holy shit!

I almost can't believe my eyes.

Fuck!

Fucking shit!

— What the hell is this?! — I scream in disbelief. — Please, if... Argh! Whatnot! — at the moment, I don't even know what to say. — Get ready, I'll wait outside, and this time I'm the one who wants a fucking explanation! — I left, hearing grumbling.

My God, what else needs to happen this week?

— Is it… Mr. Foster? Excuse me.

Holy shit, someone up there really hates me, did they really need to send me this devil in the form of an angel?

I sigh deeply, running a hand through my hair, before turning towards her voice, but holy hell!

Damn sexy woman, I can't believe she doesn't realize how hot she is.

Breathe.

Control.

Breathe.

Focus.

I repeat, before opening your mouth.

— Yes — I responded, my voice completely hoarse.

— Sorry to bother you, but as Norah didn't answer, I came personally to deliver the latest ideas I had for the resort. If you don't mind taking a look, sure,” she explains, but all I can think about is throwing her on the table and fucking her.

Damn, I'm going to have to change my entire living room after that embarrassing scene!

— Yes. Can I ask you to come to my office later? I would like to see with you what you have planned. I just need to resolve an urgent situation at the moment. — Actually there are two, but about my hard cock, she doesn't need to know.

— All good. — Hand over the folder and head towards the elevator.

What a perfect ass! Forget the damn perfection of your ass and go solve the problem that awaits you! — My own mind recriminations.

I take a deep breath, because I really hope they've had enough time to compose themselves, because the conversation will have to be very explanatory.

— I think it's better to leave them alone and sorry for the scene, Noah — she says with flushed cheeks.

— You can stay. The conversation involves both of them. — I feel like a father reprimanding his son for some mischief.

— Ok. — She sits in an armchair away from where the other is.

— Look, Norah, I saw a scene that I certainly wouldn't have liked to see, but you also don't need to pretend you don't know him, do you? — I say, holding myself back from laughing.

My God! They should be having this conversation with me, not me with them!

— You've reached the point, son. — Old Jack speaks up after long minutes of just observing. — You want to know what you saw, so I'll tell you, because I don't accept that it interferes with the image you have of her in any way.

— Well, I'm waiting, and please dad, no sordid details. — I wrinkle my nose. — After all, I need to know how I got to the point of catching my father fucking my secretary on my own desk!

— Norah, are you okay, love?

Holy shit! Love? !— This is getting weird.

— Sim, Jack.

— Son, we have known each other for many years and have been together for some time. This was at a time when I was still in the army, however, we went away for a few years, as I didn't return as soon as I expected and when I did, this stubborn woman started to avoid me. — I notice that he has a choked voice. — A few weeks ago, she told me what actually happened. And before you think anything stupid, yes, she was the one at our house that day. — Sigh and continue. — Anyway, I'm sorry, but I didn't expect you to be here today. I took the opportunity to talk to Norah about the subject I am investigating in parallel to both your and Catarina's problems. — Rub your face. — When the conversation ended, well... As you yourself noticed, we got carried away by the heat of the moment and ended up acting like beautiful teenagers making out. And that's it. — Finish and look at her.

Grabbing it, I know… As if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. I feel the urge to laugh.

But… Damn! Never in my life did I imagine that they had been a couple, I just saw them as great friends.

Although this explains the situations in which Norah seemed nervous when talking about my father or many of the times when she seemed excessively worried about him.

— I don't even know what to say, except, Dad, that I'm disappointed in you. — Norah gets ready to get up, I signal her to stay where she is. — How can you treat her, my sweetness, like a dirty little house? Why hide it from everyone? Know that for me, she is like a mother, so the least I expect from you is a wonderful request that involves a true commitment. — At this moment they both look at me in disbelief. — You. — I point to Norah. — Anything this idiot does, let me know. I'll be happy to break his face. And believe me, Dad, I'll do just that if I hurt her. Where are the teachings you gave me? — I see my father standing in front of me as if, only now, he realized the mistake he made.

— No, my boy. — Sigh. — There's no reason for your father to do that, we've always been like that — she comments, her voice low. — And I feel really embarrassed, I don't know what you'll think of me. In my 45 years, I have never experienced anything like this. — I watched a tear escape her eyes. — Forgive me, Noah. I have you as my son and...

— Love calms me down. I'm sure he understands and will never judge us for it. I don't take away his reason, I'm sorry, I needed him to open my eyes to something that I should have said a long time ago. I love you, I've always been in love with you and I acted like a fucking stupid teenager.

My Lord! Of course I asked him to take action, but it didn't have to be like that, in front of me.

— That's not my character, I've always been crazy about you, since the day I saw you, and from today, our relationship will change. I lost you once, but I won't lose you again. Forgive me my love? — he declares with tears and I mentally hope that he doesn't get dumped. — About our son, we will find him. — He caresses her face.

But what the hell?! What son? What else needs to happen today?!

— Look, either I'm misunderstanding or I don't know. Son? In this case, not me, is that it? — She hugs my father tighter, between sobs, and I hear her statement. — If you want to tell me, I'll help you. After all, we are a family, right, Dad? And even just now you declared yourself, but I can less call Norah a mother, instead of sweetness.

At this moment, she turns to me and on impulse, I hug her tightly, feeling even more the maternal love that I have always felt emanating from her. This is also something I haven't told anyone, but ever since I met her, I've wished I had a mother like her. I missed a female presence.

As a boy, I imagined her and old Jack together, but as time went on, I gave up. Until today's surprise.

— I will be the happiest mother in the world, knowing that you are not taking anyone's place, but rather taking what was always yours, which was already reserved in my heart, my boy. — Stroke my face. — Jack, tell him who we're looking for.

My father begins the story by commenting that at the time Norah became pregnant, she wanted to tell him in person, but as he hadn't been able to return home that year, she went alone.

As I already knew, she lost her parents early and when everything happened, the birth, including the disappearance of the little one, she was afraid to tell my grandparents, believing they would accuse her of taking advantage of the family fortune.

A big mistake, because from what I know, they adored her so much that they had her like a daughter within the company, even without knowing their involvement.

My father returned a while later for just a few days and noticed that she had started to avoid him.

— Anyway, Noah, our son is a boy. We need to find him and find out what happened. According to the only record she has, he is about to turn twenty—six years old, on the next thirty —eight... — He is interrupted by Gael who enters the room with his eyes focused on a folder, as I leave the door only leaning.

— What about my birthday, Jack? — Look up. — Sorry, are you in a meeting? As I didn't see anyone, I went in and was distracted analyzing these documents. I'll be back later.

— You can stay, Gael — My father says, but there's something else in his eyes that I can't decipher.

— So, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to my table — warns my new mother.

— No — the old man interrupts — Everyone stay and, Gael, close the door and come here, please. Let's sit down. I believe you can help us with something. Since we are putting everything on a clean plate. — My friend looks at us, totally confused. — Norah and I are together, but that's not the main issue.

— It’s about time!

— Did you know?! — I look at him in amazement.

— You never suspected? — returns the question. — Man, these two literally ate each other with their eyes! — We burst into laughter. —Now, how can I help you? — Gael questions my father after we calm things down.

Finally, my father explains the whole matter to him and, in addition, requests a few more things for my friend. I'm still trying to follow old Jack's train of thought. I remember that Gael never commented on his past, only from college onwards.

No, that would be crazy! Or not? I'm already starting to create different theories and if by chance, fate is placing them here, it will be something incredible. However, the chances are minimal. It would be too much of a coincidence, there is no possibility.

— Well, that's it, Gael. If you could come home later, I'd appreciate it.

— Of course, Jack. I'll see what I can get and in the evening, I'll be there. I'm going — he says goodbye to everyone and I notice that his expression is confused too.

— Baby, I'll ask one of the boys to take you home, I'll come pick you up later.

— All good. — Give him a kiss and come hug me. — See you later, my little one. — He places a kiss on my face and leaves.

— Well, dad... I'm really happy for you and I believe that after everything you've been through, I think it would be a good idea to take advantage of this second chance. I know you have all the problems surrounding your son's disappearance, but don't forget what you have now. — Sigh. — They've already wasted too much time and HR will have no problem finding a qualified assistant to take Norah's place.

— I've thought about it, but I heard a lot of scolding today and I realized that, unconsciously, I was acting like a kid. Thank you, son. Come now. Let's enjoy the rest of the day and I want to keep you up to date with everything that's been happening. You've already realized that it's serious, but Otávio is very quiet and that worries me.

— You don't need to say thank you. Come on, old man, I think I can teach you a thing or two that I learned from a guy named Jack Foster.

I relax, but my thoughts are one.

Put an end to these idiots who have been threatening us.