Outside, Annabelle trembled, pounding on the door in desperation.
"Let me in! I need you!"
She pressed her forehead against it, shaking. "Please don't shut me out. I feel like I'm burning up… like I'll break if I walk away from you right now. I'm so desperate!" she whimpered.
His eyes widened, stunned by her boldness.
"Please, Mr. Stranger. Don't starve me—"
She didn't finish her sentence when the door swung open, and he quickly pulled her inside, slamming it shut behind them.
"Keep your voice down. People live on this floor too," Noah whispered in a plea. He couldn't taint his reputation by allowing her to create a scene outside.
Annabelle lifted her intense gaze to him. "Won't you help me? It's becoming unbearable." She grabbed his shirt, but he caught her hand.
"Young woman, don't act impulsively. I can't do this with you." Noah turned her down firmly, struggling to break free from her grip on his shirt, but in the process, a few buttons popped off.
