Chapter 18 I tried to suck air in but with each attempt . Noah's fingers squeezed into my throat closing off my windpipe until all I felt was overwhelming panic . Block spots began to appear in my vision and pressure began to build in my head , my blood roaring in my ears . Any attempts by me to pry those fingers away from my skin failed . They were clamped down in an iron grip , numb to my nails digging in The sooner you stop struggling and give in , the sooner this will stop . Noah spoke above me , his voice calm and firm , no emotion given away as if he talking about the weather . My limbs were beginning to feel heavy , my movements sloppy as my brain and muscles no longer worked together . My kings were screaming for air . þet when I thought I would finally succumb to the darkness bleeding into my vision , the fatal grip around my throat suddenly disappeared and cool air rushed down through my bruised throat and into my staived lungs . I gasped and spluttered as my lungs tried to pull air in greedily while pushing it out again , struggling to get my breathing in check . " What the fuck are you playing at you fucking psycho ! Kyle was telling , his rage like a needed slap to the face , sobering me . 3 I forced myself to look up to find Kyle shoving Noah into a bookcase . Kyle's eyes were wide and blazing with contempt but Noah's expression had me shuddering . A smirk tugged on his lush lips while coal black eyes sparkled with perverted amusement . Kyle may have given Noah a bruised cheek but Noah wasn't afraid of Kyle in the slightest . " Give me one good fucking reason why I don't kick your ass ? " Kyle seethed , fists twisting in Noah's shirt and holding him in place . " You think I care ? " Noah was taunting Kyle . His cruelty was on display like a prize . Kyle growled and I watched in horror as he brought his fist smashed into Noah's stomach , the other boy doubling over as he was winded . Just as he did , Kyle's right knee snapped up and connected with Noah's nose . Blood bloomed immediately , dark red rivets running over Noah's lips as he fell to the floor and clutched his broken nose . 2 " Kyle ! " I rasped when Kyle when to attack again . 1 I could see Kyle was angry but I couldn't let him get in trouble for this . Noah wasn't worth it and neither was I. " Jesus , Ellie . Kyle's eyes widened when he focused on me , immediately coming to my aid . " Try not to talk , it might damage your throat more . " " I want to go home I whispered , glancing past Kyle for a moment look at Noah who was watching us with threatening heat in his eyes . " Okay . We will go home . " Kyle nodded , grabbing my bag and shoving my stuff in it . With it packed , he slung it over his shoulder and wrapped his free arm around me protectively . I felt relief wash through me as Kyle guided me away . However before we got too far , Kyle stopped and turned to me . " Wait here okay ? " He ordered , setting our bags on the floor . I watched nervously as Kyle stalked towards Noah who was now sat in the very seat he had assaulted me in , his crisp white shirt now blooded like his hands . " Go near Ellie again and I will kill you " Kyle gave Noah one final warning , his voice low perhaps so I wouldn't hear but I heard it nonetheless . My breath hitched as Kyle started walking back . I couldn't tell if it was because I was scared and in shock at what Noah just tried to do or if it was because I wasn't used to someone standing up for me . My eyes burned as tears threatened to spill as I watched Kyle , his gaze softening when he was closer . " Come on , let's get you home . " Kyle murmured with a reassuring smile , guiding me to the exit . We barely spoke as Kyle guided me out of school and towards home . Kyle didn't ask what had happened or rant and rave . He simply checked every now and then that I was okay and adjusted my scarf carefully . The kindness in his eyes was unfamiliar to me and I would have blushed if I wasn't so pale and shaken . The walk home seemed to take an age . My throat throbbed with every breath and my limbs felt heavy with exhaustion . I wanted nothing more than to curt up and sleep forever .