Page 108 of Pink

Lev’s heavy sigh quieted her, but he soothed away the anxiety starting to climb up her throat when he pressed a warm kiss to the spot behind her right ear. Lingering there, he murmured, “Because nothing is going to ruin these next two weeks for you, and we have enough of a reason to suspect someone might try to do exactly that.”

“You mean Jensen Todrey.”

“Or someone else. His little friend from Cali, or even the fucks they’re working with in the skin trade. Listen, I don’t want to get into details, but we’re digging into every possible avenue right now. They certainly had the media in a fit again, didn’t they?”

“But is that the only reason?”

Lev stiffened a bit behind her. “No.”

“What else is there?”

When he didn’t answer right away, Gigi turned in his arms. He didn’t stop her, and he met her gaze when she faced him again.

“Lev?”

His tongue peeked out to wet the edge of his bottom lip before he muttered, “Last week when the assholes showed up at Arely’s daycare, her enforcer was nowhere to be seen. He eventually showed up … dead in a ditch. The media wasn’t the only message we were sent last week. This is extra precaution right now, babe. That’s all.”

Jesus.

Lev could clearly see the panic Gigi couldn’t hide because his hands came up to cup her face and his lips found hers in a slow, sensual kiss. One she couldn’t help but answer back, once again lost to him and this strange thing growing between them.

“You focus on your thing,” he told her, the words a breath against her mouth, “and let us handle our side, okay?”

“Easier said than done.”

“But it will be done.” Then, Lev gave her another one of those toothy grins she loved so much when he asked, “And hey, what are you doing today, anyway? Or later?”

“Finishing this fitting. A dinner I can’t get out of but nothing after. Tomorrow I have an event, but the rest of the evening and night is all mine to do with what I want.”

“Yeah?”

His excitement had her laughing. “Yeah.”

“So, maybe I could … take you out?”

Gigi blinked. “Like on a date?”

“Surely we’ve got enough people around you now to keep any photogs at bay, right?”

“Well, don’t hold your breath.”

Lev barked out a laugh. “Fair enough. You up for it, though?”

“I am. What about Arely?”

“She keeps asking about you.”

Did she?

Why did that make Gigi’s heart skip a beat?

“I like her,” Gigi admitted.

“She likes you, too.” His smile stretched wider. “If you’re not doing anything tonight, then maybe me and her could—”

“Come to the hotel. Everything is kind of everywhere but hey … she’ll love it.”

Lev gave her a look, his brow dipping in confusion. “Do I even want to ask?”