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“We’re not arguing about this, Levi,” he said gruffly and then his hand was closing around my arm. His gentle hold only served to anger me.
I yanked my arm free and bit out, “Weren’t you listening in there?” as I motioned over my shoulder. “I don’t want your help.”
“I don’t care what you want!” Phoenix shot back and then his body was crowding mine against the door. “You might be okay with putting yourself in danger, but I’m not.” His voice softened a little. “Just let me do this, Levi. Tomorrow you can go back to believing whatever the hell you want.”
It was a simple request, but he had no clue what he was asking me. But I also saw the determination in his eyes.
“I don’t have a car. I usually walk to work…it’s only about six blocks away. When I’m done, I take the bus home.”
“Fine, we’ll take my car.”
I wanted to tell him that I preferred to walk, but I knew he wouldn’t understand, so I merely nodded.
“It’s this way,” Phoenix said as he turned away from me. I followed him and wasn’t particularly surprised when he slowed so that I was walking next to him instead of behind him. The rain had stopped, but the air was cool around us.
“Where do you work?” Phoenix asked as we walked. I noticed the way he kept looking around us and I wondered if he was watching out for T or it was just his normal behavior.
“At a small grocery store. I clean and restock the shelves. Sometimes I help out with bagging groceries if they’re busy, but the store closes at nine so it’s usually just me after that.”
“Do you like it?”
“What? My job?” I asked. “Yeah, I guess so. I like the routine. I’m good at routines.”
“I meant the alone part.”
I glanced at him in confusion. His dark eyes met mine and I felt a shimmer of electricity flare in my belly. That damn flutter was back.
“You said it’s usually just you after the store closes. Do you prefer it that way?”
I dropped my eyes. “Yeah, I guess. It’s quiet and I don’t have to make conversation.” I let out a dry laugh and said, “You’ve already seen that I’m not so good at the talking.”
Phoenix smiled. “I don’t think that’s true. Besides, I’m not exactly the easiest guy to talk to sometimes.”
“I think you’re underestimating yourself,” I murmured. Sure, appearance-wise, he was as intimidating as hell. But for all his brawn and brute strength, he’d shown moments of gentleness too. Even when he’d grabbed me a few moments earlier and insisted on escorting me to work, his touch hadn’t hurt and his words had been firm and demanding, but not forceful.
He didn’t respond to my comment, but I could sense him glancing at me now and again.
“What happened back there in front of the stove, Levi?”
I swallowed hard. Between him having seen me blowing T and my mini-breakdown, I hadn’t been sure which topic he’d press me for more information on, but I’d figured he wouldn’t just let things lie. Didn’t make it any easier to deal with, though. So I did what I did best and kept my mouth shut.
“Your brother must have been a real piece of work.”
At his words, I stopped walking. “What?”
He turned to face me.
“What would make you say that?” I asked, my heart thudding in my chest.
“You were talking about him right before you…” His voice dropped off briefly. “His name is Ricky, right?”
I nodded absentmindedly. “Was. He’s dead.”
“I’m sor-”
“Don’t,” I cut in before he could finish talking. “He doesn’t deserve your pity.”
I moved past him and started walking more quickly. The sooner I got away from this man, the better. He was far too perceptive.
“Levi, wait.”
“No!” I yelled as he once again grabbed my arm. I yanked free of his hold and he quickly put his hands up.
“This is my car,” he said carefully as he motioned to a large silver SUV.
Embarrassed by my over-the-top reaction, I nodded and tried to catch my breath. “We should go. I don’t want to be late for work.”
I wouldn’t be, of course, since I’d given myself enough of a cushion to make the walk to work, but I didn’t tell him that. I just wanted to get away from him because the roller coaster of emotions he was putting me through was just fucked up.
“No problem,” Phoenix said softly. I suspected he knew I was in no danger of being late. I started to approach the car, but stopped in shock when he went to the passenger side door and opened it for me.
I hurried past him and climbed into the car before I completely lost it.
As soon as he closed the door, I let the few tears that had been collecting in my eyes fall so I could quickly use my sleeve to wipe them away as Phoenix walked around the front of the SUV. I turned my head to look out the window as he climbed in. I just needed to keep it together for a few more minutes. Since I’d be getting to work early, I’d at least have a few minutes to myself to try and get it together.
