AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Nope.” She twists her wrist and draws a circle with her finger in the air. “Because all of this bullshit has your name written all over it.”
“I’ve got better things to do than listen to your speculations right now.”
“Of course you do. You’re entertaining three men. That’s gotta be exhausting.”
“Fuck you!” I shout, my fists ready to strike again in an instant. But before I can swing, two strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me back.
“She’s not worth it, Trouble. Just walk away.” Lev’s grip is ironclad, and I don’t even attempt to break free.
“Oh, it’ll be so worth it. Just let me knock her stupid ass out.”
“Not happening.”He scoops me up with my back to his chest before I can take another step. My feet leave the ground, dangling in the air, and I resist my instinct to flail.
“I can walk, ya know?” I mumble into the night air.
“I know you can. And I’ll put you down as soon as I’m sure you’re not gonna go after her.” He clutches me tighter, as if this is more than just him pulling me out of a sticky situation.
I let myself relax in his arms as dead weight. “Why do you even care?”
“Because I need you, in case you’ve forgotten. And you're no use to me if you're lying in a hospital.” His voice is soft, with an edge of determination.
My cheeks burn with annoyance at his words. "So you think Melody would win the fight? Gee. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lev. Don’t know if anyone told you, but I’ve already beat her preppy ass once. I know I could do it again easily."
"No.” He pauses briefly before continuing. “But I do think her posse would be gunning for you, so it's best this way. You can thank me later."
“Just tell me you care and we’ll end this conversation.” There’s a bite of snark to my playful tone, but deep down, I think Lev really does care about me. And I think it goes beyond my help. Even if he won’t ever admit it.
“Don’t care. Not even a little bit.”
“Liar.”
We reach the library, which is beside The Square and away from the crowd. Lev finally sets me down.“Why would I lie?”
“Because your pride won’t allow you to admit it. Consider this my way of helping you. Just admit you care what happens to me.”
“Fuck that.” He sweeps his hand in the air and averts his gaze.
“Come on, Lev,” I poke his side and he jolts. Liking the reaction, I do it again. “Say it. Tell me you care.”
“Knock that shit off.” He jumps back. “I’m not saying it because I don’t fucking care.”
“Fine.” I scoff. “Guess I’ll just go back to the party and get even more drunk. Maybe I’ll jump Melody and beat her ass. Better yet,” I waggle my brows, “maybe I’ll find a guy to take me for a walk in the woods.” I start walking back toward the party, knowing—or hoping, rather—that I won’t make it far.
“Oh no, you don’t.” His arms envelop me from behind again, sweeping me off my feet. I can’t even fight the millions of wings fluttering inside my belly.“You’ve had enough fun for tonight. I’m taking you home.”
Lev sets me back down with a cocky confidence that I won’t run off. Which I won’t. I got the reaction I wanted.
“Wait up,” I hear Maddox holler from behind us.
Lev and I both turn around to see him jogging in our direction. “Leaving so soon?”
I steal a glance at Lev before responding. “Yeah. I think the alcohol is starting to get to my head. Should probably call it a night.”
Truth is, I’d be more than happy to stay if it weren’t for Lev wanting to take me home. It’s not even home I want, it’s the walk with him.
“Ridge is looking for you,” Maddox says to Lev, shooting a thumb over his shoulder. “Says it's a 10-33 situation.”
“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me?” Lev says, sounding annoyed.
