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“Wait a minute. You’re a crazy maniac and that’s okay, but Kiera can’t take a risk?”
“It’s quite different a lowly soldier taking a risk than the favorite princess.” His gaze traveled over her. “And I definitely don’t want you taking any risks.”
His gaze had made her warm all over but his words made her want to defy him.
“Why not?” She jutted her chin out and planted her hands on her hips.
“You are young, innocent, and a bright light, Faith. You have your whole life in front of you. Don’t ruin it by following Kiera down a tube of death and killing yourself.”
The concern in his dark gaze was touching as if he cared deeply for her. She didn’t like the way he acted as if she were a child.
“How old do you think I am?” she demanded.
He looked her over, his dark eyes unreadable. Finally he shrugged. “Far be it from me to hazard a guess at a woman’s age or weight.”
Even his romantic accent couldn’t distract her from being annoyed. She stalked toward him. He was probably eight inches taller than her and double her weight but he straightened and backed into the wall at her approach.
Faith reached him and poked her finger in his chest. His well-muscled, lovely chest.
“I am not a child,” she said, drawing herself up to look taller. “I am twenty-seven years old and I am a highly-successful millionaire, head designer, and part-owner of Lady Fit.” She could add she’d basically raised herself as her parents had been pathetic and her sisters busy trying to keep her fed and clothed and start their business.
His eyebrows rose. “You should be very proud of your success.”
“I am, thank you very much.” She studied him but he gave her nothing else. “How old are you?” she demanded.
“Twenty-nine,” he admitted quietly.
“Two years,” she spluttered, pushing a clenched fist at his chest, she found she rather liked touching it. “Two years apart and you treat me like I’m Kiera’s age, like I’m some little girl.”
His gaze traveled over her, it was smoky hot and her knees went weak. Levi wrapped his hand around her fist. His eyes dropped to their hands. He very slowly, very gently opened her clenched fist one finger at a time. Lining up their palms, he stared at her paler, much smaller fingers lying against his roughened, brown palm.
Faith didn’t move, didn’t hardly breathe. The simply touch grounded and lifted her. A tremble went through Levi. “So small,” he murmured.
He focused on her and said, “Faith, I realize you aren’t a child.” Pulling his hand from hers he pushed it through his hair and then dropped it to his side. “Believe me, I’d have to be a blind fool to not notice that.”
Hope blossomed in her chest. She gave him a tentative smile. He’d noticed her. He didn’t think of her as a child.
“But you are whimsical, creative, beautiful, and innocent.”
Those were all good things. Right? She wasn’t nearly as innocent as everyone believed. She’d seen death and devastation. She’d been scarred by those who should’ve loved her.
Levi let out a frustrated grunt. His dark eyes were tortured as he looked at her as if it were the last time he’d get the opportunity to.
“Good day, Miss Radisson.” He nodded to her, pushed the garage door open, and stormed through it.
The door banged closed like Faith’s hopes. How would she ever get Levi to return her feelings?
* * *
