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He looks at me then, really looks at me, and I feel seen in a way that sends warmth cascading through me. “Brielle, I know you would never do something like that,” he says firmly. His hand finds mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s one of the reasons I trust you…why I’m with you.”
His words wrap around me like a blanket, comforting and solid. Trust is a currency more valuable than anything else in a relationship, and Levi just handed me a vault’s worth.
“Thank you,” I whisper, squeezing his hand back. In this room filled with people celebrating potential new beginnings, I realize that what Levi and I are building might just be the most precious thing of all.
Levi’s hand still envelops mine, grounding me. I gaze up into his eyes, searching the depths for shadows of past hurts.
“After that kind of betrayal, and after your ex-wife…do you think you could ever really fall in love again?” The question spills from my lips before I can catch it.
A flicker of something crosses his face. It’s gone before I can name it, but then his lips curve into a soft smile. “I already am,” he murmurs.
The words hang between us, a delicate suggestion that sends my heart racing. It’s not a declaration, but it’s as close as Levi has ever come to baring his soul to me. I swallow hard, trying to steady my breathing.
“Levi…” His name is a whisper on my breath, laden with all the emotions I’m struggling to contain.
“Hey, don’t overthink it,” he says gently, thumb brushing over the back of my hand. “We’re here now. That’s what matters.”
But my mind is a whirlwind. Sierra’s dismissal earlier today slices through me again, sharp and unexpected. Why would she turn away like that? And then there’s everything Levi just shared about Charlotte—his trust in me feels monumental, frightening even.
Hurt, confusion, excitement—they swirl within me, a cocktail of feelings I can’t quite name. The possibility of our future stretches out, thrilling and terrifying in equal measure. Levi’s touch anchors me to the present, but I’m adrift in a sea of what-ifs.
“Are you okay?” Levi’s voice is laced with concern, his eyes scanning my face.
“Yeah,” I lie, forcing a smile. “Just…a lot to think about.”
“Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together.” His assurance is firm, confident.
Together. The word resonates, soothing some of the turmoil, but deep down I know there are things I have to face alone. For now, I let myself lean into him, borrowing his strength for just a moment longer.
I bolt upright, my heart pounding against my ribs. The letter. That venomous collection of words lurking in the bottom of my backpack. It’s a grenade, pin pulled, waiting to blow up my life.
“Levi, I—” My voice falters. I can’t drag him into this mess. Not now. “I have to go.”
“Is everything okay?” His brow wrinkles with worry.
“Fine. Something just came up.” I stand abruptly, ignoring the quiver in my legs.
“Call me later?” Levi’s eyes hold mine—a silent plea for reassurance.
“Promise.” I force the word out and flee before the doubts can catch up with me.
45
BRIELLE
I rush out the door, leaving whispers in my wake. My feet pound the pavement. The weight of the sexy society’s secrets constrict me like a too-tight necklace. I run faster. They’re professors, my dad’s friends—God, what have I done?
Callie’s house looms ahead. Sanctuary. I don’t knock—I never do.
I burst into Callie’s living room, my breath ragged. She jumps up from the couch, eyes wide.
“Whoa, Brie, you okay?” Callie steadies me with a hand on my arm.
I nod, trying to find my voice. “Yeah. Just—need to talk.”
“Let’s sit.” She guides me to the couch, her thumb rubbing circles on my back.
We sink into the cushions, the fabric cool against my overheated skin. I take a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent of vanilla from her candles. It does little to calm the storm inside me.
