Kami and Em only have to stand a little closer to her, and she backs away, taking Cameron’s earlier threat seriously.
Once it’s only Jake, Andrew, and me, I explain what I need from him. “Andrew here wants to know what will happen if he tells the police about Levi. He didn’t seem to believe me when I told him that you know the head of the police department, or that you would do anything for your best friend.” Andrew wisely keeps his mouth shut. “So, I’ll leave you two to have a nice conversation.”
Jake’s mouth widens into a menacing grin. “Will do.”
I stand and hide my shaking hands by stuffing them into my pants pockets. The brave face and threatening tone I had put on are completely gone now, and my regular self is slowly reeling back in. But I know that the situation is handled.
“He won’t be a problem,” I tell Levi and Cam.
As soon as I return to where Andrew is still sitting, Jake stands. “I’m glad we agree.” He saunters back to us. “It’s handled.”
Tiffany takes off as soon as Andrew manages to stand. They give me a dirty look before disappearing into the night.
A long exhale leaves me. Thank God that’s done.
Looking at the group, I thank them profusely for the backup. Levi grunts a quick thanks and takes off to the apartment.
What the shit?
I walk fast, attempting to catch up to where he is.
“Hey, Levi, wait.” No response. “Levi.” Still nothing. “Levi, stop!” I yell. It’s loud and stern enough to catch his attention. “Do not ignore me when I’m talking to you, goddammit.” He keeps his head down. Is he mad? Sad? I’m so confused. “Why are you upset?”
He shakes his head.
My breaths become shallow as I grow impatient. “Levi, talk to me, please.” Silence. “So what? I have to yell now to get your attention, is that it?” Still nothing. Fine, so be it. “What the heck is making you so upset?!”
He looks at me, confused. “You heard what Andrew said.”
“Of course I did.” My voice rises a couple of octaves. Is he taking his anger out on me now?
He shrugs. “There’s your answer.”
Scoffing and knowing him better than he thinks I do, I don’t let it go. “No, there’s more to it.” I cross my arms, waiting to hear the words that haven’t been said, whatever it is that he’s holding back.
“Stevie…” He trails off. “Not now.”
I move closer to him. “Talk to me.”
He looks at me for a second, then another. In the blink of an eye, his arms wrap around my waist, his lips are on mine, hungry, seeking, but I push him away. I won’t let myself getdistracted or allow him to use whatever this is to take out his frustration.
My voice drops, and tears spring to my eyes as the aggravation builds. “Tell me what is going on. Don’t believe that I don’t know that was to distract me and you.” He hesitates, and for the first time, I see pity in his eyes. My tears turn into ones of anger. “Be a man and tell me!” His jaw tics. “Say it!”
“You had to save me after I fucked up!” he shouts at the top of his lungs, startling me. “Is that what you want to hear?” He throws his arms up. “Goddammit, Stevie. I lost my fucking temper, and you and Jake had to save my ass.” He looks me in the eye. “All I wanted to do was protect you from him and his words. He treated you like shit for months, and then you had to talk to him for me.”
I stare at him, not moving. The thumps against my chest startle me, and it feels as though my heart is going to fall out of my chest. “And you’d do that for any of your friends?”
Levi most definitely didn’t expect that question, as his cheeks redden. “Yes, that’s exactly it?—”
I stomp my foot. “Do you take me for an idiot?”
He shakes his head. “No, never?—”
“So say it, Levi. Tell me what you’re truly feeling right now.” I cross my arms. “Unless I’ve got it all wrong.”
His eyes sharpen. “You don’t.” My shoulders tense. “I’ve been a mess all day because of you.” He turns and bows his head. “It’s been so long since I’ve…” He trails off again, causing me to grind my teeth.
Nerves bubble up in my stomach at a rapid pace at his partial confession. I’m going to be sick.
