Creighton went around me, stopping just in front. “Shut up.”
Levi just kept laughing. “It’s a fucking riot and gross. Do we have to seethat?” The last came from him as Creighton lifted a finger under my chin, tipping it up. He gave me a quick, but gentle kiss.
He shifted his hand to the side of my head, his fingers sliding through my hair as he shot Levi another glare. When he looked my way, his eyes softened.
He didn’t say anything. Nor did I.
He went to the back door, and taking out his phone, he had just unlocked the screen when the door swung open from the outside. One of his men was there. No, a few of his men were there. Each nodded to him as he stepped out. They fell in line around him.
Levi hopped up to shut the door, flicking the lock. He gave the basement door a brief glance before returning to his chair and eating another bite of his French toast.
It was quiet for a second in Creighton’s aftermath.
“Well.” Palma shakily laughed. “He was more pleasant than at the diner.”
Levi started laughing again.
“Dude. Can you, like, stuff it for a second? Not everything is funny this morning.” Marshall shot him a testy look.
“Says you. I think this morning has been hilarious.”
“Why are you here? To get in Palm’s pants?”
Levi idly scratched at the side of his face before throwing Palma a smirk. “I mean, I wouldn’t be averse to that.” He winked at her.
Her cheeks pinked, but she was more focused on me. “You’re good?” Her question was quiet.
I felt everyone’s attention and jerked my head up and down. “Uh. Yeah.” I coughed before motioning around the room. “Except for you know, this being slightly awkward.”
“Is he going to be around more?”
The question came from Heath, who was peering at me. He didn’t look upset, more curious.
Levi’s laughter caught.
I went to Heath’s other side where the toast just popped up and busied myself, buttering two slices for myself. “Uh. Yeah. I think so.”
“Great.”
“Marsh, stow it,” Palma reprimanded.
“What? He’s a barrel of fun, can’t you tell?” He threw his arms wide, sitting up straighter. “I’m sorry, but am I the only one with their head still on their body or something? That guy is a criminal—”
“Watch it,” Levi warned.
Marshall looked his way, but continued, “—and he’s dangerous. And now what? He’s dating our roommate? I’m not okay with him being here.”
I wanted to shrink, right then and there. I wanted to disappear. “Look. I told you the situation—”
“The situation has changed, hasn’t it? Were you fucking before?”
“Marshall!” Palma yelled.
“You’re going to watch your tone,” Levi said lowly.
Heath hit the side of the pan with his metal fork. “Marshall.”
He quieted under their protests but shrugged and shook his head. He flicked his eyes in defiance. “I’m not okay with him being here.”
