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I watch as he falls apart underneath me—this big, gruff man whimpering, shaking, completely at my mercy. It’s the most intoxicating thing I’ve ever felt.

I keep him teetering on the edge, slowing down just enough to draw it out until his whimpers turn desperate. Then I suck harder, faster, stroking the base in perfect time with my mouth.

“Carmen—” he chokes out, voice wrecked.

That’s the only warning I get.

He comes with a deep moan, pulsing hot and thick down my throat. I keep sucking him through every powerful spasm, swallowing everything he gives me while his body shudders and twitches beneath me.

Finally, I pull off slowly and press one last soft kiss to the tip of his cock.

Levi lies there wrecked. His chest heaving, eyes half-closed, lips parted like he can barely remember how to breathe.

“You’re noisy,” I say. “I like that.”

He just stares at me, dazed and speechless.

For a moment, he doesn’t move.

Then he reaches for me, pulling me up the bed. He wraps his arm around me and crushes me against his chest, holding on like he has no intention of ever letting go. His hand strokes slowly up and down my bare back. Beneath my cheek, his heart is still thundering, each heavy beat loud and strong.

“Jesus Christ,” he murmurs.

Warmth blooms deep in my chest. I smile against his skin, ridiculously proud of myself.

I made him like this. Heavy breaths, trembling muscles, and those rough, helpless sounds he kept trying to swallow.

His mouth presses to the top of my head. Then my temple.

The kisses are lingering and soft in a way I’m not prepared for. The tenderness of them makes something dangerous flutter beneath my ribs.

For a few heartbeats, I let myself have it—the warmth of his body, the weight of his arm, the steady stroke of his hand down my back, the strange, wonderful feeling of being held like something precious.

Then I pull away.

“You should go,” I whisper. Theo is asleep next door, and even though Levi is just across the yard, it doesn’t feel right for him to be gone for too long.

Levi’s arm tightens around me for half a second, just long enough for me to feel his reluctance. Then he exhales slowly and nods.

“Okay.”

He sits up and starts pulling on his clothes, moving more slowly than usual, like every part of him is resisting the simple act of leaving. His eyes keep drifting back to me, and I have to tuck my hands under the sheet to stop myself from reaching for him.

When he’s dressed, he leans down and kisses the top of my head. This time he lingers, lips warm against my hair.

“Sleep well,” he murmurs.

My heart gives a foolish little stutter. It’s such a simple thing—two ordinary words—but from him, they feel almost unbearably tender.

Then he’s gone.

I listen to the front door click shut before I flop back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling with my body still humming and a ridiculous smile spreading across my face.

I really liked that.

I close my eyes and let out a slow, happy breath. The sensible part of me is already trying to gather itself, reminding me that this is Levi—rough, complicated Levi. The man who lives next door for now. The man I still barely understand. The man I absolutely cannot afford to start liking.

But maybe it’s already too late.