Page 44 of Code of Heart

“Temporary truce?” he offered sincerely. “Let’s go grab an early dinner. I don’t grovel well on an empty stomach.”

Aurelia let out a soft laugh and stepped back, then quickly glanced down in mild horror.

“Where are my shoes?” she muttered, hastily spinning around.

Levi didn’t waste any time joining her in the search. After a few minutes, they found both shoes surprisingly intact, flung halfway into the parking lot after he startled her. She slipped them on as he watched quietly, giving him the first real chance to take her in.

In the sunlight, her hair shimmered with wild, bright streaks of rainbow. His breath caught. He had never seen anything like it.

Then she looked up and smiled—really smiled—for the first time.

And that was it.

He was a goner.

Definitely, completely, utterly screwed.

CHAPTER 24

Aurelia

Aurelia sat in her car outsideChez P'tit Chou-Fleur, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Joia City, staring at her reflection in the visor mirror.

She winced. Puffy eyes stared back at her, the aftermath of her panic attack lingering on her skin. And Levi had seen it. Of course, he had.

So much for making a good first impression, she thought grimly.

As she reapplied mascara with the shaky grace of someone still recovering, her hand paused midair, mascara wand suspended.

She couldn’t stop thinking about how amazing it felt when Levi held her in the parking lot.

Not awkward. Not forced. Just…safe.

It was a feeling so foreign she barely recognized it for what it was.

Still, it was too soon to make anything of it. She mentally folded the feeling up like a delicate blouse and tucked it into an imaginary suitcase to be unpacked later. She had been overwhelmed by emotions the entire day and didn’t have the energy to address this. Not yet.

Satisfied with her appearance, she took a slow, steadying breath and stepped out of her car.

Levi parked behind her, now leaning against his silver sports car in wait, like a page out of a luxury magazine. Every detail about him, like his custom-tailored suit, the watch that likely cost more than her entire wardrobe, and the damn car, all oozed quiet wealth.

She glanced down at the ring on her left hand. Her newest accessory sparkled in the early evening sun. It was elegant and the design intentional.

Like everything about Levi.

That’s when it struck her.

Estrella’s file said he was “financially stable,” a benign phrase that meant so much more. Between the rings, the car, and the restaurant where you needed a six-month waitlist or a surname with a crest to get a table…it was evident she hadn’t even scratched the surface of who Levi Lockwood was.

And that realization twisted in her gut.

Because despite all the preparation, the disclosures, the vetting…she didn’tknowhim. Not really.

This fact made her feel anything but safe.

Levi

Every ounce of Levi’s willpower was channeled into keeping his hands to himself.