Page 12 of Let it Sizzle (Playing with Fire #3)

Serena

The second Levi storms out, it’s like the air is sucked out of the firehouse.

I stand there frozen, the poster still unrolled on the desk, the door swinging shut behind him like the final nail in a coffin.

The tears come hard and fast, choking me before I can even breathe them out. I scrub them away with shaking hands, but it’s no use.

I fold myself into the corner of the desk, wrapping my arms around my middle like I can hold myself together, but the cracks have already started.

They run deep. From the bruises my father left behind to the scars that asshole in the city carved into my heart.

Every voice that ever whispered that I was too much, not enough, too broken rise up in a crescendo, shouting one word: Levi.

I found the only man who ever made me feel like maybe—just maybe—I was worth loving.

And I blew it.

But even as the ache throbs within me, even as the guilt claws at my throat, there’s this tiny ember inside me that refuses to go out.

Because deep down, I know why he left.

It’s not because he doesn’t love me.

It’s because of this mess with Byron.

It shredded something in him too.

He’s hurting. Just like me.

And if I know anything about Levi Mercer, it’s that when he loves, he loves hard . Enough to destroy himself if it means protecting the people he cares about.

The thought doesn't really make it hurt less. But it keeps me breathing. Barely.

I don’t even realize I’ve driven home until I’m slamming the door behind me, collapsing onto the couch with my head in my hands.

I can barely catch my breath when there’s a knocking at the door. For a second, I think it’s Levi, here to save the day, but instead Samira’s voice pierces through the darkness.

“Serena open up! Byron told me what happened.”

“I don’t want to see anyone.”

“I’m not anyone, I’m your sister and trust me I’ll karate chop this door open if I have to.”

Even through my tears I laugh because that is my little sister for you. I open the door and sit back on the couch.

She crosses the room, sits down beside me, and pulls me into a hug.

I don't even hesitate. I burrow into her, the way I used to when I was little and scared and didn’t know how to be brave.

"I messed everything up," I whisper.

"Hey." She pulls back just enough to look me dead in the eye. "You’re not that scared girl anymore. You’re not the kid hiding under the bed waiting for someone to save her. You saved yourself. You built a life. You love with your whole heart. That’s not weakness. That’s strength."

I swallow hard, her words carving through the self-hatred trying to take root.

"You don't have to be perfect to deserve love," she adds fiercely. "And if Levi doesn’t see that... he’s a goddamn idiot."

“He’s not the idiot I am. And now Byron is angry with me.”

“He’ll get over it. You let the fear get bigger than you.”

I let out a choked laugh, wiping my face. The same words I told her that night she’s using on me.

She’s right. I let the fear of Byron overcloud everything, including my love for Levi. And yes, I love him more than anything in this world. Because he makes me feel whole. I need to fix this. I need to fix us.

"But what if Byron never forgives me?"

Samira’s smile is soft and sad. "Then that’s on him. Not you. You’re allowed to choose yourself."

The words slam into me harder than any punch. Choose myself. Not live for approval. Not live for safety. Not shrink just to make someone else comfortable.

I sit there for a long moment, the weight of it settling into my bones. Then, slowly, I nod.

"I have to talk to him," I say, voice steadier now. "Byron."

Samira squeezes my hand. "Then go. Fight for yourself, Serena. For what you want. Even if it’s Levi. You’ve earned that."

It’s not easy. God, it’s not easy.

“When did you become so wise?” I ask.

She laughs. “Never underestimate little sisters. Now go talk to Byron.”

A few minutes later, I find myself driving back across town, every mile feeling like a small rebellion. Like I’m prying open the door to a life I was too scared to even admit I wanted.

Byron’s house is dark except for the porch light. His truck’s parked out front. I sit in my car for a full minute, heart thundering against my ribs, before I force myself to get out.

He opens the door before I even knock, like he was expecting me.

We stare at each other across the threshold. Me—a mess of tears and nerves and resolve. Him—arms crossed, face tight with everything he’s trying not to say.

"Can I come in?" I ask, my voice small but steady.

Byron steps aside.

I walk past him into the living room. He doesn’t sit. Neither do I.

"I know you’re angry," I start, my voice trembling. "And I’m sorry you found out the way you did. But... I’m not sorry about Levi."

Byron flinches like I hit him.

"I love him," I say, my chin lifting. "I love him more than I thought I could love anyone. And he loves me, too. He’s not using me. He’s not breaking me. He’s the one thing in my life that feels right."

Byron runs a hand through his hair, his body tight with anger and something deeper. Hurt.

"I thought I was protecting you," he mutters. "All these years, I thought—"

"I know," I interrupt, swallowing hard. "You were. You did. You kept me alive when I didn’t know how to survive. But Byron..." My voice cracks. "You have to let me live now. You have to let me choose ."

Silence falls between us, heavy and sharp.

Finally, after what feels like forever, Byron looks away. His jaw flexes. His throat works around whatever words he’s holding back.

"You really love him," he says quietly.

"I do."

He sighs, long and broken.

"I don’t like it," he admits. "But... I guess I don’t have to."

I blink, stunned.

Byron meets my eyes again, and for the first time tonight, I see my big brother in there—the one who taught me to throw a punch and pick myself up when I fell.

"I just want you to be happy, kid," he mutters. "Even if it kills me."

I laugh through the tears spilling down my cheeks.

"Thank you," I whisper.

He jerks his chin in that way he does when emotions get too big for him. "Go find your guy. Because you got one of the good guys. I could see the love in his eyes for you."

“What about you?”

“I’ll talk to him later.”

I don’t waste a second. I race for the door, my heart pounding in my chest.

Because now, finally, finally... I know exactly what I’m fighting for. And this time, I’m not running away.

I’m running straight toward it. Straight toward him . But first I need to finish something.