Page 123 of Levi

CHAPTER29

Jules

It’s a little pasttwo in the morning by the time we walk into Levi’s house. LAPD detectives wanted to question me before I was allowed to leave. Since I was inside the warehouse, I didn’t see anything. That said, other people did. The gunshots and the pool of blood tell a horrific story. As I was waiting to be dismissed, I overheard someone mention something about rival gangs settling a score. Someone else speculated two MC clubs were going at it. Either way, guns were involved and people died. Given the area, it’s quite surprising Culver City would turn into a war zone, but then again, violence knows no boundaries. As I was being questioned, Levi never left my side. Thank God. I don’t think I could’ve done this without him.

Once it became clear I wouldn’t be able to call 911, I hid until the nightmare was over, praying for the police to arrive.

Levi came for me first.

After giving my statement, and once the EMTs made sure I was okay, we walked to Levi’s studio. Linc and the handful of employees working late were all safe. My boyfriend’s older brother was wearing an anxious expression on his handsome face when he saw us arrive. I was equally taken aback by the way he practically crushed me in his big arms, hugging the hell out of me. I was a little confused at first by his intense reaction, then it hit me. He lost his mom and his almost sister-in-law to a violent crime.

“I’m too wired to sleep. Do you want a drink?” Levi asks, heading to the bar cart in the living room. “I need one,” he says before I have a chance to answer.

“I do too.”

“Wine?” he asks.

I shake my head. “Something stronger.”

“Vodka and tonic on ice?”

I nod.

He introduced me to drink, and right now, a stiff drink is exactly what the doctor ordered.

“Are you hungry?” he asks.

“I am,” I nod. “I haven’t eaten anything since lunch.”

“I’ll reheat the leftover pizza from last night.”

“That sounds good.”

“Go change into something clean and I’ll take care of the drinks.”

“Okay.”

I turn to leave, but stop.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say, but I hesitate.

Levi cocks his head to the side when I remain rooted in silence.

“What is it?” he asks, frowning.

I don’t answer.

“Jules,” he presses.

I plaster a warm expression on my face so as not to give away the turmoil inside.

“Thank you for everything,” I chicken out.

So much has transpired tonight. So many emotions. The last thing I want is for him to run away screaming if I use the L word.

“You’re mine,” he says, his eyes like pools of blue ink, “I take care of you.”

God, those words are like a cyclone, causing an intense experience throughout my body, bordering on electrifying.