Page 125 of Levi

I guide him to the couch.

He sits next to me.

He drops his elbows against his knees and stares at the space between his parted legs.

“Talk to me,” I coax.

Giving Linc’s reaction earlier, I have a sneaky feeling I know what this is about, but I’d rather he tells me.

“Fuck,” he says on the heel of a loud exhale. “I suppressed the bad memories as much as I could to make sure you were safe, but it’s like the dam broke open while you were upstairs and it hit me all at once. I could’ve lost you tonight... just like I lost Mom and Annmarie.” His gaze meets mine. “That would’ve been too much to bear.” Pain hums in his voice.

His heavy words hang in the room.

This poor man.

My heart aches for him.

I caress his cheek with the back of my hand. “But you didn’t,” I assure him. “I’m here with you.”

He takes my hand in his and kisses it softly. “Thank God.”

A moment of silence passes between us.

“Something happened to me while there was a war raging outside the building,” I say.

His eyes widen in panic. “You told me were okay.” His tone is accusatory. “You even told the EMTs––”

“I’m okay, baby,” I tell him.

His gaze is skeptical. “You’re sure?”

“Yes,” I affirm. “I mean, something happened here,” I tap two fingers against my heart.

He frowns his confusion.

I was debating whether to take the plunge or not, but the hell with it. I don’t want to hold back anymore.

“Before this terrifying experience, I’m not sure I would’ve had the courage to be this brave. Levi...” my words trail.

I exhale a nervous breath.

Okay, maybe I’m still a little scared.

His hand searches for mine, locates it, and tugs, prompting me. “What is it?”

“I love you.” The confession comes flying out of my mouth. “I know this is crazy and we’ve only been together for five weeks and if you don’t feel the same way––”

“I fucking love you.”

“You do?!”

Without warning, he lifts me from the couch and drops me on his lap.

I straddle his legs.

“I love you,” he confirms. “It hit me on the way to your office. Life is too short not to tell you.”

I let out an enormous sigh of relief that shifts into amazement.