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Chapter Fifteen

I find myself wanting to let him in. -Flora

“I’m here, Flora. Are you okay?” Levi’s husky whisper sends tingles shooting up my spine.

I bite my lip. Why did I call him in here? Maybe it was the memories of my almost attack earlier. Maybe it was the fear of someone trying to hurt me to get to my uncle. I almost want to snort at the thought. My uncle is desperately trying to pretend he cares for me. I know better .

Levi stalks closer. I look up at his dark figure. Hell, even his boxer briefs are black. He’s not wearing a shirt and the sight of his chiseled abs makes my mouth go dry.

Levi and I ate dinner together earlier tonight. I asked him about his job. It fascinates me. He has followed me, seen me in some very vulnerable moments. I asked him what it was like following people to protect them.

His dark eyes had gazed at me for a moment, as if trying to think of the right words to say. “It’s lonely. And there are times that you want to reach out to the person. Especially when they’re in pain. Especially when you see them at their lowest.”

I thought back to crying on that bench over that ass Tim. He had watched me this whole time. He had been there for me, even if I didn’t know it. Maybe it’s that thought that keeps me awake tonight. I’ve never had anyone I could reach out to.

I lick my lips. “I’m s…sorry. I don’t know why I called you in here. I just couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind, I guess.”

He sits down softly on the bed. Well, as gently as a big, muscled man can.

I sit up in bed and he carefully smooths the sheet around me. It’s such a caring gesture that I melt a little inside.

“What’s wrong, princess? What are you thinking about?” he asks in a deep timbre.

The masculine sound of his voice and calling me princess finishes the melting job. I’m a puddle of goo now.

I shrug. “Wouldn’t you be unable to sleep if you found out someone is after you?” I pick at a loose thread on my bedspread and sneak a look at Levi. The streetlight from outside our apartment illuminates him perfectly. God, he’s such a perfect-looking man. His dark blonde hair is rumpled like a little boy’s and his dark eyes are surrounded by long lashes. Sigh. Now, is probably not the time to lust after my protector.

He snorts. “Sweetheart, I’ve had people after me most of my life. In the military it was a daily occurrence. But I can understand why you’re so bothered. But I’m here to protect you and that’s what I’ll do. No one has ever gotten through me, and they never will.” His gravelly voice reminds me of how tough this guy can be.

I nod. “I know you will.” I pause. “Will you come lay next to me? I feel like I could rest easier with someone here.” With you here is what I want to say. I don’t know why I feel so comfortable in his presence, but I do.

He opens his mouth and then closes it when I add a soft “Please,” to my request.

“Sure. I’ll keep above the covers though.”

I snort. “I’m sure you can probably keep your hands to yourself. I’m not exactly irresistible.”

The look he sends me is heated and full of a sensual promise. I feel tingles to my core. I’ve so rarely felt attraction to a man that it feels almost surreal to have these feelings. Ever since high school, I’ve struggled to feel what I think I should feel for a man. Now, the feelings are coming unbidden.

“You are, Flora. The fact that you don’t know that makes you even more irresistible.”

“Whatever you say, Levi. I trust you to keep your hands to yourself.” And I do. I trust him an amazing amount for someone I barely know.

He lays down next to me and maneuvers to lay on his side. I do the same and fold my hand under my head, looking at him.

I can’t stop myself from reaching out to touch him. I slide my hand slowly down his arm. He reacts by shivering and I raise an eyebrow.

“Get under the covers. I trust you,” I repeat.

He sighs heavily and then finally tucks himself under my purple comforter.

“There,” I say with satisfaction and grin at him.

He smiles back at me and then slowly frowns. He reaches out to tug on one of my blonde curls.

“Something’s bothering me,” he says as he lets the curl go and it bounces back to its original state.

“What’s troubling you, tough guy?” I ask and lick my lips. His chocolate eyes follow the movement hungrily.

“Why don’t you get along with your uncle? Why are you so convinced he wouldn’t hire protection for you?”

And just like that, the mood is broken.