Page 107 of The Rogue

Slapping a wide grin on my face, I whisk the mask out of Jackson’s hand from behind him.

He spins. “There you are!”

I slip it on. “How do I look?”

“Mysterious,” Levi says flatly. “Fitting.”

I meet his blue eyes, still so soft when they look back at me. He hands me a drink and winks.

The patience of this man.

I take the small plastic cup and taste the sparkly beverage.

Now’s not the time to ask for something stronger, Tess.

“I’ll be upstairs. See you later,” Jackson calls as he races off.

I nearly drop my cup with the urge to chase after him and wrap my arms around his little body. I want to tell him I love him and that I’d never ever leave him.

Not by choice.

Levi watches me and I wait for him to ask where I went or why I’m on edge. He takes a step closer, hooking his arm around my waist. “You look like…you could use a mini hotdog.”

I laugh. It levitates me, how easy he can be with me when he senses my tension.

“Come on. Let’s make some rounds and act like we want to be here.”

“Idowant to be here, but—”

“Tessa, you look like you want to crawl into a hole. Not socialize and laugh at people's bad jokes. I don’t mean mine—I’m hilarious. I mean like Noah’s or my dad’s.”

Another laugh and I lean into him, needing desperatelyto feel him.

After a moment, I slip off my mask. The minutes are ticking by. “I’m not feeling well. I think I’m going to get back to the house. Um…lie down.”

Turns out there is something more painful than a bullet.

Lying to the man I love.

It physically pains me.

He takes my drink. “I’ll take you.”

“No. No. I’ll be alright. This place is part of your investment. Charlie is like family. Probably will be soon.” I step back. “You should be here. I’ll be alright. I’ll call an Uber.” I bite my bottom lip.

Levi glares at me. “Tess, what’s going on?”

“I’ll take her.” Aiden steps beside us, his strong presence cutting in. “To be fair, I was just on my way out myself. I’ll drop her by the house.”

Levi hesitating. Then nods. “Alright. I’ll be home soon.” He leans in to kiss my cheek and slips away.

I swallow hard, feeling like I’m about to fall apart.

Aiden catches my hand. “You good?”

I nod and let him lead me out of the store.

We’re quiet in his car for most of the drive, until Aiden finally asks. “Who’s Frank?”

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