Page 4 of Fallen Stars

“Not in the mood to schmooze the townsfolk,” Levi mutters.

His dad steps farther into the room, closes the distance between him and Levi, and bends down to hover just above Levi’s head.

“I really don’t give a damn what you’re in the mood for. You’re a West and you’ll behave as you’re told.” He straightens his spine and aims his attention my way. “Goodbye, Oliver.”

“No, Ollie. Stay. The dick-swinging contest is always a good laugh.” Levi tips his head back and sneers at his dad. “Plus, we aren’t done hanging out.”

Perspiration dampens my skin as my heart pounds in my chest.

It’s not the first time I’ve been figuratively trapped between Levi and his dad. I doubt it will be the last. Regardless, it makes me want to shrivel in the corner.

Levi’s dad stares down at him with nothing but fury. “Thirty minutes,” he grits out. “Be downstairs. Preferably with a better attitude.” The hint of a devious smile tips up the corners of his mouth. “Jasmine, Sara, and Abigail will be joining us as well.” His gaze flits to me for the briefest of seconds before returning toLevi. “Fine young ladies.” He spins on his heel and starts for the door. “Who knows. One of them may be your future wife.”

A spasm ripples through my body at his words.

The hasty glance my way, his comment in the hall minutes ago, the bite in his voice as he saidfuture wife… it was all intentional. Mr. West brandished a sword in the form of words and ran it straight through me. He did it to hurt me and piss off Levi.

“I should go,” I mumble after Mr. West walks out the door.

A groan echoes through the room. “Ignore him, Ollie.”

I pull my phone from my pocket and type a text to my mom, asking her to pick me up. Seconds later, she responds that she’s on her way.

Sifting through my backpack, I double-check I have everything I brought over. Then I secure it on my shoulder, bend down to grab my guitar case, and pause a few feet from Levi.

“Sorry you’re dad’s an asshole.”

I lift my gaze from the floor to meet his and my mouth goes dry. Luminous blue eyes with that small hint of green around the pupil lock onto my darker greens and hold me captive.

My limbs are lead weights; my feet rooted to the rug. With one look, withthatlook, every rational thought vanishes from my mind. My tongue is heavy in my mouth.

I should leave before I say or do something stupid and irreversible. I should walk away before I ruin our friendship.

But the way he’s looking at me… it’s like he’s reached inside my chest and wrapped his fist around my heart with the promise to never let go.

I need to go. Now.

A half-hearted smile tugs up one corner of my lips. “Text me later?”

He inches forward and rises from the chair. I suck in a sharp breath and step back to add more space between his hand and mine.

“Yeah.” He audibly exhales. “When the circus ends.”

I start for the door but don’t make it far. His hand lands on my shoulder and I stop breathing.

“Seriously, Ollie. Ignore him.”

My back to him, I nod.

“He’s a prick. Don’t let him get under your skin. That’s what he wants.”

I peer over my shoulder. “I know.” I want to add that I hate how his dad treats him. That he shouldn’t put up with his bullshit either.

But I remain tight-lipped.

“Want me to walk you out?” His hand falls away from my shoulder.

Much as I do, I shake my head. “Nah, I’m good. Mom should be here any minute.”

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