Page 79 of Fallen Stars

With the instruments and equipment packed up, we carry it out to Trip and Hailey’s van. Once everything is secure, we exchange more hugs and goodbyes.

Levi slips his hand around mine and guides us back inside Dalton’s. “It’s been a while since I’ve beaten your ass in pool,” Levi states with cool arrogance. “We should play a few games.”

I steer us toward the bar and we order drinks.

“Last I checked, we’re tied for wins.”

Levi leans into my side. The tip of his nose glides along the line of my jaw until he reaches my ear. “Are you sure?” he whisper-asks, his breath warm on my skin. “My tally says otherwise.”

My fingers tighten in his as he nips the lobe of my ear. I close my eyes as a shiver rolls up my spine.

I swallow and will my erection away. “I’d like to see this tally,” I say, voice raspy.

The bartender sets our drinks in front of us. Levi hands him cash and tells him to keep the rest.

With our drinks in hand, we weave through the pub to the billiard tables. We sit off to the side as we wait for a table to become available. Within minutes, Levi stands at one end of a pool table and racks the balls. I chalk our cues and taunt him with innuendos centered around sticks, balls, and holes.

He smiles and laughs. Both are a balm for my soul.

One game blends into another. We tease each other when either of us misses or fails to drop a ball. We brag about our wins until the other slaps a hand over the other’s mouth.

This night, this moment, his endless smiles and laughter… they will live rent-free in my memories and heart for as long as air fills my lungs.

Hours pass by in what feels like minutes and it isn’t long before last call is announced.

We down the last of our drinks and finish our fourth game. Levi wins the final game, evening out tonight’s tally. He blathers on about still being in the lead overall. I let him have the small victory.

Pool table back to rights, we carry our glasses to the bar and say good night to the woman wiping down the counter. Levi reaches for my hand and weaves our fingers together as we exit the pub.

“When we get home, Mr. Billiard Aficionado, you can show me all the ways you know how to use your stick.”

Levi snort-laughs. “Happy to share my expertise.”

I press the button on the fob as we approach my car.

Levi jerks us to a stop near the trunk, spins me to face him and walks me backward until I bump the car. His hands frame my face as he invades my space and presses his lips to mine. I snake an arm around his waist and drag my other hand up the length of his spine until my fingers curl around the nape of his neck.

Shamelessly, he mouth-fucks me in the low-lit parking lot. Grinds his steel-hard cock against my length. Slips his fingers into my hair and all but rips my clothes off in public.

Reaching between us, I stroke him through his shorts. He rips his mouth away and drops his forehead to mine.

“Fuck, that feels good,” he says, words breathy and gruff.

I release him and he groans.

“I’ll make it better at home,” I promise.

Inhaling deeply, he steps back and meets my gaze. “Then take me the fuck home.”

I laugh as we go to either side of the car. As I reach for the door handle and glance at Levi across the car roof, all the air leaves my lungs. His eyes widen as he stares back at me.

On fast feet, a stocky man approaches Levi from behind. I open my mouth to say something, to warn him, but I don’t get the chance. As the words surface, dark fabric is shoved over my head and I’m dragged backward. I fight against the person’s hold.

Nearby, Levi curses and fights with whoever grabbed him. His words turn garbled and quieter. And then, I hear nothing.

“Levi!” I thrash harder and manage to break free. “Levi!” I repeat his name as I reach for the fabric over my head.

A fragment of the parking lot comes into view as debilitating pain lances my temple. I collapse on the ground as warm liquid coats my face. I try to open my eyes, needing to see if Levi is okay, but can’t muster the strength. Pain explodes through my body as one kick after another is delivered to my gut, my ribs, my head.

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