Page 64 of Aching for His Discretion

I heard his slow, ominous footsteps, and I ignored him as he leaned against the door frame, sipping his drink as he watched me frantically rush around the room in a panic.

Placing the glass down, he spoke in a monotone. “Tesoro... we still have yet to finish our sight-seeing. I know how excited you were this morning.”

I ignored looking into his eyes as I continued. “I...I-I’m calling a cab and going to the airport. I-I want to go home,” I sputtered nervously.

He entered the room a bit more, causing my heart rate to quicken.

“We still have a couple of days left… no need to rush, baby,” he responded a few feet closer.

I finished zipping up my luggage as I looked over at him in disbelief. “You... killed them and... Alec,” I said, almost out of breath.

He responded, shaking his head, “Those men deserve exactly what I did... And don’t worry about that little boy, Tesoro. I did what I had to do to keep you happy and safe.”

Happy? Safe? Did he really think this casual manipulation and extreme gaslighting would keep me happy or safe? I nearly lose my mind every time I force myself to not overthink everything that’s happen, lying and gaslighting myself into believing he wasn’t as dangerous as the world and my brain made him out to be.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“That doesn’t change the fact that you made me feel like I was crazy after... murdering two men and kidnapping another. I’m going home,” I said with finality and walked around him as I approached the door.

In almost a split second, I felt something wrap around my neck, and my hands dropped all of my belongings as they found one of his that was wrapped tightly around my throat.

Staring at the open door, part of me couldn’t believe I wasn’t stepping through it right now. Part of me was confused as my breathing slowed slightly. Another part of me was absolutely terrified of what would happen next.

I did my best to pry his fingers off, but my efforts were futile as he tightened his hold and pulled me closer to him.

“And just where… the fuck… do you think you’re going, little girl?”heasked with a hint of confusion and amusement. My eyes widened slightly and I didn’t say anything as he leaned in closer and sighed by my ear. In contrast to my rightfully panicked demeanor, Levi was surprisingly calm and collected, not including the slight death grip he had around my airway.

I guess any master manipulator would be as calm as he was.

As comical as it sounded, my “life” seemed to flash before my eyes as a specific memory of us in the past came rushing back.

“Are you a dangerous person, Mr. Amante?” I asked him softly, and he remained silent as he studied my facial expressions. “You have a way with words, are surprisingly calm almost all the time, and have a few slight manipulation tactics that you use with me.”

…Don’t forget the man was just trying to subtly manipulate you earlier! Shouldn’t we think about the consequences of him being here first?!

Sure, but... we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I could feel the tears pooling in my eyes as I stared helplessly at my unreachable escape.I am so stupid.

“Here’s what you’re going to do,” Levi whispered, his voice sending shivers down my spine once more. “You’re going to unpack your suitcase, put on your cute little sandals, and walk your pretty ass outside so we can continue our day. Do anything other than what I just said, and we’re going to have a fucking problem.Do I make myself clear?”he questioned, and I whimpered as his hand tightened around my jugular.

Gulping softly, I nodded my head after a moment, giving him the answer I knew he wanted to hear and the only answer that could save me in that moment.

“Y-yes.”

Chapter twenty-seven

Levi

Walking through the ancient ruins, I could tell our dynamic had changed just by the distance she decided to stay from me. Granted, I could have approached the situation better, but I didn’t. And there was nothing I could do to reverse what I did.

She sat on a bench and crossed her arms as she crossed her legs as well. I watched her as her face remained emotionless. She stared blankly out into the open, and I walked over to her slowly as I placed my hands in my pockets.

“Tesoro,” I muttered, and she didn’t say anything. Though I expected this. Part of me regrets the lies and the manipulation. The other part, however…was not so sympathetic.

I continued looking down at her, and she took in a deep breath before speaking.

“I wasn’t afraid of you before,” she said without a stutter, and I clenched my jaw. “I knew you were manipulative and controlling, but you didn’t scare me. Now… I don’t know what to think,” she whispered, shaking her head.

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