Mitchel. Lidocaine. Trash bags. Blood. Killing.

I told Mr. Madison that no one had been up here. Why did I lie?

Elliot and Levi said to be quiet.

Mitchel. Lidocaine. Trash bags. Blood. Killing.

Teegan.

“Say hi to Mr. Amante for me, will you?”

“Alec, huh...? Don’t worry, Tesoro. He will be taken care of.”

Mitchel. Lidocaine. Trash bags. Blood. Killing.

Teegan...

“Teegan,” I heard Elliot say as he looked over to me, and I stared at the unconscious man on my floor.

Mr. John. I trusted him... What did he do?

Was everything I knew about this man a lie?

I trusted him… Why would he shoot Nico? Did he know about the dead cat?

Did he put it there? Did he plan on killing Grayson? Oh God, what could he have possibly done to me if Levi didn’t arrive in time?

Levi almost killed him… But he didn’t, and Nico got shot.

“Tesoro…” I heard again and felt the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I looked over to Levi to see him looking at me with concern in his eyes...

Did I make a mistake taking him back, accepting his apology?

What have I done? What could have happened to me? Why didn’t I stay away?

He looked so murderous… like he could have killed me. But he wouldn’t. He wouldn’t.

My kitty opened his claws as he could feel my heart racing, and I felt compelled to do one thing, one stupid thing in front of four of the most dangerous men I knew.Run.Run.Run.

I dashed to the door in an instant, and I seemed to catch them off guard as no one made a move until I was halfway down the steps. Grayson jumped out of my arms and ran alongside me as I ripped the door open and continued running. I ran… from what, I don’t know—fear, guilt, stress. But I didn’t get far.

Behind me, I heard heavy footsteps, and before I could do anything, I was caught from behind. I heaved slightly as I felt my world come crashing down, and Levi whispered in my ear, trying his best to soothe me.

“Tesoro... you’re okay. You’re okay. It’s okay, baby… breathe for me. Breathe... that’s a good girl.Put him in the trunk of the car. Hurry up,”he cooed, switching languages abruptly at the end, and shushed me softly as I shook my head.

“Levi, I can’t do this—” I began, and he shook his head again.

“Tesoro. We talked about this. I am going to protect you. Nothing is going to happen; you’re safe.”

“It’s... it’s just too much,” I sobbed, my legs feeling like giving out, and he shook his head as he picked me up, causing me to wrap my legs around his waist as he laid my head on his shoulder.

“I know, I know. You’re okay, you’re okay...” he whispered.

I felt exhausted. He was bringing me warmth and comfort, and I couldn’t understand it. A second ago, he was being aggressive and giving murderous looks, and now he was caressing me, soothing me, making me feel better.

I tried to lift my head to find my kitty, but after I caught a glimpse of Elliot walking over with him in his arms, I closed my eyes and felt myself drift away...but not before also catching a small glimpse of Nico and Micah dragging Mr. John to the back of Levi’s car.

Chapter thirty-two