Page 89 of Aching for His Discretion

I sighed as I decided to ignore the fact that Levi threatened one of my advisors.

Thinking back to his suggestion of potential residency programs, I asked, “You really think I can do it?”

“I know you can. With a few letters of recommendation from my colleagues and me, and some additional help with your application, trust me when I say they’ll be begging you to join their program during their interviews.”

Tears rushed to my eyes and I practically jumped from the step as I threw my arms around him, my lip wobbling softly. He paused for a moment, and I whispered as he simply placed a fatherly arm around me comfortingly…

“Thank you for believing in me,” I murmured, and he sighed.

“I always believed in you, Teegan… now, I just made you believe in yourself.”

After arriving home, I greeted my kitty, who lay by the door comfortably waiting for me. Putting my bags down, I quickly washed my hands before bringing out the pre-made tortillas I prepared last night.

Setting them in a baking tray, I placed them in the oven for about twenty minutes, allowing me to take a quick shower as well. Entering the bathroom, I took off my scrubs and jumped into the steaming hot water. My kitty stayed in the bathroom with me for a little while and then ventured off as he most likely got bored.

Today had beeneventful, to say the least, much more eventful than it had been in the last few months—but nothing would top the day Beverly and I went into that basement.

Just thinking about her… it made me sad. I trusted her and she couldn’t even see where I was coming from. How I was hurt. How she fell for a boy who practically assaulted me. And now, I don’t know where she is, or if she’s alive.She’s just gone.

Since I went on my break with Levi, the boys didn’t really say much about her disappearance, and eventually, I stopped asking. Though one could clearly connect the dots and notice the pattern with Levi.Anyone who hurts me, physically, mentally, emotionally… he takes care of it.

Though, in theory, the gesture seems courteous, I knew I had to be cautious now. I couldn’t let my emotions for others and the way they treated me show that much… because if I did,Levi and the guys would take care of it. Like they always did for me.

Stepping out of the shower, I finished brushing up before getting dressed in a pair of black tights, a cream sweater, andsome socks. Usually, the guys stopped by around seven or eight, and I wanted to be prepared just in case.

Smelling my food, I finished brushing my hair and stepped out of my room to go into the kitchen. However, I paused midway as my eyes caught sight of something.

I felt stuck. I felt as though I couldn’t move. Not only had the tortillas been removed from the stove and placed nicely on one of my plates with sour cream and guacamole, but the aura of my home had shifted—shifted from being carefree and at peace to dark and dangerous… and there was only one person,one manwho could make me feel like this without even being near me.

“Tesoro,”he muttered, and a shiver went down my spine as I turned around and made eye contact with the man himself, sitting on my couch, facing me, looking as perfect as ever. He looked pretty much the same, only I could tell he’d been going to the gym just a tad bit more… not that I would complain.

Teegan. The man is in your home uninvited. Please.

“Levi,” I whispered, and he tilted his head as he beckoned me over with two fingers. But I didn’t find myself moving. If anything, I stood as still as a statue.

I debated if I should make a run for it, but I decided against it, remembering my many failed attempts with him. Besides, Grayson was lying beside him and I couldn’t just leave him.

He noticed I wasn’t moving, and a small smile came to his face.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, and he stood up slowly, rolling up the sleeves of his black button-down shirt.

“I missed you, Tesoro,” he admitted, and I gulped softly.

“I thought we were o-on a break,” I whispered, taking a small step back as he approached me.

“And wedidtake a break. I gave you your space, and I gave you the time you needed.”

“You also shot my brother…” I accused, and he stopped walking, taking a deep breath as he was only a few feet away from me.

“Yourbrotherdisrespected you. And I told him before if he ever did again,I’d kill him,”he said truthfully, and I felt taken aback slightly.

“But you didn’t kill him,” I whispered, and he sighed.

“I didn’t, Tesoro… and do you want to know why?” he asked, and I nodded cautiously as he continued walking toward me. “I didn’t kill him because you don’t want me to be that kind of person,” he muttered.

I bit my lip. “He… he said the only reason you didn’t kill him was because you were trying to do better for me,” I muttered.

He was finally in front of me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and placed his forehead against mine as he closed his eyes.

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