Page 77 of Levi

“We have nothing to discuss, and I will never move past what you did. So, get back in your truck and leave, and don’t ever come back.”

LeRoy leaned against his truck, crossed his arms, and looked at Levi defiantly.

“I like this town. Maybe I’ll stay.”

“Do whatever you want. Just stay away from me and Kinley. And how did you even find out about her?” Levi asked.

“I told you, I saw you on TV and she was sitting next to you.”

“That doesn’t mean anything. How did you get her name?” Levi felt a surge of anger as LeRoy chuckled.

“It’s amazing what a good P.I. can find out,” LeRoy admitted.

Levi took a step closer, relishing the fact that he was taller and bigger than LeRoy. “Stay the hell away from her.”

“Why should it matter to you? She told me she wasn’t going to marry you,” LeRoy shrugged.

“That’s not your business. All you need to know is that you better stay away from her or face the consequences. If you do anything wrong, I’ll see to it that you’re sent back to prison.”

“I’m not doing anything wrong.” LeRoy stepped closer but had to look up at Levi.

“You were at her house.” Levi couldn’t help but smirk as LeRoy’s eyes widened. “Stalking is a crime.”

“You have no proof of that,” LeRoy defended.

“You’re a fucking liar. If you try anything like that again, Kinley will call the sheriff. And you just stay away from her.”

“I just thought since she was your woman, we could get to know each other,” LeRoy said with a sly grin.

Levi refused to engage in conversation with his father and simply stared back at him. But when LeRoy took a step toward him again, Levi didn’t move an inch. They locked eyes for a moment before Levi broke into a grin.

“You want to try to hit me now, old man?” Levi said. “I’d take great pleasure in knocking you on your ass.”

LeRoy didn’t back down, meeting Levi’s gaze with a cold, unforgiving stare. After several seconds of tense silence, he finally let out a mocking laugh and took a step back, heading toward his truck, but stopped and looked at him again.

“See you around,son,” he sneered.

“No, you won’t,” Levi retorted, his voice trembling with rage. “Step foot on my property again or speak to me, I will get an Order of Protection. You’ll be legally barred from coming near me.”

LeRoy’s face twisted into a cruel smirk. “Is that a threat?”

“It’s a promise,” Levi replied through gritted teeth. “And I’ll make sure Kinley gets one too. Leave Clifton. No one wants you here.”

“I thought we could have a civil conversation, but you refuse to budge.” LeRoy’s tone turned bitter and resentful.

“I told you; I want nothing to do with you,” Levi seethed.“You killed my mother!”

LeRoy’s expression darkened at the accusation. “I should’ve done the same to you,”he snarled.

Without hesitation, Levi stepped forward and shoved his father hard in the chest, making him stumble back. “Like I said, come on, try it now.”

Their eyes locked in a fierce battle of wills before LeRoy finally broke the intense stare and turned away, climbing into his truck and driving off.

Trembling from head to toe with lingering adrenaline and anger, Levi took several shaky breaths and tried to calm himself down. He never wanted to see that man again. Entering his house and closing the door behind him, he leaned against it and closed his eyes, hoping to forget the confrontation ever happened.

The following day, he worked in his office, ordering feed and things needed for the ranch. He’d gotten over his argument with LeRoy. He knew to keep his temper in check.

“Hey, Levi,” Cody sad as he entered the office.

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