Page 57 of Levi

The walk is quiet as most people have left for the day, lights all off in the offices next to mine as the other trainers are already done.

Which is perfect because I don't want to explain to everyone why I'm bringing my training bag and plant home. I don't trust Ally to hear I quit and not steal my stuff.

Again, maybe I'm petty but I don't care.

But when I open my office, it's not empty.

Levi is sitting in the chair across from my desk, his eyes immediately locking onto me as I walk through the door.

At first he looks angry, his dark eyes watching mine as he sits leaning back, jaw clenched as I walk over to my desk. But when I lean down to grab my training bag, his eyes watch me the entire time, fire filling those sapphire blues as he stares at my ass, not even trying to hide the way he's eating up the sight.

I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me feel confident, even a little powerful, as I'm still filled with adrenaline from telling off my uncle. But to have such a powerful man watching me with such hunger in his gaze…it's something else entirely.

“What are you doing here?” I ask casually as I unzip my bag and throw in my clip boards before opening up my drawer to grab my favorite tape.

I had blue tape specially ordered to match the jerseys, my one extra purchase, and I'll be damned if I leave it for them to use.

Especially because I only had to buy it when Ally declined my order—even though she had no right.

So the tape…it’s coming home with me.

“You were late, so I wanted to come check in,” Levi shrugs. “Figured you might be hungry, so we can grab food if you want to.”

“Yeah, I got hung up in a lovely conversation with my uncle,” I tell him, leaning back on my desk as I fumble around with a roll of tape. “Definitely worked up an appetite with that conversation,” I say with a chuckle as I casually remember the face my uncle made when I walked out.

Essentially quitting.

“Oh?” Levi says curiously. “Why don't you share with the class.”

“Just a conversation with him that I could've gone my entire life having not had.”

“About Ally?”

“Nope. About you.” I shrug.

“I'm intrigued.”

“Oh, it wasn't that eventful. He asked about our relationship, basically asked what I saw in you after everything Ally said. I told him you've been the only one there for me and to talk to Ally before he tries with me again because it was time he got the real version of everything that happened. Oh, and I think I quit.”

His eyes widen.

“What the fuck, Quinn?!” He grumbles, jumping up out of his seat and making his way to me in two strides. “What do you mean you quit your job?”

I shrug. “He told me to sit back down to talk or I was fired, but it was time for me to go before I fucked up our relationship beyond repair when I told him to get fucked.”

“And this came up just casually in conversation?”

“Yeah, he brought up Ally’s version as to why I shouldn't be with you, and I got tired of letting him believe the lies about you. It's bullshit that she gets off without a scratch while you've just been dragged through the mud these last few years.”

“That doesn't mean you need to fight my battles, Q. I mean, don't get me wrong, I appreciate it because I was never going to out her, but I don't want you fighting with your family over me.”

“Why? You're the only one who’s been there for me when all of them have been assholes. I think you've earned me standing up for you.”

“But you've worked your whole life for this job; you've earned it. Fuck, you’ve spent years chasing this dream, and I can’t just let you throw it all away over me.”

“Well it's not your choice, now is it Levi? I'm capable of making my own choices, and who I stand up for is my decision.” I say, probably snappier than I need to be.

“I—I don't know what to say to that,” Levi starts, but I hold my hand up and he stops.

---