Page 166 of Never Die for a Sinner
God, I wish that were true.
LEVI
Iopen my eyes to the sound of the fire crackling in the fireplace in front of us. I’m lying on my side; one arm draped over Ava’s waist while the other is underneath her neck. She sleeps softly, breathing even, and her back pressed against my front.
Looking at the old clock on the wall, I can see I’ve only been asleep for an hour. When she stopped crying and fell asleep in my arms, I couldn’t bring myself to give her up, so I just held her while she let me.
I bury my face in the side of her neck and press a soft kiss to her skin, committing the scent of lavender and citrus to memory in case someone tries to steal her away from me.
Ava’s always been the unobtainable. The woman put on this earth to remind me I’ll never be the man she deserves.
It’s never bothered me as much as it does right now.
“Levi?” she breathes, her voice soft and full of sleep. I tighten my arms around her, knowing now that she’s awake, she’ll try to pull away from me.
It seems the only time I can give in to the fantasy that she’s mine is when she’s either crying or asleep.
Surprisingly, though, she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she turns over in my arms to face me, her gaze shining in the moonlight streaming through the windows.
The couch is small and old. Highly uncomfortable, and there’s definitely not enough room for both of us, but I still pull her closer, not quite ready to give her up.
Reaching up, I brush a lock of hair back from her face.
“Hi, little ghost.”
Her lips purse, concern etched into her pretty face while she studies me. Her hand slips up my chest, and I hope to God she can’t feel my heart racing under her fingers.
“I’m sorry for crying all over you,” she says quietly.
I have no idea what to say to make her feel better, so I say the only thing that comes to mind.
“It’s okay.”
She doesn’t seem to like that answer and frowns, a crease forming between her brows.
Her hand cups my cheek, her thumb brushing over the scar on my lip.
I know what she’s thinking. How much she doesn’t know about me. How much I’ve kept hidden from her. It’s for the best, but she doesn’t see that.
Her eyes are half-lidded and hazy when her tongue darts out to lick her lips, and I can’t help but follow the movement with my gaze, desire slipping through my veins.
Without a word, she leans up and presses her lips against mine. I’m still trying to decide whether I should let this continue or be the good guy and stop it.
My hand slides into her hair, angling her head back, and I press my lips fully against hers, drinking her in.
She moans quietly against my mouth, and I know without a doubt, she’s got me by the fucking balls.
She attempts to slip her hand down my chest, going for the button on my jeans, but I catch her wrist, stopping her.
“Ava.”
“Please,” she whispers, trying to press her lips to the hollow below my jaw. A shiver ghosts through me, and I force her back.
“This isn’t what this was about,” I grit, trying to keep my voice gentle.
“Please, Levi,” she whispers, and I watch a tear slip down her cheek. “I just want to forget.”
“Baby girl, you’re playing a dangerous game.”
