Page 15 of Never Die for a Sinner
I wince, my teeth digging into my lip.
“I don’t know. I just—” I pause when a familiar dark cloud walks out of the house toward his car.
Two days ago, in his room, he basically told me I needed to get laid. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.
Levi Cross naked was something to behold, and I’m ashamed to say that I couldn’t help but notice . . .him. Seriously, how is it that big?
A shiver moves through me, remembering the incident. The way my body reacted to his proximity. The cut of his hips where they form that little V that makes women go feral.
The scent of the forest, whiskey, and everything that makes up Levi Cross has been seared into my senses since.
Alex notices my steps falter, and his stare darkens when he follows my gaze.
Alex doesn’t like Levi. Levi doesn’t like Alex, but then again, Levi doesn’t like anyone.
Least of all, me.
“Is this about Cross?” My cheeks flame at the mention of his name. I haven’t spoken to him since he cornered me in his room.
“What about him?” I snap, my tone a little too defensive.
Judging by the way his shoulders tense, Alex picks up on it.
“Seems like a real dickhead.”
I swallow past the harsh burn in my throat. Of course, Levi’s a dickhead. He’s crude, abrasive, and harsh.
He’s also had a hard life, and I refuse to believe there isn’t something good in him.
“He’s had a lot to deal with.”
“Yeah,” Alex scoffs. “I’m sure that silver spoon doesn’t taste great once it’s tarnished.”
“He’s not like that,” I argue, and Alex stops on the path, looking down at me. “His dad just died,” I add, softening my tone. I’m thelastperson who should be standing up for Levi, but I’ve also heard his nightmares. Seen the shadows in his eyes when someone mentions his father. I know that pain, and as much as I don’t like him, I can sympathize.
“So? Your dad’s dead. You aren’t walking around with a stick up your ass.”
I bite back my retort and suck in a deep breath. I don’t actually know that my father’s dead, but after more than twenty years and not a single trace, I’d say it’s safe to assume he’s probably resting on the bottom of some lake somewhere, completely oblivious to the daughter he left behind.
“He’s going through a hard time. Money doesn’t make your problems go away.”It makes them worse. “Have you even spoken to him?”
“Have you?”
“I have.”Not really. “I’m just saying, don’t be too quick to judge. People have a way of surprising you.”
If you want the truth, as terrifying as he can be, there’s a strange part of me that feels safe with Levi. Like nothing can touch me as long as I’ve got the big bad wolf on my side.
Yes, he’s dangerous, but oddly enough, I know he’d never be dangerous tome. At least, not physically. My heart? Now that’s a different story.
“Look,” Alex starts, his voice quieter than before. “I’m not trying to be a dick. I know old man Cross just died. I’m just saying to watch yourself.”
“What are you talking about?” I ask around the bitter taste in my mouth.
Alex’s eyes darken, his jaw tense. “I’ve seen men like him get what they want far too many times.”
“How would you know what Levi wants?” I challenge, but he’s looking over my head. I don’t have to turn around to know who he’s looking at. Still, I do and find that frosty stare lingering on mine across the path.
Levi’s expression is unreadable. His gaze dark and haunting as always, but there’s something else there in the tension in his shoulders.
