By the time the stars burst across the night sky, Scott was thoroughly exhausted and had thankfully forgotten everything about Uncle Cameron. If that was Levi’s goal, then he succeeded, but I suspected there was more to it. More than once, I caught Levi watching Scott with warmth in his eyes.
Back at the penthouse, I put Scott to bed after dragging his exhausted form through a quick shower and head out to the lounge where Levi waits with two glasses of red wine.
“I shouldn’t drink,” I say, declining the glass with a raised hand. “I have to take Scott to school tomorrow… which, speaking of, can you get my car back?”
“Take one of mine,” Levi says, setting my glass down while sipping from his own. “Donald will take you.”
“I don’t need an armed escort to take my son to school.”
“No, you need an armed escort because you’re my fiancée.”
“Fakefiancée.”
“If enough people believe it, then it becomes the truth.”
Rolling my eyes, I move past Levi toward the balcony, but he catches me by the forearm and jerks me back toward him. Our eyes meet and his lids droop slightly as his eyes wander past my gaze down to my lips and then further to where my cleavage sits nestled in one of the new bras he bought me.
“It’s gross to stare,” I mutter as warmth rushes to my cheeks once more.
“You didn’t mind me staring last night.”
“Last night was a mistake.”
“Was it?” Levi’s arm snakes around my waist and he pulls me close, then he’s leaning in and kissing me with as much hunger as he did last night.
I can’t fall for it again. Not a second time. “No, Levi,” I groan, placing both hands on his chest and pushing him away. “It can’t happen again.”
Levi grunts softly and slowly licks his lower lip. “Can’t or won’t?”
“Both.”
“Are you trying to persuade yourself or me?”
Increasing the pressure, I push further, and Levi’s arm slackens around my waist. “You. One hate fuck is enough, don’t you think?”
“Oh, last night was ahatefuck. Could have fooled me.” He snorts softly.
“That’s just like you,” I snap, finally escaping his hold and instantly craving his touch the moment his lingering hand sweeps away from my waist. “You’re always reading the wrong signs.”
“Am I—” Levi cuts himself off immediately and the soft, teasing glow in his face fades as his attention snaps to the door. A second later, a soft ding sounds from the elevator.
How did he know that was going to happen? He must have a sixth sense for these sorts of things.
I smooth my hands down my blouse just in time for the approaching footsteps to reach the door, and in walks an elderly man with graying hair combed back from his round face, his stocky form poured into an exceptionally well-tailored pinstripe suit.
Levi suddenly straightens up. “Father.”
Father?
Oh, shit. It’s Elio Gallo.
14
LEVI
“Sorry to interrupt.” Elio’s eyes dart between me and Maeve. “I wouldn’t usually drop by this late, but I received a call telling me that my son is engaged and I had to come and see it for myself.”
Shit. I meant to call him today, but spending the day with Maeve and Scott took over all my other responsibilities and it slipped my mind. Elio moves deeper into the lounge while unbuttoning his suit jacket with one brow raised in silent question.