Page 27 of Dead and a Best Friend
"Why am I suddenly relying on you?" I groaned. "I didn't mean for that to sound bad. It's just unusual for me to rely on a stranger. I don't understand why I feel comfortable with you." I smiled. "Although, when you first started broadcasting, I wanted to punch you."
Levi winced. "I'd want to punch myself, too. I had some, um, vivid thoughts."
"Yes, well." My cheeks felt heated, so I looked out the window.
Levi cleared his throat. "The truth is, with you, it's different. I've heard odd thoughts over the years, but for some reason, we can have conversations in our minds together. I haven't done that with anyone before, and I'm just as curious as you are."
I nodded and closed my eyes. "I'm going to nap for five minutes.”
“I’ll be here when you wake up."
After settling in, I heard a buzzing noise that sounded like a phone. Then, I drifted off to sleep.
True to his word,Levi didn't leave my apartment while I napped. He was sitting on the couch, reading a book. I grinned when I saw the title."That'll get you hot under the collar."
His eyes shot to mine, and he winked. "It's quite a sultry read."
I chuckled and turned my head from side to side to work out the kinks. Pen sat in the other armchair and gazed between us. "How are the two of you friends now?"
"He's not the jerk I thought he was."
Levi burst out laughing. "I'm glad you no longer want to punch me."
"She has a wicked left hook," Pen said quietly. "There's no sign of Aiden." Her eyes drifted to Levi, and she looked...guilty.
"What have I missed?"
"Aiden called and told Pen he was coming for her and the money."
"What the heck!" I jumped to my feet and Levi steadied me. "When did this happen?"
Pen narrowed her gaze between Levi and me. "What just happened there?" She waved a hand between us. "No one spoke." Her eyes suddenly widened. "Are you two speaking to each other in your heads? You are, right?"
"Look, I'll tell you everything you've missed. I promise. But right now, we need a plan to keep you away from that freak of nature!"
"You can curse, Tallulah. The name you were thinking of is 'bastard.'"
"Oh, shut up!"
"Stop it!" Pen hissed. "That's rude."
"You need to hide out at the hotel, Pen. Carlisle and Jessop will make sure no harm comes to you."
"No way!" She shook her head vehemently. "I'm not staying at the hotel."
"Too right you're not," said Jessop as he strode into the room.
I frowned because I hadn't heard anyone on the stairs. "Where'd you come from?"
"Through the window."
"What?!"
He rolled his eyes. “The stairs, Tallulah." He fixed his gaze on Pen, who took a step back. "You're coming with me."
"No."
"Penelope Bailey, you better get your sweet butt downstairs and into my truck. Otherwise, I'll carry you. Either way, you're coming with me."
