Page 20 of Savage Princess

“How does this work again? If I’ve done it, I drink?”

I nod. “I think so? I’ve never played it before. But I read about it in a book. I think that’s how it worked.”

“We’ll go with that, then.”

“Never have I ever—” I pause, thinking. “Never have I ever stolen anything.”

“That feels like a cheap shot.” Levin takes a sip of his beer. “That money from the ATM was for us both.”

“Was that the first time you’ve stolen anything?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

“I don’t think that’s how the game goes,” Levin says, narrowing his eyes at me. “You don’t get to ask more questions. Or do you not want to keep playing?”

“Fine.” I glare playfully at him. “Never have I ever killed anyone.”

“Again, cheap shot. Youwatchedme kill those men on the plane. Again, for us both.” Levin takes a swig. “Is it my turn yet?”

“I think I have to come up with one you haven’t done? But sure, go ahead. It would probably takewaytoo long.”

Levin gives me a pointed look and then considers, picking at the label on his beer bottle. “Never have I ever read a romance novel,” he says finally, and I can’t help the laugh that bubbles up.

“That doesn’t surprise me at all,” I inform him, before taking a swig of my beer. “Alright, my turn again.”

“That seems unfair, but sure.” Levin eyes me. “You’re taking more rounds than I am.”

“Okay, go again, then.”

Levin frowns. “Never have I ever—ah, shit. I have no idea what I could say that I haven’t done, to be honest.”

“You can’t have doneeverything.” I narrow my eyes at him. “You’re notthatold.”

“You’re right, I’m not.” Levin glances at me. “Never have I ever–eaten at a Michelin-starred restaurant. I’ve been to plenty of fancy dinners, but never that.”

“I haven’t done that either. I’ve spent my whole life in my father’s compound, remember? We went out as a family sometimes, but nothing like that.”

“Well then.” Levin chuckles. “No drinks this round, then.”

I can tell that every time he drinks, he’s taking a very small sip, as if he’s trying to keep from getting too intoxicated. He pauses as I open my mouth for another round, shaking his head.

“Hold that thought,” he says calmly. “I want to make sure things are a little more secure. I heard a noise outside, I think.”

I feel myself tense at that, the memory of the men breaking into my hotel room still fresh. Levin reaches for his gun, peering out of a slit in the curtain and then slowly making his way to the door, cracking it and slipping outside. I sit there, one hand gripping the edge of the bed as I swallow more of the beer, suddenly feeling as if Ineeda drink.

I’ve finished it, and I’m trying to figure out how to get the top off of the next when Levin comes back in.

“Twist it,” he tells me, looking around the room.

I twist, but nothing happens. “Are we safe?” I ask nervously, and Levin nods.

“For now, anyway. I don’t see anything out there. But I’m going to bar the door, just to be safe. Give me a minute.”

I watch as he maneuvers the heavy dresser in front of the door, shifting the chair so that the furniture is rearranged and the door is fully blocked. There’s still the window, but I don’t think there’s anything we can do about that.

He comes back to sit next to me, setting his gun on the nightstand. “Better to be prepared,” he says calmly. “Especially after a few drinks.”

Levin takes the beer out of my hand as he says it, twisting the top off effortlessly and handing it back to me. “Where were we?”

He seems a little more relaxed than before, and I like it. I don’t know if it’s the drinks or just that he’sactuallyhaving fun, but I like seeing this side of him.

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