Lev (Shot Callers 1)

Puzzlement crossed his face. “I don’t understand.”

That, I was coming to learn, was one of his favorite phrases. The other one being ‘I see’.

“I’ve lived here almost two weeks now. We’ve been under each other’s noses working together, eating together, living together, and still, I don’t know a thing about you, Lev. And I’d like to.”

His brows pulled low. “I see.”

And with that, I almost burst into a fit of laughter. But instead, I wove it into a bright smile. “Will you have lunch with me today? We’ll talk. Get to know each other a little better. Dig deeper than the surface.”

His face lost all expression and, for some reason, anxiety radiated from him.

I couldn’t handle it. I made my way over to him, taking his hand and sitting by his side. I spoke gently, “Why do you shut down when I ask you about yourself?”

His throat worked, and his response will stay with me forever. His voice equally as soft, he muttered, “I don’t know how to talk to people, Mina.” He squeezed my hand lightly. “I’m worried I’ll screw up, disappoint you.”

My reply was quiet but fierce. “You can talk to me about anything. I don’t think you could disappoint me, even if you tried. I just want honest conversation.”

Looking down at our hands, he ran his thumb over mine, straightened, and conceded, “Okay. Yes.” He paused then added, “I would like to have lunch with you, Mina.”

My shoulders bunched in time with my nose and, lifting my arms high in the air, I cheered, “Yay!”

He looked up at me, and when he looked at me like I was crazy, I tipped my head back and laughed, just happy to be sharing this moment with him. I stood, gathering some clothes and walking over to the bathroom. “One o’clock?”

He inclined his head. “One o’clock.”

Feeling equal amounts of relief and joy, I closed the door behind me and washed away my long night.

***

Mina

The morning dragged on, mainly because Mirella had taken Lidiya on a day excursion and I didn’t get to see the little sweetheart before they left. Nas came by around eleven, and without uttering a single syllable, she sat at Lev’s kitchen table, her humungous sunglasses covering her eyes, and threw a paper bag onto the table.

I huffed out a laugh and asked on a whisper, “Didn’t sleep well?”

She pulled off her glasses, wincing as sunlight touched her red eyes, but she smiled cunningly, “I didn’t sleep at all.”

It took me a second to get it. And when I did, I leaned over the table and shoved her. “You little skank. Was it anyone I know?”

She shrugged. “Probably.”

I stared at her. “And you’re not telling?” She shook her head, a Mona Lisa smile appearing on her lips. “Fine,” I said. “At least tell me if he was any good.”

“Mmmm,” she hummed, her eyes closing slowly. “It was exactly what I needed. He was incredible. A god.”

My lips pursed into a pout. “I want someone incredible. I want a god.” I blinked at her. “What is wrong with me?”

Nas chuckled. “By the look of it, you’re thirsty, kukla.”

“Huh?”

“You need a tall glass of water.”

I was starting to get a headache. I rubbed at my temples. “English, Nas. Please.”

She huffed out an annoyed sigh and shot me the stank eye. “You’re horny.”

“No, I’m not,” I objected a little too quickly.

“It’s totally natural to want the D, Mina. Nothing to be ashamed of. It’s been a long time. You’ve just got your life back.” She assured, “You’re twenty-four years old. It’s okay to want sex.”

I blinked down at the table, thinking hard. “You know, you’re probably right. But I think it’s not what I want at all. It’s just the idea of it is mighty appealing.” I snickered. “Knowing my luck, I’d hook up with the one guy who doesn’t know how to take a woman there. Then, of course, I’d fake it so he didn’t feel bad, and end up feeling twice as horny, going home and flicking the bean.” I grimaced. “Not ideal.”

Nas gawked at me, her eyes narrowed and her lip curled. Finally, she theorized, “You’re fucking crazy.”

“I know,” I sighed.

I opened the bag on the table to find Ada had made a batch of her blueberry muffins. Even though I wanted to keep them all for myself, I reluctantly offered one to Nas, who snickered at my obviously forced offer. She took one anyway. We talked over a cup of coffee and I realized time flew as the back door opened.

Both Nas and I turned to watch Lev walk inside. He looked down at his sister and his hard eyes turned warm. “Good morning, Nastasia. Are you joining us for lunch?”

“Lunch?” She perked up. I spun around and scowled at her. Her brows rose in surprise. “I guess not.”