As if possible, his eyes darken more, rippling with tension. There’s barely an ounce of the Levi I’ve gotten used to. He’s evaporating into smoke that’s impossible to catch.
The frightening calm on his face puts me on the edge of myself.
I can deal with anger and rage, but how can I pick up a fight with deadly calm?
“Are you blind?” He’s still in that cool phase of his. “Can’t you see the way he looks at you?”
“Like a sister, you mean.”
He bursts out laughing, but it’s completely humourless. “If he looks at you like a sister, then I look at you like you’re a fucking nun.”
“God damn it, Levi! Just because you want to fuck me doesn’t mean everyone else does. Stop being a caveman.”
“A caveman, huh?”
“I don’t know what the hell is wrong with you today, but you’re hallucinating and overreacting.”
He slams his hand on the hood of the car near my head, and I jump at the bang.
I fight the tears of helplessness and anger blurring my vision. I hate him for making me feel like I’m at fault when I didn’t do anything wrong.
It’s so similar to Dad and I swore I’d never let anyone belittle me anymore.
“What is wrong with you?” My voice raises.
“You!” He growls. “You’re what’s wrong with me!”
He grips my chin between his thumb and forefinger and squeezes hard enough that it hurts. “You are mine so stop acting otherwise.”
“I never agreed to be yours, King. You don’t own me, no one does.”
“Oh, but I do, princess.” He slaps my thighs apart and cups me through my jeans. “I own every part of you and soon, that won’t only be in theory.”
His touch awakens my body, getting it all worked up, and I loathe him for it.
“And if I refuse?” I lift my chin up.
His jaw clenches as he says in a cool, non-negotiable tone. “You might think you have a choice, but you don’t. You will bow to me.”
“I’m glad you showed your true face, but then again, this has always been you. I was just the idiot who refused to see it.” I push him away with all my might and run past him.
Tears blur my vision as I sprint into the street, wiping them with the back of my sleeves.
I should’ve probably went back inside for a ride with Dan, but I can’t face Zach after what just happened.
I wander down the road with my arms hanging limply by my sides.
The streets are crowded with people heading to local pubs and restaurants. My heart aches and I feel like an emotional mess every time a family comes into sight.
Why the hell do I have to think about my non-existent family whenever I’m down?
My phone rings, and I wipe my nose before answering. “Astrid speaking.”
“Miss Clifford,” the deputy commissioner says in a friendly tone. “I hope you’re doing well.”
“Thanks.” My muscles lock as I stand near a tree with my back to it. “Is there something new about the case?”
“Yes and no. We found new evidence in the soil that could be damaged surveillance videos. Our forensics are working to recover it.”