Page 58 of Savoring Her Snake

I pinch my other leg.

“I honestly don’t know how to respond,” I mumble, rubbing my red skin. I’m shocked by his words. He’s never expressed regret.

“I shouldn’t have left you there.”

“You don’t want me with Heath,” I say.

“That’s not what I mean,” he sighs. “I think he’s a good guy. As your brother, I should have talked to you first and made sure you were alright.”

“That’s—” I stand up and pace. “That’s a very brotherly thing to say.”

“I know. I needed to step up a long time ago. I’ve depended on you for too long. It’s time to own my mistakes and give you the credit you deserve.”

“What changed?” I don’t trust his sudden switch of attitude.

“Heath,” he says.

“Heath. What about him?”

“He offered me a job.”

“I know.”

“I called him, and we worked it out. We had a long talk. I’m not saying he is the only reason. I’ve been struggling for a while and needed to change,” he says. My heart squeezes. “I haven’t taken any of Stanly’s calls.”

“Really?” That is a big step. Even when they fought, Levi would always talk to him.

“Yeah. I need to get away from him. All the money I made was wasted. He partied all the time and spent most of it on his girlfriend and going out. I can’t get better if he continues to bring me down. I can’t rely on his word to pay me back.” That sounds like Heath.

“Levi, this is great news.” I chew on my lip. “Things won’t change between us overnight. I can’t forget the past so easily.” Shit, but I want to.

“I know. I don’t expect your forgiveness right away.”

“It’s a great first step,” I whisper.

“I’m hoping. I want a relationship with you, one not built on my fuck-ups.”

“I would love it.” It’s too good to be true, and I don’t want to get my hopes up.

“Heath has a gym a couple hours from here. I’m packing now. He’s sending me to work there. It’s successful, and I’ll be able to work my way up. I can put my fighting skills to good use.” He sounds excited. I haven’t heard that for years.

“Levi, that’s amazing. I hope you love it.”

“Heath says if I work hard, he’ll give me a raise.”

“Heath says,” I say softly, shaking my head. “You like Heath.”

“What’s there not to like?”

“Totally agree.” I rub my eyes.

“Mom called,” he says.

“Did you answer?”

“Yes. I needed to say some things. I’ve been holding back.”

“Yeah,” I say grimly.

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