Page 136 of Stroke of Fate

“Forever after, huh? Sounds like you’re saying you want to keep me around for a very long time and then some.” My smile grows as I think about how promising a future with Levi sounds.

It always sounded good, but after it was nearly ripped away from us, there’s no doubt he’s the one I want to face every unknown with. Speed bumps and hurdles are part of life, but the journey doesn’t feel as scary with him by my side.

He cups my cheek gently, running his thumb over my lower lip. “The day I met you, I knew I wasn’t letting you go.”

“I’m glad you held on tight,” I whisper.

“Thank fuck.” He grins, dropping his head to mine.

Soft lips capture mine, and I melt into his kiss.

“I think you still owe me a birthday present.” I joke when we come up for air.

“You’re right. Come over tonight, and you can unwrap it.”

I groan. “We don’t have a great track record when it comes to waiting. Maybe you should give it to me now.”

He chuckles, and my insides melt at the sound. “Trust me, Teddy Bear, next time someone tries to come between us, they better be prepared to kill me.”

I bite my lip, knowing he’s not joking. Maybe there’s something wrong with me for loving it. If those words came from anyone else they’d scare me off— but this is Levi we’re talking about. I think by now it’s clear that I don’t scare easily when it comes to him and me.

Not anymore.

38 | LEVI

Three weeks later

Sitting in the last row of retractable seats, I lower my baseball hat over my eyes, hoping it will keep my face hidden from the bright, artificial overhead lights.

I’m not supposed to be in this class, so I’ve had to stay as inconspicuous as possible, blending in with the other students.

Not that any of them batted an eye when I slipped into one of the aisle seats fifteen minutes ago. But the last thing I want is for Bear’s professor to stop her in the middle of her presentation because she thinks some creeper is hanging in the back watching.

There’s no way I’d miss my girl’s presentation, especially since the topic is about me. Or, not exactly me, but how my body moves and all the fancy terms she’s throwing around while talking about it.

Bear even included some pictures she took of me during competitions and practice. Hell, even I’m impressed with how my muscles look. Those extra hours in the gym with Mack seem to have paid off.

Bear’s looking everywhere but at me as she talks through her slides. I know she’s avoiding me on purpose. The first time she spotted me, she stumbled over her words, but Bear’s fucking amazing and quickly composed herself.

I’m trying hard to concentrate on the words coming out of her mouth, but all I can focus on is how good she looks in that pantsuit. It’s hot as fuck. And nothing like those old frumpy suites some people wear in the office. This one is stylish and highlights Bear’s figure in all the right ways.

The images in my head go straight to my dick as I imagine dirtying her up with a good fuck from behind while she looks all proper.

Goddamn, get a grip, Levi.

Since that messed-up conversation with Kristin weeks ago, I’ve had a hard time keeping my hands off her.

I was insatiable before, but nearly losing her turned me into a man needing my next fix more often.

And it comes in the form of a 5’11, drop-dead gorgeous blonde whose blue eyes are my damn kryptonite.

The projector behind Bear switches to a slide titled "Conclusion," and I sit up straighter, knowing I’ll need to slip out soon.

The gold bracelet on Bear’s wrist snags my attention as she talks through her final points, and I smile. It’s her birthday gift, the same one I never got round to giving her on the actual day.

It’s a gold bracelet held together by the stone of our anniversary month. Two small gold-plated charms hang on either side—one engraved with a "B" and the other with an "L."

She hasn’t taken it off since, and my chest tightens every time I see it dangling from her slender wrist. I’m pretty damn proud of myself for that one.

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