Page 37 of Stroke of Fate

Levi licks his lips, and I shamelessly follow the movement. It’s hot.He’shot. And if my panties weren’t wet before, they are now.

“I-I didn’t mean it like that,” I stammer, hating how breathy my voice sounds. “More like in a weird serial killer kindof way. Because of what I said in the parking lot. You know, about thinking you were a serial killer.”

Foot, meet mouth.

Levi’s lips tip up just enough to let the sharp points of his canine teeth poke through. It’s so predatory and makes me feel like a clumsy gazelle in a lion’s den.

But then, he blinks, and the moment passes. The color in his eyes fades back to their regular amber. The thick cloud of desire dissipates, and the sun comes out again.

“Relax, Teddy Bear. I only want to talk, " he says, but it does nothing to calm my racing heart.

Levi grabs a throw blanket from the back of the couch and walks to a large window. I watch in silence as he unlatches the lock and slides it open.

“Ladies first.” He gestures to the open window before stepping back slightly.

I take my time walking over—still reeling from whatever just happened. There’s barely any space between us, and when my side brushes up against his front as I squeeze past, it takes everything in me to ignore how good it feels.

Peeking out, I see a terrace-like structure just beyond the window. It’s not large by any means but would comfortably fit two people.

“Is it safe?”

“Yes, I’d never put you in harm’s way.”

He sounds surprisingly serious, and for whatever reason, I believe him. His fingers gently nudge my bare back, and goosebumps litter my skin. My body’s reaction to his touch is enough for me to swing one leg over the windowsill and quickly step out.

Walking to the short railing, I peer down and take in the backyard, illuminated by string lights. A large pool dominates the space. Despite the cool evening, I’m sure it’s only a matter oftime before someone jumps. Speakers are placed all around, but we’re up high enough that the sound barely carries.

Turning around, I join Levi on the blanket he laid out and lean back on my hands, mirroring his pose. I leave a respectable distance between us, but Levi shifts slightly, his pinky brushing against mine.

I don’t pull away. It feels nice. And it’s exhausting to keep pretending I don’t like his touch.

“How’d you find this hideout?” I ask, keeping my gaze forward.

“The caution tape intrigued me.” His voice is all tease, and I snort.

Of course, it did.

“Obviously, you don’t understand that tape is meant to keep people from snooping,” I say, thinking back to how he went through my box the first day we met.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see him throw his head back with a laugh.

That sound.

It’s like a shot of dopamine, and ifthisis the Levi I always get to see, I’d have an even harder time convincing myself to stay away.

“I’ll remember that for next time,” he says, though at least he has the decency to sound somewhat sheepish about what happened.

“Are you going to tell me why we’re up here and not down there with the rest of the party?”

“Do you want to be down there with everyone else?”

No.

Can’t say that, so I shrug and let out a noncommittal hum.

Levi clears his throat, and I turn my head, giving him my full attention. His eyes drop to my lips before he shakes his head, his gaze flicking back to mine.

“I wanted to apologize,” he says, and my brows go skyward. “Unless this is strike three, and you walk away again?”

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