Page 103 of Never Die for a Sinner
“Stay close,” he says, though I can barely hear him over the crowd cheering for Cheddar, whoever the hell that is.
Heads turn as we walk past, and people whisper to their friends. Levi must be some sort of badass here, because a few people even move out of his way as we pass.
I must admit, I like being on his arm like this. His hand holding mine like he’s afraid of losing me. Like he wants the world to know I’m his girl, even if it’s only for now.
We step up to a bar, and the bartender turns, her eyes wide and locked on me.
I feel a twinge in my gut with the look in her eyes, because I know that look.
She’s in love. Or at least . . . she cares. Enough that she doesn’t like that Levi’s here with another woman.
She’s beautiful, her fire-engine-red hair piled up on top of her head. She’s the type of girl I would expect Levi to be hooked on because she doesn’t fit into a box, just like him.
I can’t deny I’m jealous because he smiles at her, and I can see they have an easy relationship.
“Cherry,” he greets, tugging my hand to drag me closer to him.
“Black . . . Long time no see,” she says, and there’s an air of grievance in her tone. “Who’s this? A friend?”
“Mine.”
My cheeks flame, my heart fluttering in my chest at the possessiveness in his tone.
Cherry, on the other hand, nods solemnly, her gaze rebounding between the two of us.
“Black,” someone calls from behind us, and I jump at the sudden intrusion of the man, Cheddar, grinning ear to ear with blood coating his face like the extra-large male version of Carrie. “Getting in the ring tonight?”
“No,” Levi hums, his arm tightening around my waist. “I’m here on business.”
Cheddar grins, showcasing a broken set of teeth. They look painful, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
“Unfortunate for you. I’ve got at least two more good rounds in me.”
Levi chuckles, patting him on his overly sweaty shoulder.
“You lose any more teeth, you’re going to be eating smoothies for the rest of your life.”
“Hello, pretty lady?” Cheddar asks, smiling at me. He reminds me of a gentle giant who doesn’t realize how big he is when he holds his hand out. His unfortunately verybloodyhand.
Levi and I both turn, locking eyes with a different, much cleaner man. He’s handsome, and the most notable thing about him is how he doesn’t look like he belongs here at all, save for the bruise across his cheek. His green eyes sparkle with indifferent amusement as he flashes a grin at me.
“Donovan Palmer, though everyone here calls me Diego. You must be Ava. Welcome to my Tomb.”
I move to shake his hand, but Levi steps in the way.
“We have an appointment.”
Something unspoken passes between them. A warning, maybe? A threat? I can’t tell over the hum of the tension radiating in the air.
“Come back to my office. We’ll chat. You can even bring your pet.”
“She’ll stay here, where Cheddar can keep an eye on her.”
The man smirks, chuckling under his breath.
“Have it your way.”
He stalks off toward the back, and Levi turns back to me. Pulling me into his chest, he leans close, like you might when you’re pressing your lips to someone’s cheek, only in his case, it’s so he can whisper sweet threats in my ear.
