Page 70 of Always Love You More
“I’m not talking to you,” Levi snaps before turning his attention back to me, dismissing Jameson altogether.
Fuck this.I’m sick of his games, the way he manipulates everyone around him, the way he speaks to people. The way he treats Jameson.
“I was helping him,” I spit. “In case you haven’t seen what he looks like, he didn’t need you to use him as your personal punching bag last night.” I lower my voice. “Who picks a fight with someone who can barely stand?”
Jameson’s mother fidgets uncomfortably as Levi cocks his head. Jameson shifts closer to me, his arm brushing against mine.
“So you really do care about him, then?” Levi muses.
I blink. “Excuse me?”
“You’re not weak”—he flicks his hand in Jameson’s direction—“and you’ve clearly proven that you’ll stand by him.”
I nod tentatively.
“I had to make sure you weren’t just using him.”
“I’m not.”
He settles back in his seat, and with that one movement, the room relaxes. “I know that now.”
“What—so I pass your little test?”
He smirks. “Yeah, you pass.”
Turning to Jameson, he says, “I like this one. Reminds me of her brother.”
He points at me, his cigarette dangling between his fingers. “But don’t get between us again.”
“Then don’t make me have to.”
He laughs. “Jesus, girl. You don’t hold back, do you?”
When I keep quiet, he shifts to Jameson. “You better keep an eye on this one.”
Jameson nods, his hand coming down to rest on my leg.
Levi pushes his chair back and stands. “All right, then I think we’re done here.”
He starts to walk into the living room, Jameson’s mother reaching over the table to begin clearing the dishes.
“Oh, and one last thing,” Levi mutters, turning back to us.
“Yeah?” Jameson says, his voice even.
“If I ever find out you’re dipping into the product again …” He trails off, the undelivered threat hanging in the air.
“I’m—”
Jameson squeezes my thigh, and I go silent.
“Consider this first mishap a gift, yeah?” Levi slides his eyes over, meeting mine. “But next time, I won’t be so generous.”
“There won’t be a next time,” Jameson assures him.
Levi grunts. “Remember what I told you—about testing me.” He motions between us. “I’d hate for this to have to end.”
Jameson’s fingers tighten around my leg.
