Page 71 of Always Love You More

“Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Jameson is quiet before he clears his throat. “Yes, sir, I understand.”

His father nods, his gaze still locked with mine, before he turns and stalks out of the room.

Once they’re gone, Jameson lets out a breath, his shoulders dropping, and I realize that Levi just dealt the final blow.

Hit number three: The only reason Jameson and I are together is because Levi is allowing us to be. And he’s just found another thing he can hold over Jameson’s head.

Me.

Chapter 20

Jameson

“I’msorryaboutthejoints,” Sam whispers. “I—”

“Don’t,” I tell her. “It’s fine.”

“Is he gonna give you shit?”

I shake my head. “That was probably it,” I answer, although I’m not sure if that’s the truth.

“I didn’t know there were cameras. I should have thought … I just … I didn’t think anyone would notice.”

“It’s all right, really.”

She nods, but still looks nervous.

“Do you wanna go to my room?” I ask, wanting to get her out of here in case my old man comes back.

“Sure,” she says, some of the tension leaving her.

I stand and take her hand, leading her down the hall.

The door to my room clicks shut behind me as I watch Sam’s eyes roam around the space.

She looks back at me before taking a step forward and walking over to the desk I have crammed between my dresser and bed. She trails her hand over the surface before picking up a picture that’s leaning against the wall. She turns to me, a smile pulling at her lips. “You and Billy?”

I nod.

“How old were you guys?”

I shrug. “I don’t know, maybe five.”

She sets the photo down, and I come up behind her, peering over her shoulder.

“You were cute,” she murmurs.

I snort.

She leans into me, tilting her head up so her eyes meet mine. “What?”

“Just don’t think anyone’s ever called mecutebefore.”

“Well, you were.” She moves to the stack of DVDs I have balanced on the corner of the desk. “Who uses DVDs anymore?” she teases.

“It helps me sleep.”