Page 127 of Wicked Dares
I know what he’s asking.
He knows I crossed the line and can’t find my way back. “Yes.”
“That’s not a bad thing. I’m not a bad thing.”
“No, you aren’t, Levi Vale.”
“What scares you?”
Everything, but I can’t say that.
“Would you burn me?” The question feels like I’m stepping further than ever.
“Yes. But not the way you think.”
“How?” I search his eyes.
“Part of me is selfish. I want to break your wings so you can’t fly away from me. But I don’t want to break you.” He takes a breath. “I think you’re perfect, and I like seeing you fly high… even if it’s away from me. So, there has to be another way to keep you with me.”
My heart triple-beats, pounding with a strange combo of elation and fear. “You want to keep me?”
“Yes.”
He leans over, picks up a little envelope from the window pane, and hands it to me.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
I take the envelope and open it. Inside is a folded document. I open it and read it. It’s a title deed… with my name on it.
And…
“Oh my God.” My hands fly up to my mouth, then I push to my feet, staring in utter disbelief at what I’m reading.
The building.
The office space I wanted.
He… bought it for me.
I meet his gaze as he stands, too, tears welling in my eyes.
“You… really did this?” I stutter. “For me?”
“Of course. You love the building. You spoke about it like it was the one, so I couldn’t imagine you just leasing it. It needed to be yours.”
My breath stills. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“You deserve it.”
“Oh, Levi, it’s too much.”
He smirks. “Absolutely not. Nothing is ever too much for you, so please accept the gift.”
“Oh my God, thank you.” I rush back to him and hug him hard. “Thank you so much. This means everything to me.”
“You are so welcome, Butterfly. Anything for you.”
