Chapter Thirteen
Levi needed this stop to be short and sweet. He had called ahead and told his boss to be waiting. Levi climbed off his motorcycle, leaving his helmet with it. He swiftly entered the house and found just who he wanted to see waiting on his expensive couch.
"Here." Levi walked up to his boss and dropped his backpack at his feet.
The man took a puff on his cigar before setting it in an ashtray. He stared at Levi for quite a while, irritating Levi. Finally, his boss leaned forward and opened the backpack. He pulled out a portion of the stacks of hundred-dollar bills that were inside. The money from Levi's own safe. His boss looked up at Levi.
"How did you get this?"
Levi pulled out his phone and brought up the picture of the bleeding Mr. Richardson. He held it out for his boss to view. The large man looked from the phone back to Levi.
"He just needed extra convincing," Levi lied.
"Why this one?" His boss thumbed through the rest of the cash in the bag.
"Why what?" Levi returned his phone to his pocket.
His boss left the money in the backpack, sat back, and reached for his cigar. "Why were you anxious for this job to be done? Why not just let that man squirm for a few more days? We could have gotten more money, maybe."
Levi adjusted the gun in the back of his jeans. "I'm taking a vacation."
"So you just wanted this over so you could take a break?" The boss puffed on his cigar.
Levi turned away from him and started to walk toward the door. "This job is cleared, and I'll call you if and when I want another job."
His boss called after him. "Levi, what about the girl? You letting her go now?"
Levi stopped with his hand on the doorknob of the front door. He turned his head to talk over his shoulder. "Don't worry about that loose end. I'm taking care of her." He opened the door and stepped out of the house.
Hang on, Tessa.
****
"Cutie, this doesn't have to be painful." Sam greedily looked down at her exposed thighs.
He had pushed her dress up so it sat dangerously high on her legs. Tessa was trying her hardest to stay calm. So far, he had only just stared at her, but she didn't think that would last much longer. At least he'd stopped drinking, but maybe she wanted him drunker so he would pass out.
"Maybe you're right. Could I have a drink?"
Sam smirked at her. "There. I knew you were a party girl."
She tensed as Sam ran his hand down her right leg. He watched her body as he slid his hand back up her thighs. This time he got a bit bolder, though. Sam's fingers glided just under the hem of her dress, toward her panties. Tessa closed her eyes, not wanting to see his face as he ran his fingers way too close to the outline of her underwear.
Her arms trembled as Sam stalled his fingers mere inches from her underwear and her pussy. A few tears slipped from her eyes as the pain in her stomach got worse. She exhaled an uneven breath.
"Sam, that drink?"
She opened her eyes when his fingers started to drum on her skin. He made a strange grunting sound and looked up at her. His eyes looked more alive now as one of his fingers traced the edge of her underwear.
"Oh, yeah." He slowly pulled his hand off her, sliding it out from underneath her dress. "One quick thing, though."
Fear and anxiety surged through her as he leaned closer to her face.
"One kiss, first."
Tessa had a quick decision to make. Refuse and possibly make him angry, or let him violate her lips. She tried to keep the disgust off her face as he leaned in closer. When his lips were about to touch hers, a loud thump had them both turning their heads toward the door.
"Get the fuck away from her!" Levi threw his motorcycle helmet across the room.
It smashed into the wall just past Sam's head. The man immediately stood up from the bed and took two quick steps back. Levi was already approaching him from the end of the bed. Tessa watched helplessly as he swiftly bent to retrieve his helmet.
Levi grabbed Sam's hand, the one that had moments before been touching her unwelcomingly. He lifted it up and pinned it to the wall. This caused Sam's back to also slam into the wall.
"You fucking piece of shit." Levi leaned his face closer to Sam's.
Tessa pulled on the ropes, feeling more frightened now. She gasped when Levi lifted his bike helmet and swiftly smashed it against Sam's hand, crushing it into the wall. Sam cried out in pain, and Levi pulled back, smashing his hand a second time. Sam cried out even louder, and Levi finally let go of his arm. Sam went straight to his knees and grabbed his injured hand with the other.
"Goddamn it!" He shifted his weight back and forth, in obvious pain. "I think you broke my fingers."
"Good." Levi swiftly gifted Sam a kick to his legs.
He groaned noisily and fell to his side, swearing.
Levi didn't look at him again. He quickly came to the bed and untied Tessa's wrists. She was still in shock as she pulled her arms down. Blood rushed into her lower arms, and it was a bit painful. She barely noticed, however, as Levi untied her ankles.
"Levi, what's happening?" Her voice quivered.
Levi looked into her eyes, and his expression was wild. Tessa's eyes widened, and her lips trembled. Levi reached out and took her hand. He pulled her up, and Tessa was soon climbing off the bed.
"We're leaving."
He turned around and walked toward the door, still holding her hand and pulling her along. They exited out the open door without speaking to Sam, who was still moaning on the floor.
"Levi? You're scaring me."
He continued to tow her along as they headed down the stairs toward the parking lot. A motorcycle sat at the bottom, which she instantly assumed was his. Only when they reached it did Levi stop and turn around to face her.
"Love, you need not worry about anything else. Ever."
"What?" Her eyes darted around his face. "Your boss got his money?"
A cool breeze blew through her hair, and she was suddenly very pleased to be outside.
"He got his money, and you can be my responsibility now."
"Wait, what?" Tessa scrunched up her nose in confusion.
Levi pulled her into his chest, his green eyes capturing her. He held her tightly against himself, and Tessa instantly felt a calmness flow through her body.
"This outlaw has found his reason to stop."
"Levi?" Tessa slowly reached up and placed her hand on his shoulder, still confused. "What are you talking about?"
"Love, you're free to go, but I don't want you to, nor do I think you should. I want to take you home and watch you until I'm sure this has all blown over."
Tessa tilted her head to the side, watching his expression. He was serious. What is really happening?
"Levi, I'm confused. I'm free? What happened with my dad?"
He clenched his jaw muscles, and his arms tensed around her. Levi took a deep breath through his nose letting his eyes close for a second before again staring deep into her eyes.
"Love, it's all been taken care of. You are free, but I'd like to bring you to my house to make sure. Ok?"
Her mind was swirling. She was free and clear, but Levi wanted to make sure? Was that really what was happening? Levi leaned in and immediately calmed the questions in her mind. He kissed her roughly, running a hand up her back. His light stubble scratched her cheek, and she only wanted more.
Levi opened his mouth and didn't hesitate to slip his tongue into her mouth. Tessa squeezed his biceps with her shaky hands as he sped up the kiss. All thoughts of being kidnapped were fading. The man before her was all she was thinking about.
At last, Levi pulled back from the kiss, leaving Tessa breathing unevenly. Her eyes fluttered open, and she was struck by his gorgeous face looking down at her.
"Can I take you home?" His hold lessened slightly on her.
His question held more than a simple babysitting offer. She could read it in his eyes. Did she want to be with this criminal?
Yes. Why am I even pretending I don't?
Tessa stared at his chest for a while, thinking. What were her options now? Stand here and question him further? No, she wanted the hell away from this hotel, pronto. Tell him to simply take her home? No, she had no desire to be alone right now. In fact, there was only one person she wanted to be with at the moment. Just give in, Tessa.
"Ok, Levi." Her fingers flexed on his arm.
Levi's perfect lips curled into a smirk. "Ok, love."