“I’m going to take a shower. I feel like I need to scrub this night from my skin,” Dani says, walking down the hallway.
“I’m going to check the footage. I’ll join you when I’m done.”
I open my laptop that’s on the kitchen table and pull up the feed. I rewind it back to the moment it was installed. There’s Dani and me moving about, getting ready to leave, and then we walk out the door. I hit the fast-forward button. Moments after we leave, there’s movement on the balcony, and I click on the kitchen feed so the video blows up to full screen.
Someone climbs over the edge, and they walk up to the balcony door. He twists the knob, but it’s locked. He digs around in his pocket, pulling out a key. But since I had the knob changed, it doesn’t fit. He gets mad and kicks the wooden portion of the door, then peers inside. Nick’s face is nearly pressed against the glass. His eyes are narrowed, and his jaw is cocked. I’ve known him long enough to know he’s pissed off. Since he can’t get in, he turns around and leaves.
Every hair on my body stands on end when I rewind the video and pause on his face. How the fuck did he get a key? I quickly stand up and rush to the entryway table where I keep my keys. I pick them up out of the bowl and look through them. I have a key missing. But how did he get it? Had to have been one of the times he was over here. Is it possible he got in before I thought to lock that door?
Suddenly, I no longer feel safe in my apartment. I don’t feel safe having Dani here. I have to put an end to this.
I call the police, and they’re walking in just as Dani walks back into the room.
“What’s going on?” she asks, fear filling her eyes.
I point at the computer screen, and the moment she sees his face, she sucks in a loud breath and covers her mouth. “He had a key?”
I nod and clench my teeth.
I know there isn’t anything the police can do. I didn’t catch him in my house. But I’m hoping that him coming this close to where Dani lives will be enough to have something done since she does have the order of protection.
“Levi, I—” She’s shaking her head back and forth, tears filling her eyes.
“I know,” I say, pulling her against my chest.
“My earrings. Do you think he took my earrings?” She reaches up and feels her bare earlobe.
“I don’t know. I mean, if he did, that means he was in our house last night. While we were in the bathtub or asleep.” What if I locked him into the apartment, not out of it? What if he watched us? Watched as we kissed and touched in the bath? Watched as we rolled around in bed for hours? I’d say that would be enough to push anyone over the edge: watching as your best friend fucked the woman you love.
“I don’t want you staying here, Dani. I’m going to take you someplace safe.”
“But where? He followed us to Maddie and Bennet’s. He’ll follow us wherever we go.”
I pull out my cell phone and call one of my best friends from college.
“Well, look who we have here,” she answers.
“Hi, Mia. Listen, I need a really big favor.”
“You? Mr. Big Shot calling to ask me a favor?” She’s teasing. She’s always teasing.
I laugh. “Yeah, my girlfriend is having a little trouble getting her ex to leave her alone. He’s been in our apartment. Anyway, could she stay with you until I have things straightened out?”
“Oh my God. Of course. I’m sorry. I just thought we were joking around like we always do.”
“It’s fine, Mia. Listen, he followed us to our boss’ house tonight. So I’m worried that if I bring her over, he’ll just follow us there too.”
“I’ll come and get her,” she offers.
“Thanks, Mia. I’ll talk to security and get them to let you in the garage.”
“Okay, I’ll call when I’m pulling up.” Without another word, she hangs up the phone, and I slide mine back into my pocket.
I look up to find Dani leaning against the counter with her arms crossed over her chest.
I take a deep breath and let it out. “Come on. Let’s go get you packed.”
“I don’t want to leave, Levi. I don’t want to stay with some old girlfriend of yours from college.”
“What? It’s just Mia. We never dated.” I pull her against me. “I just want you safe.”
“And then what?” She pulls away and holds her arms up at her sides. “I’m out of here, and then what? You’re just going to sit around waiting for him to show up again?”
“Yeah, basically.”
She scoffs and shakes her head, causing her blonde hair to fly out around her.
“Do you have a better idea?” I ask, feeling the anger and anxiety fill my chest. “Something has to be done.”
“What if he hurts you?” she asks, softening her tone as she closes the distance between us.
“He won’t,” I promise. “Come on. Mia will be here soon.” I take her hand and pull her down the hall.
16
Danielle
When Levi’s phone rings, he hands me a jacket and a hat. “Put this on and pull your hair up under the hat.”
I take the items he’s handing over and pull them on. I look down at myself in gray sweatpants and a black jacket. I want to laugh. I feel like a celebrity going through an airport, expecting people not to notice me because I’m wearing a hat.
He leads me down to the garage and over to a bright yellow car. A woman with a platinum blonde pixie cut steps out of the driver's seat. She’s tall and rail-thin, with legs for days.
“Hey, I’m Mia,” she says, holding out her hand.
I smile. “I’m Danielle.” I shake her hand. “Thanks for doing this. I know it has to be putting you out.”
“Not at all. I’m more than happy to help.” She holds her hand up, showing me her palm. Her fingers are long and slender. She reminds me of a fairy. I almost expect to find points on her ears.
“I’ll call you guys later,” Levi says, taking my bag and putting it into her trunk.
Mia salutes Levi before climbing back behind the wheel. Levi takes my hand and walks me around the car. He turns my body to face him.
“Call me if you notice anything weird. Okay?”
I nod. “Will I see you tomorrow?” I ask, feeling sad about leaving him to deal with my mess.
“We’ll see what tonight brings.” He leans in and kisses me softly. His hot tongue moves with mine while his hands cup my cheeks. He breathes me in deeply. “I just want you safe, Dani,” he whispers against my lips while resting his forehead against mine.
“I know,” I reply, closing my eyes and living in the moment.
He pulls away too quickly and opens the back door for me to slide inside. “I love you.”
I take my seat in the back where the windows are darkly tinted. “I love you too.”
He smiles at me, weakly, then his eyes jump up to Mia. “Thanks again, Mia.”
“No problem.”
He shuts the door, and she shifts into drive. She makes a U-turn and heads for the ramp that will take us out of the garage. I turn in my seat and watch as Levi stands there, watching us drive away from him.
Mia drives us across town, and neither of us says much of anything. She asks if I’m too hot or too cold, or if the music is too loud, but she doesn’t ask for details or push me to talk about anything. She just gives me peace and time to work through everything on my own—something I’m grateful for.
I’m so lost in thought that I don’t even pay attention to which direction she’s driven. Soon after leaving Levi’s, she’s pulling into another parking garage.
“We’re here,” she says, glancing over her shoulder as she turns the car off. I open my door and climb out, looking around. I meet her at the back of the car, and she pops the trunk. She reaches for my bag, but I catch her hand with mine.
“Thank you, but I can carry it.” I pick up and up hoist it up over my shoulder. “Levi likes to think I’m helpless, but I’m not as weak as he makes me out to b
e.”
She closes the trunk and starts walking. “There’s nothing wrong with him wanting to keep you safe, Danielle.”
“I know, I just wish he’d let me fight alongside him instead of insisting on doing everything himself. This isn’t his mess. It’s mine, and I don’t like people fighting my battles for me. I wish I never brought this into his life. I feel like I’ve turned it completely upside down.”
She offers a weak smile as she pushes the button on the elevator. “I’ve known Levi for a long time, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that he doesn’t put up with something if he doesn’t want to. I’ve seen him cut people out of his life with a butcher knife, so if he’s going through all of this because of you, it’s because he wants to. He loves you. Don’t forget that.”
The doors open and we step inside, where she pushes a button for the sixth floor.
“Did you and Levi ever…”
Her eyes stretch wide. “God, no. Why would you think that?”
I laugh. “You just sounded like you were speaking from experience.”
She nods. “I was. In our senior year of college, I got in with a bad crowd. My parents had just been killed in a freak car crash, and I was hurting. I suddenly felt like I was a burden to everyone in my life, everyone that cared for me. So I pushed him away, thinking I was saving him from my nightmare. But then, things escalated, and I found myself trapped. The person I pushed away was the person that would save me. He basically had to manage my entire life. He stayed with me, made sure I ate, got up and showered, and went to class. He kept me out of trouble. He held me when I cried, and he took the hits when I needed a punching bag. If it wasn’t for Levi, I have no idea where I’d be right now. Levi is a great guy to have on your side. I’m happy he’s finally found someone.” She smiles sweetly just as the doors open. “Come on. Follow me.” She steps out of the elevator and walks down the hall.
She comes to a stop and slides her key into the lock. The door opens easily, and she guides me inside.
I walk in and look around. Her place is cute, and exactly how I pictured it would be. There are tapestries hanging on the walls, and also a shelf that holds nothing but pottery and blown glass figures. The furniture is mismatched but still matches in the grand scheme of things, and she has a cat that meows as it curls itself around my ankles.
“Aww,” I say, bending down and picking it up against my chest.
“This is Mandela,” she says, rubbing his head. Her eyes lock on mine. “You know, like Nelson Mandela? The Mandela Effect?”
I force a smile. “I’ve heard of him, but not the effect.”
Her eyes stretch wide. “Are you serious? It’s all over the internet. You have to check it out. Come on.” She quickly locks the door and sets the alarm before leading me over to her desk and pulling up YouTube.
For the next hour and a half, I’m overwhelmed by videos explaining all the different Mandela Effects, and it’s mind-blowing. I’m surprised to find that I remember things differently from history books and general knowledge. The Mandela Effect videos only lead us down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories and alternate realities. By the time she’s shutting down the computer for the night, I feel like I know everything and nothing at all, all at the same time.
“Whoa,” I say, sitting back with my eyes wide.
She smiles and nods. “I know, right?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know how you get any work done. I mean, I’m dead tired, but I could still watch more. It’s fascinating.”
“Luckily, I work from home. With the amount of time I’ve wasted watching these videos, I seriously think I could’ve built my own country by now.” She laughs.
“What is it that you do?” I ask, intrigued.
“I’m a copy editor for an online magazine. I love it, too. How many jobs can you really stay in your pajamas for?”
“That’s true, but don’t you get lonely? Being here by yourself all day?”
“I’m basically a hermit.” She rolls her golden eyes. “I seldom leave. I even have my groceries delivered.” She laughs as she stands up. “Come on; I’ll show you your room.”
She leads me down a hallway and through a beaded curtain. “Here’s your room. Mandela thinks it’s her room, so don’t be frightened if she climbs in bed with you later tonight.”
I place my bag on the bed. “Thank you.”
She nods before exiting the room.
I sit on the bed and pull out my cellphone, calling Levi.
“Hello?” he answers, sleep in his voice.
“Hey. Did I wake you?”
He groans. “Yeah, I passed out on the couch. Why are you up?”
I laugh. “Oh, Mia got me sucked into YouTube videos about The Mandela Effect and alternate realities.” I laugh.
He lets out a deep breath, and I can almost hear him shaking his head. “Yeah, she’s big into all that weird stuff.”
“How’s it been going?” I ask, slipping my feet out of my shoes.
“Fine. Quiet.”
“So, if he doesn’t show up tonight, does that mean I get to come home tomorrow?”
“I want you home, Dani.”
“Good, I want to be home.”
“But I want you safe more. Right now, he has no idea where you are. He’s going to become unraveled, and I don’t want you around that when it happens.”
“Will you come and see me tomorrow?” I ask, feeling lonely.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to lead him to you. Hang in there. Okay? I’m sure something will happen soon. But right now, you’re the safest you’ve been since you left him. You got a new phone number, so he can’t call. You’re not here, so he doesn’t know where you’re at. You’re safe.”
“Maybe so, but I’m a prisoner. I can’t do anything. I’m stuck hiding, and I’m tired of hiding. Plus, we have no proof that he wants to hurt me. For all we know, he just wants to talk and prove to me how much he’s changed.”
“Dani, don’t do anything stupid. Please. I’m begging you. Every time he’s come into contact with you, he’s hurt you.”
“I’m not going to do anything, Levi. I just miss you. I want you here, holding me. I don’t want to let him drive us apart.”
“Nothing can stop me from being with you, Dani. Nothing. Just, please,” he breathes out. “Just stay there tonight and let us see where this goes. Okay?”
“Okay,” I agree, not wanting to argue.
“I love you,” he says softly into the phone.
“I love you too,” I reply, hanging up.
I drop the phone onto the bed beside me and curl myself into a ball.
Mandela jumps up onto the bed with a soft meow. I pet her head, and she curls up next to my stomach. Slowly, we both drift off to sleep.
My phone ringing wakes me up, and I answer it with my eyes closed.
“Hello?”
“I know where you are, Danielle,” Nick says softly.
“What?” I ask, sitting up straight and wiping the sleep from my eyes.
“That’s right. I know exactly where you are.”
“How?” I ask, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.
“I’m at Levi’s. Let’s just say I beat it out of him.”
I suck in a loud breath, and it feels like my heart freezes. “Where is he? Is he okay?”
“He is…for now. But if you don’t get over here, he won’t be. I’m tired of chasing you. It’s time we settle this. YOU ARE MINE! When are you going to realize that you can’t run, you can’t hide? I’ll always find a way to bring you back.
I hear a groan in the background.
“You hear that?” Nick asks.
“Dani, don’t,” Levi groans before being silenced with a hit.
“Come to me, Danielle, before it’s too late for Levi here.”
I jerk awake with my heart pounding. My lungs are gasping for air, and sweat is peppering my skin. I look around in a rush, finding myself still in bed with the cat asleep at my side. Tears st
ing my eyes. I know it was a dream, but it felt so real. I have to make sure Levi is okay.
I grab my phone and call his number. It rings several times before going to voicemail.
“Come on, Levi. Answer the damn phone,” I say to myself as I dial his number again.
Once again, it goes to voicemail.
I stand up and start pacing the small room, telling myself he’s just asleep and doesn’t hear his phone ringing. Or maybe he’s taking a shower. I know it’s a weird time of night to shower, but he is stressed out, and maybe he can’t sleep. I want to run to him. I want to check and make sure he’s okay. But I know that if I do, he’ll have a fit that I came back. Not only that, but if Nick is watching the building, he could see me and catch me before I even get inside.
I sit on the edge of the bed and try calling again. Mia set the alarm. If I open the door, the alarm will go off, and she’ll wake up for sure. I wonder if she’d chase me down or if she’d just let me go.
When his phone goes to voicemail again, I reach down and pull on my shoes. I can’t sit here waiting, wondering why he’s not answering his phone. I look at the clock on the bedside table. It reads three-thirty-three. I bite my lower lip, unsure of what to do. I know Levi would be mad that I left, but what if something happened and he needs help? What if Nick got in and they got into a fight? Suddenly, I remember the last dream I had, the one that ended with Levi being stabbed.
Tears burn my eyes and start to fall. I’m stuck. I don’t know what to do.
I push myself off the bed and walk back down the hall, running into Mia.
“Whoa, what are you doing?” she asks, looking me up and down, finding me dressed and in shoes.
“Levi isn’t answering his phone. I have to check on him,” I say, pushing past her.
She catches my wrist and stops me. “Just hang on. Let’s talk about this. It’s three-thirty in the morning. He’s probably asleep.”
“I called several times. He’s a light sleeper. He would’ve woken up. Something’s wrong. I know it, Mia.”
She takes a deep breath. “Just let me call him. Okay? Please, just wait,” she pleads. “I promise. You’re just upset and worried. Have a seat, and I’ll make you a cup of tea while we try getting in touch with him.”
His Every Desire (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 49
