Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
Tania
The early morning sunlight streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Levi’s penthouse, casting long shadows across the sleek, minimalist furniture. I sit at the dining table, scrolling through my tablet as I review the list of events and meetings we’re scheduled to attend this week.
This arrangement is becoming more real by the day, and I need to establish some rules before I lose my mind—or my heart.
Levi strolls in, his hair slightly tousled from sleep, wearing a white dress shirt with the top two buttons undone. He looks infuriatingly relaxed, like he didn’t spend the night tormenting me with his presence in my thoughts.
“Good morning,” he says, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “You’re up early.”
“I had work to do,” I reply, keeping my tone even as I focus on the screen in front of me. “We have another investor dinner tonight. I’ve already sent you the talking points.”
“Efficient as always,” he says, leaning casually against the counter and sipping his coffee. His eyes linger on me for a moment too long, and I resist the urge to shift in my seat.
“We need to talk,” I say, setting the tablet down and looking directly at him.
He raises an eyebrow, his expression shifting from casual to curious. “About?”
“Boundaries,” I say firmly. “We need to set some.”
He chuckles softly, the sound low and rich. “Boundaries? Isn’t that a bit counterproductive for a fake engagement?”
“I’m serious, Levi,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “This”—I gesture between us—“needs to stay professional. No surprises, no unnecessary touching, and absolutely no more kisses.”
His smirk fades slightly, and he sets his coffee cup down, crossing his arms. “Unnecessary touching? That’s specific.”
“You know what I mean,” I snap, heat rising to my cheeks. “We need to keep things clear. This is a business arrangement, not a reunion tour.”
“Got it,” he says, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “No surprises, no touching, no kisses. Anything else?”
I glare at him, annoyed by his flippant tone. “Yes. Stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?” he asks, his lips twitching into a smile.
“Like… like you’re trying to figure me out,” I say, crossing my arms. “It’s distracting.”
His smile widens, and he takes a step closer, the air between us suddenly feeling heavier. “You’re not an easy puzzle to solve, Tania. That’s always been one of my favorite things about you.”
I roll my eyes, ignoring the way my pulse quickens. “I’m serious, Levi. If this is going to work, we need to stay focused.”
“Whatever you say,” he replies, but there’s a teasing glint in his eyes that tells me he’s not taking this conversation as seriously as he should.
We’re seated in the back of Levi’s town car, heading to yet another event. I’ve lost count of how many handshakes, polite smiles, and forced conversations I’ve endured since this arrangement began. The lines between our fake engagement and the reality of my growing irritation with Levi are starting to blur.
I’m scrolling through my phone, trying to distract myself, when Levi shifts beside me. His knee brushes against mine, and I jolt slightly, my heart skipping a beat.
“Relax,” he says, glancing at me with an amused expression. “I’m not going to bite.”
“I’d appreciate it if you kept your limbs to yourself,” I mutter, shifting away from him.
“Noted,” he says, but the slight smirk on his lips tells me he’s enjoying this far too much.
As we arrive at the venue, he steps out first, extending a hand to help me out of the car. I hesitate for a split second before taking it, his palm warm against mine. His fingers linger just a moment longer than necessary, and when I glance up, his eyes are already on me.
“Stop it,” I say under my breath as we walk toward the entrance.
“Stop what?” he asks, his tone innocent.
“Looking at me like that,” I hiss. “You’re doing it again.”
He chuckles softly, leaning closer so only I can hear him. “Can’t help it.”
I glare at him, determined not to let him see the way my stomach flips at his words. This is exactly what I meant about boundaries—he doesn’t take them seriously, and I can’t afford to let my guard down.
The evening drags on, a blur of introductions and conversations that all blur together. Levi is charming as ever, his presence commanding the room with ease. I hate how good he is at this—how effortlessly he fits into this world, while I feel like I’m constantly treading water.
At one point, we’re standing near the bar, making polite small talk with a couple of investors. Levi places a hand lightly on the small of my back, guiding me closer as one of them asks a question about our “relationship.”
I stiffen at the contact, every nerve ending suddenly on high alert. It’s subtle, nothing anyone else would notice, but it’s enough to send my heart racing.
“I’m just so lucky to have her,” Levi says, his tone warm and sincere as he glances at me. “She makes everything in my life better.”
I manage a smile, my cheeks burning as the investors coo over his words. But inside, I’m screaming. This is exactly the kind of thing I wanted to avoid—his touch, his words, his stupidly perfect act that feels far too real.
Back in the car, the silence is thick with tension. I sit as far away from Levi as possible, staring out the window and willing my heart to slow down. He doesn’t say anything, but I can feel his gaze on me, heavy and unrelenting.
“Boundaries, Levi,” I say finally, breaking the silence. “That includes not touching me whenever you feel like it.”
He exhales slowly, leaning back against the seat. “I was just playing the part.”
“Well, play it less convincingly,” I snap, my voice sharper than I intended. “It’s confusing enough without you making it worse.”
“Confusing?” he asks, his tone quieter now.
I close my eyes, regretting my choice of words. “Forget it.”
“No,” he says, his voice firmer. “Tell me what’s confusing.”
I glance at him, the intensity in his gaze making my breath hitch. For a moment, I consider telling him the truth—that it’s not just his lingering touches or the way he looks at me. It’s the way he makes me feel, like maybe, just maybe, this could be something real.
But I don’t.
Instead, I shake my head and look away. “It doesn’t matter.”
The rest of the ride is silent, the unspoken tension between us heavier than ever. And as I stare out at the glittering city lights, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve set boundaries I don’t actually want him to follow.