Cardinal's Sins

by Mackenzie Wiliams

  His eyes shifted away from her face for a brief moment. “Yes. Well, I called a friend, but it was nothing.”

  What the hell? Why does he seem nervous? Levi released her hand and grabbed the bag of bread. He placed two more pieces into the toaster before turning away from her and the counter. Tessa’s head was swirling with scenarios. There was no way that answer would be enough for her.

  “Levi. What the hell are you hiding?” The harshness of her own voice surprised her.

  As he slowly turned back around, she regretted it entirely. All playfulness was gone from his expression. Levi inhaled a deep breath as he turned fully to face her. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, bouncing between two emotions, nervousness and righteousness that she deserved an answer.

  “Tessa.” He lifted an eyebrow.

  She swallowed, debating if she needed to drop it. “Levi, I don’t want to be lied to.”

  “Lied to? You think I’m lying.”

  Shit.

  The toaster again made a loud noise as the toast popped up. Tessa tensed all over, keeping eye contact with Levi. She ran her hand down his t-shirt she was wearing.

  “Sorry, no. I just…”

  “I said I called a friend. That’s not a lie, and I’m not sure I need to share more.”

  Fuck. Was he right? Should she expect to know everything about him right away? Well, if it concerned her, then yes, she thought.

  “All right. I don’t need to know everything, but if that call was about me, I think I should.”

  Tessa cocked her hip to the side, placing her hand on it. She was trying to seem calmer than she really felt. Her chest heated with uneasiness as Levi folded his arms over his chest. Her gaze ran over his impressive but maybe intimidating body before returning to his intense stare.

  “If it concerns you or your safety, I’ll share.”

  Tessa bit her lip, thinking. Why was this such a big deal? Maybe it shouldn’t be. Was she planning on explaining every phone call she made from now on? She exhaled, searching his face. Levi didn’t seem cruel or angry as he waited for her to speak.

  “All right. Fine. Maybe I’m just paranoid.”

  Levi looked more at ease as he stepped to her. “You have every right to be, love, after what happened.” He kissed her cheek softly.

  Yeah, will it ever get easier to ignore?

  Chapter Eight

  Levi lowered his head but kept his eyes glued on Tessa. This small argument was far more than who he’d called. This was about her needing to know his secrets, regardless of how diminutive they were.

  He took a deep breath. Even if her questions were slightly aggravating, he didn’t want to soil what they’d started. Levi still wasn’t going to completely give in, however. He was a man with more secrets than he could count.

  “Levi, I’m just worried. I’ve never dealt with anything like this or with anyone … well, like you.”

  She nervously twisted her hips. He was sure she was worried he’d be offended by that statement. He wasn’t. He was actually happy she’d never dealt with criminals.

  “Love, trust that if you need to know, I’d tell you. I called a friend to check on something. If it turns out you need to know, I’ll tell you. Otherwise, trust me. That should be enough.”

  Tessa let her hand slip off her hip as she straightened her stance. Her stare darted around his face and then down to his chest. He could tell she was contemplating whether she was going to drop the conversation or not.

  Finally, she stared into his eyes. There was a bit of fear in hers.

  “You’re right, but what if I called someone and refused to give you details? I mean, it could be a friend, the cops, my ex. You can see my worry.”

  It seemed she was still a bit nervous about annoying him. Tessa blinked rapidly before turning her gaze to the floor. She gripped the bottom of the shirt she wore, pulling it away from her body.

  Levi unfolded his arms, waiting for her to look back at him. She shifted her weight from her heals to her toes and then, at last, looked up at him.

  “I would trust you until you’d given me a reason not to.”

  That sentence gave him a bad taste in his mouth for the simple fact that he knew that maybe she shouldn’t trust him. Tessa nodded with a small smile tugging on her lips.

  “Okay. You’re right. Sorry.”

  Damn it. Am I being an asshole? It was hard for Levi to gauge. It’d been quite some time since he’d had a girlfriend, but if she didn’t learn to trust him, then what was the point of this?

  Tessa’s smile increased slightly before she turned back toward the toaster. Her mood seemed instantly lighter as she grabbed the toast and plated it. A bit of guilt crept into his heart as she stepped toward him and the kitchen table. He took the plate from her and set it down. Levi then took hold of her hands, gazing at her beautiful face.

  Her eyes looked so bright and hopeful. “Tessa, I have your best interest at heart. I’m not trying to screw you or hurt you. Believe that.”

  She hesitated for a moment, her smile fading. Tessa gave him a small nod. He pulled her into a hug, squeezing her tightly. He placed his chin on top of her head, smelling her flowery scented hair.

  “You good?” Levi squeezed her one more time before pulling back.

  Tessa cocked her head to the side. “Yeah.”

  “Good. Let’s eat.” Levi released her, turning to pull out her chair.

  Her now timid movements told him that she still held a bit of worry about the phone call. She hesitated before sitting, watching him uneasily. She sat down, still watching him, but he could read the love in her eyes.

  Damn it. I need to show her how much I want her to be around.

  Levi slid a plate toward her before grabbing some bacon for himself. She folded one leg underneath herself before pulling her hair back, off her shoulders, looking more and more relaxed.

  “Love, let’s do something fun tonight. Fancy restaurant, order pizza with a movie? What would you like to do?”

  Hopefully they could have one more day before she needed to return home.

  Tessa picked up her napkin, slowly folding it in her fingers. She looked from his eyes to her plate then back again before finally answering.

  “I guess it might be nice to be out. Can you be in public?”

  Levi chuckled before twirling his fork through his scrambled eggs. “You mean because I’m from the wrong side of the law?”

  She tilted her head to the side, her eyes wide. She still seemed nervous about offending him. This had his heart warming more. This girl really cared about his feelings. He wasn’t just a bundle of hot male to her. Tessa set down her napkin and folded her hands in her lap.

  “Don’t worry, pet. I was smart enough, even as a young punk, to know that I needed to keep myself somewhat … clean. What’s the point of having such a great life, if you’re behind bars?”

  Levi lifted his fork, pointing around his house. Tessa turned her head from side to side, taking in her surroundings. A bigger smile lifted her lips as she grabbed her fork. Then a short giggle left her.

  “Okay, then.” Tessa twirled her fork on her plate. “You can wine and dine me, then.”

  He smiled back at her. “It would be my pleasure, love.”

  Chapter Nine

  The doorman held the door open for Tessa, Levi right behind her. She stepped inside, and the sound of light classical music filled her ears while the smell of Italian food hit her nose. She smiled to herself before turning around to make sure Levi was still there.

  He nodded at her to continue inside. Levi placed his hand on his chest, and Tessa had to pause to take him in. He wore jeans with a light-blue dress shirt, covered by a dark-gray suit coat. Even though he looked a bit casual, no one would think he didn’t belong here. His commanding stare and his gorgeous face were tickets into probably anywhere he wanted.

  Levi reached up, gesturing for her to keep walking. Tessa gave him a flirtatious smile with a tilt of her hips. Finally, he reach
ed out and pressed his hand to her lower back, turning her back around. He leaned into her as they walked toward the hostess.

  “Tessa, you look determined to jump right into dessert.”

  She giggled, but before she could return the sexy banter, the young woman stepped up to them.

  “Two of you tonight?”

  Levi’s hand ran down her back, stalling on the top of her ass. “Yes, reservation for Cardinal.”

  The woman stared at him a bit too long for Tessa’s liking. She twirled the pen she held before lifting it to her lips, lightly biting the end. Tessa could see that some of these movements were almost absentminded. Like his presence weakened knees, which was true.

  The hostess inhaled quickly before standing up straight, as if she’d just remembered she was at work. She made an odd sighing noise and quickly looked down at the book on her stand. Tessa watched her fingers tremble slightly as she ran them over the paper.

  Does he always elicit such responses from the fairer sex?

  Tessa looked over her shoulder to see he was staring down at her. This small fact made her feel like a princess who had captured the attention of the most sought-after prince. Maybe his secrets were something that just came with the territory. If she wanted to keep a man such as him, she obviously had to make compromises. How could she expect to make all the rules? She turned her head, sighing.

  “All right. Please follow me.” The hostess stepped to the side, waiting for them to follow.

  Levi pressed his hand harder into her back, guiding her forward. The hostess nodded before turning around, walking farther into the restaurant. Happiness and contentment warmed Tessa as they headed back to a private area with just a few small tables.

  The area was quieter and dimly lit. One other couple occupied a table against the right hand wall. The man was nuzzling the woman’s neck and stopped just long enough to look up at the three of them.

  “Is this acceptable?” The hostess stopped, turning to face Levi and Tessa, but her gaze only fell on him.

  “Yes, this looks fine.” Levi let his hand slide down her back, resting again on Tessa’s ass.

  She tried to smother her smile as the hostess nodded. Again, her eyes lingering on Levi a bit too long. As she walked past them, Levi turned with her, letting go of Tessa. She turned her head to watch him speak softly to the hostess. The other woman simply nodded again before leaving.

  Levi chose the table farthest away from the other young couple. He pulled a chair out for Tessa, a soft smile on his lips. She playfully swung her hips, making him wait for a little while before she finally walked over to join him.

  “You’re making me want to take you back out to the car.” His tone was hushed but still authoritative.

  Tessa took her seat with a smirk. “What? You want to leave already?”

  Levi pulled out his chair, gracefully sitting next to her. “I think you know what I would do to you in the car.”

  He leaned forward, placing his elbow on the table. He reached under it with his other hand to grip her knee. Tessa stared into his stunning eyes as his perfect lips curled into a wicked grin. He squeezed her knee harder, causing her to jerk forward a little.

  “I’m not sure I can wait until we get home, love.”

  Tessa tensed as the woman behind them giggled. She turned her head briefly to find out if the couple was watching them. They weren’t. The man was taking a drink of his wine while the woman leaned closer to him, whispering.

  Tessa looked back at Levi, but the moment was ruined as the hostess returned. At least she was carrying a bottle of champagne. She held it out, resting it against her arm, and Levi just barely gave her the attention she was looking for.

  “Sir, I hope this is what you wanted.”

  Levi narrowed his eyes on Tessa, pure possessiveness written on his face. He squeezed her knee again, and Tessa felt owned fully. Not in a negative way. In a confident, lustful way. Tessa clenched her thigh muscles together, feeling that familiar tingle in her clit.

  Levi finally released her leg, sitting back. He looked up at the hostess with a polite expression.

  “Thank you. I’m sure it is.”

  The hostess nervously flicked her stare over to Tessa before returning it to Levi. Her cheeks slowly flushed as she leaned forward to set the bottle down. Her movements were unsteady and unsure. Levi made her nervous. How could he not?

  Just then, a waiter came up behind the woman, holding two champagne flutes. The hostess did an odd, half-bow before pointing at the bottle. Levi cocked his head to the side, watching her intently for a moment.

  What’s he thinking? Does he like the fact that the girl obviously finds him attractive?

  A short mental film played through her mind of the young woman joining them in Levi’s bedroom. The two girls were naked, kneeling on his bed as he stood tall, nude, and hands on his hips.

  Tessa took a shaky breath, pushing the images out of her head. Levi looked over at her, and slowly shook his head. What does that mean? Did he know her too well already?

  Tessa rubbed her hands down her thighs, inhaling a deep breath. The waiter stepped forward, but Levi held his hand up.

  “I’ll take it from here.”

  Chapter Ten

  Levi finished pouring his own champagne as Tessa held her glass, waiting. He set down the bottle, holding up his glass.

  “This gives me an idea for later.” He winked at her before taking a sip.

  She sat up a bit straighter, becoming more restless with every sexy threat he gave her. She lifted her glass to her lips and tried to calmly take a sip. It only partially worked out. Her lips trembled against the glass, but no liquid was spilled. She lowered her glass, maintaining eye contact.

  “I look forward to finding out what.” She took a second sip, excited energy making her movements not quite smooth.

  “What are you going to eat?” Levi casually set his champagne down.

  “Aahh.” Tessa’s thoughts were nowhere near her stomach’s wants at the moment. “What are you having?”

  Levi leaned back in his chair, placing one elbow on top of the back of the chair. His eyes danced with playful attitude as a crooked smirk lifted his lips.

  “Yes, I suppose the man should decide and order for you.” He chuckled under his breath.

  Tessa set down her glass and traced the bottom of it with her fingers. They had just left his house. Why did it feel like it’d been too long since they were alone together? Didn’t that prove to Tessa how much she wanted to be with Levi? Or was it just lustful feelings?

  She leaned forward, reaching out toward him. Levi looked down at her hand before slowly shaking his head. Tessa frowned and started to pull her hand back. Did he think holding hands was too intimate in public? A sign of a relationship, not just a fuck buddy?

  Before she could return her hand to her champagne flute, Levi swiftly reached out and softly pinned her hand to the table. A gorgeous, playful smile lifted his lips. Her eyes widened as she watched his eyes narrow on her. He flipped her hand over, holding it down with one hand for a second before letting go. Levi leaned forward and lightly trailed his fingers over her palm.

  It was such a simple but intimate gesture. Her body relaxed more because of his light, loving touches and his loving stare.

  “Love, I’ve got a lot to teach you.” His tone was playful.

  Teach me? She had no clue what he was referring to. Public displays? Being with him? Her mouth opened to ask, but she was cut off. The sound of Levi’s phone echoed out in the small area. He scowled and let go of her hand.

  Levi held up one finger as he reached into his pocket to retrieve the interruption. He pulled out the phone and stared at it for a few seconds. He flicked his gaze up to her before exhaling harshly.

  “Sorry, love. One second.”

  Levi tapped his phone, before answering it with a short, “Yes.”

  He stared at the floor, listening for a moment before standing from his chair. He covered the end of his
phone so the person on the other side wouldn’t hear him speak to Tessa.

  “Love, excuse me.” He turned away from her and spoke into the phone. “Good.”

  Levi strolled out of the small private area, leaving Tessa with her champagne. She looked back at the other couple who were focused on their food. She sighed, reaching for the bottle to top off her drink.

  Is this the “friend” again? Maybe I’ll never get the truth.

  ****

  Levi walked to the end of the restaurant bar, leaning against it. When the bartender came over, Levi shooed him away politely, pointing at the phone against his ear.

  “But there’s no reason to contact him?”

  “No. Like I said, her dad seems normal,” his friend, Travis, answered. “I watched him off and on, and he seems like an idiot. I doubt he could find you even if he wanted to.”

  “And he didn’t act like he was searching for her or anything?” Levi tensed his arms.

  “Look, dude. I don’t really know what else to tell you. The guy acted normal. I don’t see any reason to worry about her dad popping back up and causing more issues. If you want me to tail him for a little longer, I can.”

  Levi ran his fingers through his hair, exhaling. This was good news, but he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. He was smart enough to know that walking away from his “career” would be a process.

  He hadn’t really expected Tessa’s dad to be a threat, but he wanted to be sure. Now that that was off the table, what was going to bite him in the ass?

  “No, thanks. I’m sure you’re right. He is an idiot.”

  Travis laughed. “All right, man. I got to go.”

  “Yeah, me too. Thanks.” Levi ended the call, returning the phone to his pocket.

  He turned away from the bar, heading back to his date, feeling a bit lighter. Maybe we should just get our food to go. Levi smiled.

  Chapter Eleven

  Levi turned his Mercedes onto his street. Tessa had barely eaten at the restaurant, and Levi was fine with that. They could waste time snacking after they returned home and worked off some of this sexual tension.