Chapter 69.

Nova’s POV;

The air felt denser now, like when there was a storm brewing and oxygen ran out and every breath took more work.

Levi was standing in front of me, hand gripped on the edge of the marble counter, the other just hanging by his side as if he did not know what to do with it. His face was not guilty, so much.

It was something deeper, like he was preparing for a storm, looking for the ideal umbrella to hold over us both before the rain arrived.

I recognized that look. It was the same one he wore when he delivered bad news to clients or fought with his dad over the phone.

I resented that I already knew. And still, I waited, the thudding of my heart marking the seconds between us.

"Her name's Felicia," he said, at last, his voice controlled but low as if he was afraid the name itself would harm.

I did not blink but in my head, it was like I had. Something curled up within, tight and tightened like someone had inserted a fork into my insides and started slowly turning.

"She is. A