Chapter 4: Warnings.

“What’s in the bag?”

The sound of Levi’s voice melts me in my skin and paralyzes me at the same time. My mind thinks of two possibilities at once.

If I move away, hiding the bag and acting secretive, Levi will suspect something. We could be lucky enough that he hasn’t suspected anything from last night, but if I act suspicious now, he will. Yet if I do not move and Levi leans in, he’ll see the pills, and then he’ll definitely know.

I’m still frozen in place when Christian moves to stand in front of me.

His cool response stops Levi from marching over, “It’s an apology for scaring her yesterday.” 

Christian continues convincingly, his voice rough, “Lyra didn’t get the chance to give you the gift she prepared yesterday, and that was because of me.”

When I look, I see Levi looking equal parts displeased and proud.

His response tells me which emotions he feels for who, “You don’t have to apologize by giving Lyra a present, Christian, I’m sure she understands it was a mistake. 

She should have called again to confirm if I was home. She should have known i'd be at my party.

And since I’m the one whose surprise got ruined, shouldn’t I be getting the present instead?”

A surprising feeling of annoyance begins to course through me at his words but the moment I remember I slept with the brother he adores so much, I wipe that feeling from my bones.

Christian’s response is cold, “I’ll get you a gift later.”

Levi grins, expression beaming as he praises his brother, “You’re a real gentleman, Christian.”

Like impulsive children, he and Cassie crane their necks, trying to see past Christian’s form as Levi orders,“Let’s see what the present is, Lyra. I’m sure Christian got you something great. 

You should thank him.”

I instantly tighten my hold on the paper bag and respond coldly, “It’s nothing important. Go back to your party, Levi, everyone’s waiting for you.”

Levi and Cassie both stop, expressions surprised, almost offended, but I see their gazes shift back to Christian, still standing in front of me. His voice carries a chill that mirrors mine when he speaks, “Lyra doesn’t have to thank me.” My heart begins to pound in my chest as he goes on, “Yesterday was important to her and I ruined it, so an apology is only appropriate.”

Levi nods, suddenly complacent, “That’s true.” He asks again, tone now serious, “How about you come have a drink then in honor of my birthday then? Just one drink. I won’t bother you into staying any longer than you want to.”

I see a blank look on Christian’s face when he glances at me, an imposing coldness in his eyes this time. His gaze locks with mine for a few seconds before he nods, baritone rumbling as he accepts, “Just a drink.”

Levi smiles wide and we all head back to the main living room together. With each step we take, only one thought runs through my mind.

Why would he give me birth control pills in public?!

Does he want Levi to find out?!

I’m so fucking angry at him.

Cassie and Levi revolve around Christian as they try and fail to keep his attention, but his eyes always wander to me. My heart races each time he does, and i’m close to breathless, so I grab a bottle of water and head to the restroom.

Once I get in and shut the door behind me, I splash water on my face, breathing heavily as I try to calm myself. 

Gradually, I look down at the brown paper bag still in my hand.

Birth control pills!

My cheeks heat up as my mind finally makes sense of why he would hand this over to me. That bastard came in me last night.

He… he didn’t use protection. He had sex with me raw… and it’s smart he thought of pills because I definitely haven’t, but did he have to give it to me at his brother’s party?

I’ll…. I just have to forget all about him after this. My focus should be on Levi instead, not on whatever his brother is up to.

I nod to myself, settling on that decision as I exit the restroom, but the next step I take has me bumping into a body so firm I lose my footing and fall backward. 

A hand wraps around my waist and stops me from banging onto the door. 

As the scent of mountain winds and spicy pine forest fills my nose, I know who it is.

I look up to find Christian is staring at me. 

Staring up at him like this…. an unwelcome thought runs through my mind. He looks really handsome, like a proper gentleman, yet cold as a winter storm. 

He looks what every romance book addict imagines a CEO would look like, even his suit hugs his body perfectly… yet the moment he speaks, I really wish he would shut up.

“Don’t forget to take the pills.”

I frown and I do not bother hiding it from my face. Fuck him and damn who he is!

“Maybe you should also stop ambushing me? We agreed to act like nothing happened but with all this, Levi will definitely suspect something.”

Christian’s hand is still on my waist, and we’re still standing so close that I can see the look in his eyes harden as he responds icily, “I won’t seek you out after this… You have my word.”

Despite myself, the frown on my face softens and I take a deep breath. Christian removes his hand from my waist and walks towards the door, but a moment before he opens it he stops, hand on the handle as he turns to look at me. 

Christian Storm begins to stare.

I raise an eyebrow, uncomfortable and waiting, but he simply stares at me for a while more before speaking. His words sound like a warning, “You should pay more attention to the actions of those around you, Lyra.”

Christian leaves before I can ask what he means, and I stand in the hallway wondering what he could mean. Is he warning me about something some of the guests Levi invited have planned?

I have no idea, but as I head out and get closer to the main living room, the loud sound of whistling and cheering reaches my ears. 

When I get to the last couple of steps I look in and I see Levi, pulling Cassie close, hand on her waist and smile on his face… As they get close enough to kiss.