Page 44 of Code Name: Typhon

Levi knelt down, put his finger on my chin, and raised my face. “You have the scenario backwards, El. I’m the boy going after the girl far out of his league. I’m also the boy who turned his car around and was prepared to sit outside the hospital on the off chance you needed me. So, you see, I’m the puppy dog.”

“Yeah, well, I considered driving to Shere on the off chance you’d be at the pub.”

His hand moved from my chin to my cheek. “I’d say we’re smitten.”

“It doesn’t seem crazy to you? We haven’t known each other twenty-four hours.”

“Yet our souls were already yearning to be together. Perhaps we did meet in our dreams. We’ll have to compare notes.”

My face flushed, and I tried to look away.

“I see, so we did have the same fantasies.”

I stared into his eyes and saw no indication that he was making fun. “We were in bed.”

“But not sleeping.”

“No. No sleep was involved.”

“I think we should explore our mutual dreams further,” Levi winked. “But not in the parking lot.”

“Agreed. But, um?—”

“You’re worried about inviting me to your cousin’s cottage.”

I nodded. “It would be weird, right?”

“Very. I have someplace else in mind.” He stood and took my hand to help me from the car.

“I should return Niven’s fob,” I said after he opened the back door to retrieve my bag.

“Excuse me,” I heard him say in a loud voice.

A security guard approached.

“Would you please see to it that these keys are returned to Mr. Niven St. Thomas? His wife is recently out of surgery, and we don’t want to disturb them.”

“Of course, sir. I’ll take them to the charge nurse.”

“Many thanks.”

I was happy not to have to go inside, but feared Niven would worry.

“Tell him I’m giving you a lift to London and that you’ll return tomorrow if needed,” Typhon said.

“How did you know what I was thinking? I mean, I suppose it wasn’t terribly difficult to figure out.”

“Do it, then put your phone on do not disturb,” he said once we were both in his car.

“Already sent. To be honest, I doubt he’ll respond. Harper is”—I sighed—“everything to him, and I couldn’t be happier for him. I fear without her…”

Levi reached over and took my hand. “You can say it, El.”

“I’m worried I’d lose him. He’s really all I have.” I turned my head away to hide my tears. “Sorry. I’m overly tired, and it’s been a long, taxing day.” I took several deep breaths in an effort to get my emotions in check.

“Look at me, Eliza.”

I turned to him.