Page 65 of His Daggered Heart
“No,” Levi grits. “Why would it be unusual, Pierre?”
“Because you, how do they say? Suck?” he says.
I pat Levi on the back. “Come on, man. He isn’t worth it.”
“Mariana is here. Did you see her?” Pierre asks.
“No, and I don’t quite care to either. Have a good day and good luck,” Levi tells him.
“You don’t need luck when you are the best,” he boasts.
“Who the fuck was that?” I ask Levi once we go our separate ways. “He was a dick.”
Levi smirks. “That was Pierre. I trained with him when I lived in France. He moved to Texas, stayed with my family, and stole my girl. I forgave him a long time ago, but he just won’t let it die.”
“Well, fuck him. He is just trying to psych you out. Don’t let him. Remember what you told me and apply it to yourself. You are top-tier Levi, trust me, man.” He nods, agreeing with me.
“We got this, Kohen. Let’s take it all.”
“Hell, yeah. Let’s do it and show that little bitch Pierre why you shouldn’t mess with Texas.”
We both qualified and Pierre was actually disqualified for a social media post. He was bullying another member of a competing team and they reported him. That’s what the fuck happens when you treat people like shit.
We move to the main event tomorrow and I am so fucking proud of myself. My dad showed up when everything started as expected. He sat in a roped-off section all by himself. He thinks he looks powerful but when I look at him, he just looks pathetic and lonely. He has no one.
Alex and Cora rush up to us. Alex’s cheeks are flushed. “You okay, angel? Your cheeks are pink.” I cradle her face, planting a kiss on her soft lips, and then lift her up and spin her around. “We did it, baby!” I yell.
“You fucking did it, handsome,” she says, kissing me and running her hands through my wet hair.
Levi kisses Cora on the cheek and then softly on the lips. Her cheeks blush like Alex’s.
I place Alex down and she exchanges a hug with Levi. Cora side hugs me, not making eye contact. “What’s up with y’all?” I ask.
“Nothing,” they say in unison.
Levi and I stare at each other, communicating in silence the way they do. They are up to something.
“Mhmm, sure, girls. Like we believe you,” I tut.
“You do look mighty mischievous,” Levi says.
Pierre passes right by us with a small girl at his side. She must be Mariana, from the way Pierre has his arm wrapped possessively around her waist. She has olive skin and jet black hair with green eyes. She looks Levi up and down, her eyes darting to the floor. “Well, well, looks like you have finally moved on,” she says and Levi nods. Fury is in his eyes.
“You know, Pierre, you win. Take Mariana and go. Be happy but leave me the hell alone already.”
Pierre steps up slowly, his movement smooth. “Which of these gorgeous women is yours, Levi?” He reaches for Alex and I bump him with my shoulder before he makes eye contact. A growl rises from my throat. “Do not touch my fucking girl.”
He raises his hand in surrender, and Mariana speaks. “Pierre, please,” she begs and he shoots a glare at her that causes her to flinch. I look at Alex and she noticed as well.
“So it’s not her, got it. Too bad, though, those curves are killer,” he winks. “So it’s this blonde bombshell that you love, huh? I knew I saw hearts in your eyes.” His hand grazes Cora’s cheek, and he doesn’t even have time to pull it away before Levi twists it in an unnatural position.
“I’ve shown you kindness time and time again,” Levi explains. “Mariana chose you and I respect that, but do not touch what does not belong to you. Mariana deserves more respect than you trying to hit on other women, too.” He shoves him off and Pierre tries to rush him but Alex stands in the way.
Pierre jolts to a stop. “Move,” he says, glaring at Alex. I know my girl can handle herself but I also know that no one will ever speak to her out of character again.
My fist connects with his jaw, and he crashes to the floor. Mariana drops to his side, glaring at me. “I’m not Levi, you little bitch. Stay in your fucking place and never fuck with my family again.”
Levi apologizes to Mariana and we walk away.