CHAPTER 258: SHE MISSED LEVI

Levi stood outside James’s apartment building for several seconds before pressing the buzzer. He shifted uncomfortably, one hand in his pocket, the other clenched at his side. He feared that if Lyse knew it was him she would not buzz him up, and in that case he would find a way to get into the building.

Fortunately, a perky looking young woman with a blonde ponytail opened the door and Levi was able to get in, hed ignore the admiring and curious look she threw at him.

The lobby smelled faintly of old varnish and lilies, and the soft hum of the elevator behind him didn’t soothe his nerves.

He rode up to James’s apartment and knocked on the door nervously. When the door opened, Lyse stood there barefoot, dressed in a navy t-shirt and soft cotton shorts, her hair pinned up messily. She looked tired—guarded and so beautiful that it made his heart ache. He had to resist the urge to reach out and touch her sof skin.

"Levi?" she asked, surprised.

He nodded once. "Hey."

After a moment of hesitation, she stepped aside. "Come in."

Levi entered the apartment slowly, scanning the space. Cozy, full of James’s trademark quirks—eclectic furniture, mismatched rugs, potted plants that desperately needed watering.

But before he could speak, a loud hiss split the air.

An orange tabby was perched on the armrest of the couch, fur bristled and ears flat against his head. He let out a low growl, tail flicking with fury.

Levi blinked. "When did James get a cat? And why is he so hostile?" He said in a tone that he hoped came across as light.

Lyse folded her arms. "He doesn’t trust you."

Levi glanced at the cat with exasperation but ignored him. "How are you doing?" he asked, shifting his focus back to her.

Lyse narrowed her eyes. "Why are you here, Levi?"

He hesitated for a second, then spoke, voice low. "I was worried. I know that you are here alone and this is not the most safe district. James left on that trip to Toronto, didn’t he? And after everything that happened. the paparazzi ambush, Anya... I didn’t think it was safe for you to be here by yourself."

Lyse frowned and siad firmly. "I can take care of myself, Levi. I dont need anyone’s help."

"I have no doubt that you can," he said, hands raised gently. "But that doesn’t mean you should have to. Look, I have places—safe ones. Apartments scattered all across the city. No one knows about most of them. You could stay in one until this all settles down or at least until James is back."

She stared at him for a beat, incredulous. "So what, you want me to stay in one of your secret apartments while you what? Play bodyguard? Monitor who visits me? Lie to me?"

He exhaled. "No. I just want to know you’re safe, Lyse. That’s all, i want to protect you."

"If there is anyone i need protecting from, then its you." Lyse retorted, her words dripping in betrayal. "I don’t think there is anyone who can hurt me as much as you have, Levi Van Doren."

"I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just want to make up for my wrongs."

"No, Levi," she snapped. "What you want is to feel in control. I don’t need your charity, or your protection. I’m not some fragile porcelain doll you have to coddle."

He opened his mouth to respond, but the sound of the front door opening cut him off.

Brandon stepped in, holding a plush cat toy in the shape of a mouse. He paused when he saw Levi then he glanced at Lyse.

"Oh," Brandon said smoothly, "I did not realize that you had company."

The cat immediately leapt down and ran over to Brandon, purring and rubbing against his leg.

Brandon chuckled. "Someone missed me." He bent down, scratching the cat behind the ears before tossing him the toy and he pounced on it gleefully.

Lyse looked away, clearly flustered. "Brandon, what are you doing here?"

"I just came by to drop off a gift," he said easily. "I remembered you said Pumpkin was getting bored and I thought, well, why not?"

He turned to Levi with a polite smile that didn’t touch his eyes. "Good to see you, Levi."

"Wish I could say the same," Levi replied, eyes narrowed as he examined Brandon.

Brandon’s smile widened, all teeth. "Well, I won’t stay. Don’t want to interrupt."

With a final glance at Lyse and a whistle for the cat, Brandon walked out the door.

Silence returned like a fog.

Levi turned sharply toward Lyse. "You should not let him in here, you need to be more careful Lyse."

Lyse looked up, her expression hard. "Excuse me?"

"He is dangerous, can’t you see." Levi said, stepping closer. "I mean it. He lies, he manipulates—and he’s got blood on his hands. I’m sure of it."

Lyse folded her arms. "And now you’re trying to control who I speak to? Who visits me? What next, Levi? Are you going to vet my friends?"

"I’m not jealous," he said quickly. "I’m concerned. There’s a difference."

"It doesn’t feel like it," she shot back. "Every time you show up, it’s to dictate how I live or who I can talk to. I get it. You hate Brandon. But I’m not you. And I don’t need your protection or permission, Levi."

His mouth opened, but she raised a hand.

"You need to leave right now."

Levi stood there for a moment, wounded pride and frustration warring across his face. He glanced at Pumpkin, who was happily gnawing on the toy, then back at Lyse.

"This isn’t about control," he said softly. "It’s about keeping you safe."

"I don’t need you to," she replied.

Reluctantly, Levi turned and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him. Inside, Lyse stood motionless in the quiet, Pumpkin rolling on his back, oblivious to the tension that had just filled the room.

But something inside her stirred. Not guilt. Not quite.

She missed Levi. But she would die before she admitted that to anyone, least of all him.