“Yeah, I would because it’s true.”
“Don’t make me cry again.”
“I can’t promise that.” He took my hand and led us to the elevator.
I shivered when we walked outside. It was only fifty degrees out, and I was wearing a tiny dress, but Mayanne had made it clear that we needed to dress exactly the same. I could tell Levi wanted to give me his coat, but he knew he couldn’t.
We were seated at the same table at Antoine’s. It was in the corner, tucked away from everyone else. The first time we’d been in there, I’d been so impressed with the decor and the menu. This time, the last thing I wanted was food.
The very same waiter approached our table. I wondered how Levi had made sure of that. It couldn’t have been random. Levi was taking this seriously. “Welcome to Antoine’s. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Yes, a 1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild.”
“Great selection.” The waiter didn’t seem surprised by our order. Evidently, Levi must have called ahead to make sure they had a bottle.
Levi tasted the wine, and the waiter filled our glasses. “To a truly amazing summer and to many more celebrations.” His words weren’t light this time, they were hoarse.
We clinked glasses, and I sat back in my chair. I’d loved the wine the first time, but that night it tasted too dry and almost bitter.
The waiter returned and Levi ordered exactly what we’d had the first time. By the time the Oysters Rockefeller arrived, I wanted to be sick. I didn’t know how much more I could take and it was only going to get worse.
“You know this dish was invented here.” He was repeating our exact conversation. I tried to force myself to play along.
“Really?”
I pushed around the food on my plate knowing what was coming.
“I need to take something from you.” He whispered the words.
I nodded.
“Give me the ring.” Silent tears slid down Levi’s face, and I broke completely. “I need it back from you. I want it back from you.” I’m sure everyone in the restaurant watched us, trying to figure out why two people were crying while seemingly sharing a romantic meal. I was about to make it crystal clear.
“I want to give you the ring back.” The words came to me naturally, and they burned coming out. My tears matched Levi’s as I easily slid the ruby ring off my finger and placed it in his palm.
All at once, it felt like a weight had been lifted off me. I felt lighter, and my head felt clear for the first time in days. I let out a deep breath. The physical relief was in sharp contrast with the emotional toll giving the ring back had on me. Inside, I was a mess.
“How long do I have to wait before I give you my ring back?”
“Levi…”
“No. Please…you have to take it back.” He was on the verge of tears again.
“I will, just not tonight. I can’t do it now.”
“Allie, please.”
“She said no.” Cade approached the table with Toby next to him.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“They wanted to make sure I really did it.” Levi sounded lifeless, and I knew it was all because of me.
“Are you ready to do what you promised, Allie?” Cade stood right next to my chair.
“Yes, but it’s not what you think.”
“How is it not what I think?” he snapped.
If we were attracting attention before, we were like beacons now. “Let’s talk about this somewhere else.”
Levi quickly paid the bill, and we walked outside. I slipped my arms into the jacket Levi offered. The sun had gone down hours before, and a chill had set in since we left the hotel. “Thanks.”
“Of course.” Levi’s words were soft, but his face was hard. I’d hurt him by refusing to take his ring back. I just knew it had to be done differently this time, done on my own terms.
“Should we go to the hotel?” I asked, wanting a destination even if the thought of sitting in a room with three angry Pteron heirs scared me.
“Works for me.” Levi remained glued to my side.
The others agreed, and we started to head back toward the hotel. I snuggled into Levi’s jacket, loving that it still smelled faintly like him.
We’d just turned the corner when all three guys tensed.
“Stay close.” Levi wrapped an arm around me, and I leaned in. Something had the guys on edge.
“How many are there?” Toby said quietly.
Levi answered absently. “I don’t know yet.”
“What’s going on—”
Cade cut me off. “Pterons.”
“Pterons?” I barely whispered but I was sure they could all hear.
Toby’s voice came from right behind me. “We’re surrounded.”
I glanced around and saw nothing but darkness. We’d taken a back way home, through a dark alley, something I didn’t question considering who I was walking with. Once again, I wished I hadn’t placed my safety in others’ hands. I didn’t see a single soul, something surprising even on the back streets of the French Quarter.
“They’re yours, aren’t they?” Cade spun around to face Toby.
Toby tensed. “I have no idea how they knew how to find us, I swear.”
“They’re your grandfather’s men?” We passed under a street light, and for the first time I caught a glimpse of something moving on a rooftop.
“Yes.” Toby’s hands were in fists.
“Get help as soon as possible,” Levi ordered Cade. “Get your men and mine.”
Cade visibly stiffened. “I’m not leaving Allie with you.”
“She doesn’t break promises. If she promised you something, you’ll get it. I’m strongest and you know it, but you’re faster. Get help. That’s the only way we’re going to protect her.”
Cade nodded before stripping off his shirt and transforming. He flew off and even in the dim lighting, I saw several other Pterons following him.
As soon as Cade left, at least a dozen transformed Pterons jumped down from the buildings above.
Levi tried to push me behind him, but more and more men emerged. We were surrounded. I searched for Toby. He was nowhere to be seen. Had he abandoned us that easily? There had to have been well over twenty Pterons. I clutched Levi’s arm until my fingers were pried off at the same time I was grabbed from behind. I was too terrified to scream as I was dragged further into the alley.