“You’re a handful,” he says. “I like that in a woman.”

When the bartender comes back with our drinks, I make sure it’s a smooth transfer into my hand.

Levi walks us back to one of the curtained off rooms his handler is guarding. I recognize him from the office. He’s big and bulky and terrifying. When Anouk said Joey was forced into an NDA, I almost didn’t believe it. Joey doesn’t get forced into anything, but this man—he seems persuasive. Even when he winks at me.

We sit on a slate gray, tufted leather couch that’s placed in front of a wall splattered with shades of red and yellow and electric blue. The chandelier above is covered in a red velvet shade. It’s mood lighting. Under different circumstances, I could see myself having a few drinks and getting a little handsy.

Tonight, I’m trying to keep a respectable distance, which Levi thinks is an invitation to slide closer.

“I feel like I don’t know you, Livi.”

“Because you don’t.”

“And I think that’s unfair because I’m sure you know plenty about me.”

“Rumor has it you’re part warlock.”

“Wikipedia?”

“And you eat thirteen slugs a day.”

“Did Asher tell you that?”

“I read it in a magazine,” I say.

“It’s all true,” he says. “I eat slugs and I cast love spells on beautiful women.”

“Love spells?” I almost laugh.

“I’m going to charm you right out of that dress, Livi.” He slides closer, his arm resting on the back of the couch. He’s grinning at me. “But first, I’d like you to tell me about yourself.”

“There’s really not much to know.” I shrug. “I’m twenty-two. I’m from Buffalo. Graduated last spring. I like reality TV and eating dry cereal straight from the box.”

“How’d you get mixed up with Asher McGowan?”

“I applied for an internship and hoped for the best,” I say. “You two grew up together?”

“We went to the same schools, but Asher was that pretentious kid who thought he was too cool for everything,” Levi says. “But I’d rather not talk about him when there are much more interesting topics we could be covering.”

“Like what?” I ask. “Christmas? Wrapping paper patterns? Global warming? UFOs?”

“You’re so cute, Livi.”

And then he kisses me.

Our mouths fit together all wrong.

There’s no anticipation. It’s straight to the point. He’s rough and hard and demanding. He’s in control and he makes sure I know it.

When I feel his hand slip under the hem of my skirt, I hear Asher’s voice in my head.

“If you ever find yourself alone with Levi, please call me.”

“I just need you to trust me.”

I push Levi away and giggle enough to sound convincing. “I think we need to slow down a little.”