Chapter 7: VII

Isabell POV

“Uncle Levi? Do you want to play with us?” Zoe’s oldest child called out.

I stopped, my hand holding onto the toy more tightly than it would have in any other situation.

I tried to act unaffected by the mere mention of his name, but I knew there was no use in denying what was happening right now.

The air seemed to have become thick, thick enough that I could feel myself suffocating and I couldn’t breathe. I took a shaky breath, feeling my chest start to constrict as I forced myself to relax and pretend everything was fine.

“What are you playing?” He asked but even though I had looked away, I could feel his gaze on me as he walked closer to where I sat.

“Tag” The little kid jumped happily, running towards him at full speed. “Come on!”

Levi gave an awkward laugh at the child's excitement, following behind.

“I’ll go inside now, I don't feel too well” I lied standing up immediately after saying those words.

It was a lie since I was very well aware that I felt good, better even, especially from last night's orgasm.

When I looked up, Levi was looking at me, it felt as though he had read my thoughts because his eyes were dark with something, desire? I couldn't tell.

I looked away immediately, my cheeks burned red with embarrassment.

“Don't go, aunty, we just started!” The little girl whined, her voice laced with disappointment.

She stood there, waiting for me to say something.

I wanted nothing more than for me to run out of that place, get into my room, and stay far away. Away from there and, especially Levi.

“Are you really going to leave her?” Levi’s voice broke through my thoughts, surprising me greatly.

It came from where he stood right next to me, watching as I slowly made my way toward the door.

I stopped dead in my tracks.

“Please Aunty Isabell, please” They begged. I could feel the heat on my cheeks and it wasn't only due to the heat of the summer day.

I nodded forcefully. “Fine.” My voice was barely above a whisper.

Soon we were all playing tag, and I still managed to keep my distance from Levi. I kept glancing over at him and he kept his gaze fixated on me but didn't try to talk to me.

He didn't seem to realize how badly I needed some time alone to process and clear my head.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead with my free palm.

In the process of running, I bumped into his body which was as hard as a rock, and stumbled backwards.

His hands reached forward to grab my waist for support, I couldn't explain how fast he had moved but suddenly our bodies were so close. I could feel the warmth radiating off him and I could smell a scent that sent chills down my spine.

My face flushed again and I could hear myself stuttering. “Th… thank you” I muttered, trying to keep myself together despite the intense urge I had to kiss him and hold him right there on the spot.

He still didn't let go, his hand remained firm around my waist, keeping my body pressed against him.

“Why do I have the impression this isn't the first time you've crashed into me like this?” His lips formed a smirk, but his eyes stayed steady on mine.

“Uncle! Aunty!” The little girl called from a few meters away, “Come here and catch me!”

Both of us snapped out of our trance, reluctantly letting go of each other.

She seemed to look between us, maybe she noticed the change in the atmosphere, or maybe not but she ran off giving me one last grin before running back into play.

We didn't speak to each other while we ran around. It was silent except for the occasional giggles coming from the children as they chased each other around the yard.

After a while, when I thought we had finally left all distractions behind us, I turned and saw him standing right there, his hands deep in the pockets of his hoodie and his hair slightly messy. I swallowed, my heart raced.

“Are we going to talk about last night?” He asked me and there was such a serious expression on his face that I wondered if he meant it.

I shook my head, hoping the gesture would dispel the tension hanging between us.

“There's nothing to talk about, is there?” I said, crossing my arms and turning away from him to look at the children who were now running circles around themselves.

He scoffed but followed me anyway. “There's every chance we will, whether it be talking about it or not.”

I rolled my eyes, “There's absolutely no reason for us to discuss something that happened ages ago“ I snapped, feeling frustration rise within me.

He leaned closer to my ears, “Yet you begged me to touch, you kissed me hungrily, I felt the wetness between your legs and I know if I touch you right now that you’d fall apart” His voice sounded strained and husky.

My mouth hung open as I thought of a comeback but I couldn't find the right one. There was so much that I wanted to deny - to deny that it had happened, to deny the kiss, to deny that it happened at all.

He continued speaking, “and yet you continue to avoid any kind of contact with me” He sighed. “You know what your body needs” He added and at that moment Jack’s car pulled into the driveway and I noticed how he stepped away from me a bit.

I looked away, my mind was racing. I stormed inside, my body shaking from the anger that was boiling within me.

“Hey, are you alright?” Zoe's worried tone caught my attention as she approached me.

“I am fine,” I began. “Just a bit tired, do you need company?” I asked, ignoring her question.

Zoe frowned, clearly confused and concerned but agreed.

“What's that smell?” She asked when she stepped up to me to take a whiff of my hair and neck. “Did you use some sort of cologne?” She teased, making me groan internally.

“It's my body wash, remember? The same one I have been using” I replied, my stomach twisting as I remembered exactly what happened earlier.

“Ahh, yeah, of course but it smells like...” She trailed off.

Then her eyes widened with some sort of realization. “Hold on, I'll be right back” She stormed off leaving me stunned.