Loving Him

Chapter 4

Levi woke to a soft knock at her door. She stretched lazily before dragging herself to her feet and opening it. Sleep still clung to her eyes; she had stayed awake far too long the night before, haunted by the memory of the kiss she had shared with Mike. She would never admit it aloud, but the memory carried a sweetness that unsettled her—sweet, yet impossible. Mike Montenegro was the last man she should ever find herself thinking about.

“Pack your things. We’re all leaving for Ranch Montenegro. It’ll be better for Mom’s health if she stays there,” Mike said firmly, his voice low and commanding.

Levi blinked at him, her brows furrowing as she searched his eyes. Against her will, her gaze flickered downward—to his lips, still flushed from sleep. A traitorous shiver coursed through her, and she bit her lower lip.

Mike’s smirk was immediate. “What’s the matter? Going to stare at me all day, or do you need me to drag you into your bathroom myself?” His tone was serious, but the teasing glint in his eyes gave him away.

“You—!” Her face heated. “The nerve of you, Mike! Try it and I’ll make sure you regret it!” She slammed the door in his face—or at least, she tried to. His arm shot out, bracing the door before it could close. In one swift move, he was inside her room.

“Not so fast,” he drawled, flashing her a grin that made her want to throw something at him.

“What are you doing here? I swear, I’m not joking, Mike. You’ll regret crossing me.”

Instead of answering, he strode toward her dresser, pulled open a drawer, and retrieved something. Dangling it between two fingers, he grinned wickedly. His car keys.

“What the—?!” Levi blinked. “How on earth did those end up in my drawer?”

“Relax. This is all I came for,” he said with mock exasperation. “Stop overreacting. Honestly, you’d think I was about to assault you. You’re not even my type. I don’t go for flat-chested woman.”

And with that, he walked out as if nothing had happened.

Levi’s mouth fell open. Her chest rose and fell with the sharp breath she’d been holding. Only after the door clicked shut did she realize her heart was pounding so hard.

She pressed a hand to her chest. “Flat-chested? Really? The audacity!” she muttered under her breath. “Just because he’s used to women with… ugh. That arrogant jerk!”

Fuming, she stormed into the bathroom to shower. By the time she dressed and packed, she had rehearsed at least ten different ways to insult Mike the next time he opened his mouth.

When she emerged from her room, the household was bustling.

“Is everyone ready?” Micah chirped, her face glowing with excitement. Horses, after all, were her favorite part of staying at the ranch.

Levi gave her a small smile.

“I’m glad you’re coming with us,” Mr. Montenegro said kindly. “Soon enough, you’ll have your own life apart from the family.”

Mike’s head turned sharply at his father’s words, and so did Micah’s.

“Is that true, Levi?” Micah asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Levi hesitated, then nodded. “Yes, Micah.”

But Mrs. Montenegro, frail though she was, wrapped Levi in a sudden embrace. “No, my dear. That won’t happen anymore. You’ll be marrying Mike, and I know neither of you will disappoint me—not when my days in this world are numbered.”

Micah gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, while Mr. Montenegro coughed in shock. Even Mike stiffened, his jaw tightening.

“Sweetheart, are you serious?” Mr. Montenegro asked, his tone worried. “But what about Levi’s future? You know those two can’t stand each other. Forcing them into this—it isn’t right.”

Mrs. Montenegro’s eyes gleamed with unwavering resolve. “My decision is final, Marco. Michael Angelo will inherit nothing if he refuses. And no one—no one—will change my mind.”

“Mother, what about Levi’s feelings?” Micah protested, still stunned. “Don’t you think this is unfair to her?”

All eyes turned to Levi. She took a shaky breath, then squared her shoulders. “It’s fine, Micah. I can handle it. It’s only for two years. If it works, good. If not… there’s always an annulment.”

The room fell silent. Levi herself was stunned by her own words, but she forced a smile.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Mike’s dark scowl.

“Do you really think this is okay with me?” he asked coldly.

Levi’s lips curved into a sweet, infuriating smile. “Then let’s talk,” she said brightly, grabbing his wrist and tugging him toward the garden.

Once outside, she faced him with fire in her eyes. “You’re being dramatic, Mike. If I can handle this, so can you. Your mother’s health is at stake. Can’t you set aside your pride for once? Let’s just play along, make a contract, and after two years, we’ll both be free. It’s not rocket science—I’ve read enough pocketbooks and romance stories to know how this goes.”

Mike blinked at her, clearly caught off guard.

“What?” Levi tilted her head. “Say something. Deal or not?”

He shook his head, almost laughing in disbelief. “Unbelievable. You’re… an extraordinary woman, Levi. Turning your silly romance readings into a real-life strategy.”

“Of course. Life’s like a fairytale, Mike. And I owe your family everything. If not for them, I’d have nothing. So yes—I’ll sacrifice anything for your family.”

“Whatever,” Mike muttered. “Just take your hands off me before they start getting ideas inside.”

Levi let go, rolling her eyes as she followed him back.

But inside, her heart pounded again—much louder than she wanted to admit.

The drive to the ranch was long, but Levi barely noticed it. She kept her eyes glued to the passing scenery, earphones tucked in as love songs filled her head, lulling her to sleep. The last thing she remembered was the steady hum of the car and the faint sound of Mike’s breathing beside her.