The Criminal's Captive (Unpunished Book 1)(8)

He looked back at Sam, who was already flipping channels again.

"Because of her. She's different, Sam."

****

Tessa's body jerked, and her eyes flew open. Where am I? She looked around, her breathing becoming panicked until she remembered what had happened. Her arms shook slightly, and she laid her head back down on the pillow.

How long have I been asleep? She looked toward the one window in the room. The curtains were pulled tight, but she could see a sliver of light under them. It was day, but she was unsure what time.

Sam was sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed, and a sudden spike of fear ran up her throat, almost causing her to groan out loud. She held her breath, searching for Levi, the only man she wanted to see at the moment.

He was nowhere to be seen, and more panic and fear tightened her chest. Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, and there he was, her captor and her savior. Tessa took a shaky breath, relaxing into the bed.

Levi now noticed that she was awake. He gave her a stunning smile before walking toward the bed. Tessa's chest tightened again, but this time it wasn't from fear. It was from longing. She rubbed her thighs together, causing her dress to inch up her legs.

I'm shameless.

"Love, I probably need to take you to the bathroom."

Tessa was a bit lost in his green eyes as he placed his hands on his hips. Her face heated, and a slow smile tried to pull on her lips.

"Take me?"

Levi snickered, his striking arms flexing.

"The bathroom. You haven't gone since we stole you. Do you need to go?"

Tessa felt a bit embarrassed right away, but she really did need to go. She twisted on the bed before giving him a small nod. Levi flung the hand towel he had been holding back into the bathroom and walked toward the bed.

He paused to look over at Sam, who wasn't paying them any attention. Levi stepped to the side of the bed and smiled down at her.

"Love, you aren't going to freak out like you did before. Right?"

A little more embarrassment made her whole body feel too hot. She twisted a bit more against the ropes.

"No. Not as long as he doesn't enter the bathroom." She looked toward the end of the bed at Sam.

Levi's smile grew a bit crooked. "Don't worry, sweetie. I wouldn't allow that." He leaned down and untied her right arm. He paused as Tessa brought it down to her side. "Tessa, please don't make this harder. I mean, please don't try to run after I untie you. I promise you this will be over soon."

Tessa nodded. "Ok."

Truthfully, she didn't want to run now. Well, she'd run from Sam but not Levi. Should she be worried about that fact?

Levi stared at her for several seconds. It felt as if he was gauging how sincere she was about not making this difficult. Tessa reached her free arm up and lightly touched his hand. The sparks between them were instant and strong.

Tessa inhaled a deep breath as a tingle ran through her. His skin felt so warm and inviting. Her hand trembled on his for a moment before she swiftly pulled it back. Levi's smile faded and for a second, he looked worried, but that expression soon faded, as well. His eyes then showed her what Tessa was also feeling. Lust.

He took a deep breath and untied her other wrist. Tessa started to rub her wrist with her other hand, and Levi untied her legs. He walked back over to the side of the bed next to the bathroom, holding his hand out to help her.

Tessa didn't hesitate. She sat up and turned so her feet were off the side of the bed. She pushed herself up, but her legs faltered immediately. They were partially asleep. She gasped as she fell forward.

"Whoa." Levi gracefully reached out and caught her.

Tessa grabbed his inked arms as he lifted her up. She stared up at his gorgeous face, and he gave her a cocky smirk. Levi pulled her closer to his body, supporting her. Tessa almost couldn't breathe as she took in the man holding her.

"Well, love. I guess I don't need to worry about you running right away."





Chapter Nine


Levi carried Tessa into the bathroom and slowly closed the door behind them. He was still a little nervous that she'd overthink the situation and flip out again. She had a right to do that, though.

She was still being held hostage, but Levi really didn't want to have to struggle with her. She could get hurt, and that's the last thing he wanted. Plus, if she did freak out while Sam was around, he'd surely get involved. Another thing Levi certainly didn't want.

What's taking so long with getting her father's money? It had been close to nine hours. Usually these easy jobs were over by now. Sam had snapped a quick picture of Tessa as Levi was pulling her into the van the night before. He'd sent it to their boss, who should have shared it with her father by now.

Levi clenched his jaw as he slowly set Tessa down next to the counter. She grabbed a hold of it, and he gradually stepped back. She started to stretch and flex her legs, trying to increase blood flow in them. She looked so graceful.

"Are you a dancer?"

Tessa stopped exercising her legs and looked up at him with a slight scowl. "Like a stripper?"

Levi chuckled. "No, love. Like a dancer." He pointed at her legs.

"Oh." She looked at the floor, and her beautiful cheeks turned pink. "No, but I do take yoga classes twice a week."

"Well, your legs look great."