Chapter Text
If Levi was an expert in anything, it was cracking skulls and scaring the shit out of people. If he knew back then he could turn it into a career, maybe he wouldn’t have turned out to be the most notorious mobster in the Underground.
Was, he corrected himself. He adjusted his jacket and cravat, the scent of woodsy cologne wafting as he straightened his stance. He was the most notorious mobster in the Underground, as of three years ago.
“Petra, over here!” Levi’s eyes narrowed, his gaze not leaving the woman in front of him, his periphery on high alert.
Snap. A flash of light. A radiant smile followed by a cheer erupted.
“Alright, I think Ms. Ral’s had enough for today.” His tattooed hand found the small of the woman’s back. Skin touched skin with the low cut of her red dress and he swallowed his temptation.
Shouts of protest erupted and Petra gave the crowd a sheepish smile. Levi saw right through it, her posture too stiff and the fact she was complaining to him moments before she stepped out. He took his job as a bodyguard seriously and shot the paparazzi a glare as he slammed the door shut.
Petra laughed, turning on her heel in the strappy stilettos she insisted on wearing. Levi’s gaze fixated on her painted toenails, the frivolousness of it all, but he couldn’t help but admire how clean they looked.
Mirth danced along her voice. “The theater has a whole security detail, you don’t have to scowl at every journalist.”
Levi picked up the duffel bag he left by the stairwell and handed it to her. “It’s my job to scare away any potential freaks, stalkers, and weirdos. Or do I have to remind you of the underwear incident? The so-called security let that slide when all the signs were there.”
Snatching the duffel bag, Petra stuck her tongue out. “Please don’t.” She gave the duffel bag a shake, her lips upturned into a mischievous smile. “Are we wearing a potato sack today or did you bring the clothes I specifically laid out?”
Levi stepped towards her, close enough where he could see the freckles that dappled her cheeks. A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth as he met her at eye level. He breathed, “Go find out.” He didn’t mean for it to sound so husky, but it was just the two of them in the hallway and her presence was soothing.
Petra blinked, almost as if she were in a trance, and then with a huff, she rolled her eyes. “I swear if this another dress in the shape of a rectangle I will walk out in what I’m wearing, feet be damned.” And to make a point, she scurried down the hallway, heels clicking while Levi trailed after her.