A Dark Love |Under Construction|

Chapter 28

My heart skipped a beat as I gazed up at the 6-foot-tall stranger standing in the doorway. His rich, dark blue hair was slightly curly, and it fell across his forehead in a way that almost obscured his eyes. But those piercing emerald orbs had no trouble shining brightly beneath the unruly locks.

His ivory skin was flawless, and a small beauty mark under his right eye added a touch of elegance to his features. His facial structure was soft and refined, but the rest of his body told a different story - his muscular physique was evident even under his clothes.

Levi's style was effortlessly cool, with a dark brown racer jacket slung over a black V-neck shirt. The shirt was tucked in, and a brown belt cinched at his waist, accentuating his lean physique. Dark blue jeans hugged his legs, and black leather cap-toe boots added a rugged touch to his overall look.

I couldn't help but think, "Oh wow, he's gorgeous!"

But my ogling was interrupted by Levi's sweet, honeyed voice. "Hello, I'm Levi. Is Mallory ready?"

I snapped back to reality, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. I smiled, trying to play it cool, and invited him in.

"Hi Levi, nice to meet you," I said, trying to sound casual. "I'm Kota, Mallory's best friend. She's just about ready. Why don't you come in and wait?"

Levi flashed a charming smile and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Kota. Thanks for having me."

I shook his hand, feeling a firm but gentle grip, and closed the door behind him. I gestured to the couch, and we both sat down.

"So, Mallory told me you just moved here," I said, trying to break the ice. "How are you liking it so far?"

Levi leaned back into the couch, looking relaxed. "It's been great so far. I just finished unpacking everything today, so I'm hoping to get out and explore the city more."

I nodded enthusiastically. "You'll love it here. It's a wonderful place, and I'm sure Mallory will be happy to show you around."

Levi's eyes lit up, and he clasped his hands together. "That sounds like a lot of fun. Will you be joining us?"

I was taken aback by the invitation, but I didn't want to be rude, so I smiled and agreed. "Sure, we can all hang out together." I tried to sound casual, but I couldn't help feeling a little awkward about crashing their date.

Levi's eyes locked onto mine, and he scratched his nose, a look of curiosity on his face. "Say, what's that cologne you're wearing?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

I was taken aback, and a laugh escaped my lips. "I'm not wearing cologne," I replied, feeling a bit puzzled.

Levi's eyebrows rose, and he slid closer to me, his eyes never leaving mine. "Really?" he whispered, his face inches from mine.

My heart began to race as he closed his eyes and sniffed the air, his nose twitching. I leaned back, trying to create some distance between us, but he just kept leaning in, his hand reaching out to rest on the couch behind my back.

He stopped just short of my face, his bright green eyes snapping open. "That smell seems... familiar to me somehow," he murmured, his voice low and husky.

I held my breath, my heart pounding in my chest as he lightly placed his hand under my chin. His head tilted, and his lips began to move closer to mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he whispered, "Makes me... a bit curious..."

Just as I thought he was going to kiss me, the bedroom door swung open, and Levi pulled back, a sly smirk on his face. He stood up, his eyes never leaving mine, and then turned to greet Mallory.