❝A lot of the time, you're going into a situation you know nothing about. So what you need is to be quick to act... and make tough decisions in worst-case scenarios.❞ ㅡ Levi Ackerman
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Chapter sixteen:
TURMOIL
Her expression gave away nothing, but her stare was intense and piercing. She watched him with unblinking eyes, unwavering; as if standing half-naked before him was normal. But there was more to it: no shame or anxiety could be noticed in the way she held herself, not anymore. Her emotions were under control, firmly put away as she waited for him to react.
Had she managed to distract him, to turn his mind away from the important questions that rumbled within like drums in the night?
He silently observed the scar under her bra, not minding her current lack of clothing and focusing on the wounded skin instead. It was almost a perfect replica of the signature he had seen many times on the buildings that belonged to Everhart, yet evidently imperfect. There were occasional lines escaping the outline of the broken wing; random bumps along its shape that gave away the impression it had been done by someone who had either wanted to give it a personal look, or failed to do it properly.
Levi forced his eyes to avert from the ugly wound suddenly, but she had noticed the change in his demeanour ㅡ the fierce expression in his narrowed eyes, the tension in his jaw.
"It's in the past," she whispered in an aloof voice. "There's no need to dwell in it."
"Does Isabel know?"
His question caught her off guard, and her eyes widened briefly before averting to lock on the ceiling.
"She knows I didn't leave her because I wanted to. But some things are better left unsaid," was her nonchalant reply. "Everhart believed the same thing I did: that Isabel wasn't strong enough to survive on her own. It's why they never tried to find her." Her lips twitched. "I was more interesting."
"She kept talking about you," Levi commented, bringing her attention back to him. "I couldn't understand how she could speak so highly of you."
Galene frowned at him. "She's always believed in the good in people, unlike me. It's better if Everhart keep thinking her dead, though."
A long pause fell between them, and she knew she couldn't say more. She could feel he was growing suspicious, and she couldn't allow him to keep prying.
"I've told you more than you need to know," she cut him off as he was about to speak. "Like I said, some things are better left unsaid."
Levi gave her a long stare, but eventually caved in and clicked his tongue. "You're infuriating."
"Look who's talking," she retorted with a smirk and crossed her arms over her chest. "Jerk."
The movement seemed to catch his attention, for he lowered his gaze. She felt her body become rigid as his eyes roamed her skin freely, as if drinking from the sight. A soft glow crept up her neck to settle across her cheeks as a sudden, burning desire filled her body.
For a moment, Galene wished it was his hands wandering along her cold skin. Her breath hitched when he glanced up her face to meet her gaze, and she felt her throat clench upon seeing her own desire reflected in his darkened eyes.
"Put some clothes on before you catch a cold, brat." His voice was deeper, his annoyance overshadowed by something unfamiliar as a husky tone coated it.
For a fleeting moment, Galene stood still, holding his gaze with her steady one. "Is that really what you want?"
There was a smirk dancing on her lips, a delightful promise hanging from their bond. He didn't speak, yet the air between them grew thicker with each passing second.
With a sigh, Galene turned away from the idea and forced herself to focus. Putting her shirt back on, she avoided his burning stare and sidestepped him.
"Galenㅡ"
"We can't afford getting distracted, Levi. This isn't my priority right now."
A growl echoed from his throat, before his hand latched to her wrist and she was shoved back to where she had been standing. His eyes were narrowed as he stared at her, his annoyance evident as he pressed her up against the wall.
"What do you think you're doing?" she hissed.
"I've had enough of your crap, you insufferable woman."
Her features hardened, her expression turned aggravated. The back of her head tingled in pain when she moved it away from the hard wall.
"Get off," she demanded in a low mutter. Upon receiving no response, she gripped his arm and dug her nails into his clothed skin. "Move, or I will make you."
It was a delicious threat, one she would not hesitate to make true if he kept pushing her buttons. But he stood his ground, raised an eyebrow and challenged her silently instead. "Make me."
Swiftly and with no hesitation, she twisted his arm. It was enough for his hold on her to hesitate, and Galene took advantage of her grip on it to shove him away from her. However, Levi moved but an inch before wrapping a hand around her throat and pinning her further into the wall.
"Is that all?" he asked in mock disappointment. "What a fucking joke."
And that was what took the cake.
Her eyes blazed in fury, clashed with his and tried to burn a hole through them. Before Levi could attempt to keep mocking her, she head-butted him so hard he was forced to take a couple of steps backwards.
A trail of blood rolled down the side of her face, yet the wound remained hidden behind a curtain of hair. Her head felt like it was about to explode as invisible needles attempted to sink inside her skull. But she paid it no mind; her anger was too intense to let her focus on anything else.
Face stoic, Levi watched her as she turned her piercing eyes to him. Her breath was ragged, but she clenched her fists and leaned her head back.
She started looking for the self-control she had never had.
Head still buzzing, Galene gave him a long stare ㅡ what are you aiming at? Where is this obstinacy to rile me up coming from? She couldn't afford wasting energy on such a petty argument; there were more important things she needed to deal with.
"Stop this nonsense, Levi." When she spoke, her voice was cold and restrained. "If it's a fight what you want, give it to those bastards."
Levi clicked his tongue, but didn't retort. Eventually, he wiped away the blood from his forehead with the back of his hand, grimaced at the sight of it and turned away.
"Let's go find that rat, then. I've spent enough time in this shithole."
She didn't move, or react at all. "I agree," she gave in after some seconds of suspicious silence, then reached to touch her forehead and frowned. "What's with you and your constant attempts at making me lose my shit, jerk?"
"Like you need my help to make a mess, brat."
She hummed, deciding against admitting how much power he subconsciously held over her. It was probably that thought was made fear spark in her heart, and what made her choose the path she did afterwards.
Walking past him, Galene waved a hand in the air. "Finish your drink. I hate it when whiskey goes to waste."
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, gripping the empty bottle in her hand. He gave her an annoyed look, but went to comply. A pang of guilt filled her, but she didn't hesitate.
A grunt fell from his lips as the bottle came crashing on his head, sending him to the ground. A trail of blood traced his face, and Galene crouched down before his lying form. Her fingers moved his hair away, letting her see the wound and making her sigh in relief.
His eyes glazed over, but still found hers.
"Son of a bitch," he slurred as unconsciousness reached to wrap around his mind. "You'll get your-stupid-self killed, Galene."
She stood up hastily, looking away as she started walking towards the door. "That shouldn't matter to you."
The door creaked as it opened, yet Levi managed to mumble an annoyed reply.
"It fucking does."
Galene ignored the feeling his words spurred within her and walked out.