𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟗

                                    

                                          


"I need to speak with you. In my office. Now."






Levi turns and walks away, expecting me to follow. I hesitated for a moment, wondering what I had done wrong, before making my way to his office. 







The door was open, and I knocked softly before entering.






Levi is already seated behind his desk, his eyes fixed on some papers in front of him. He looked up as I entered, his expression unreadable.






"Close the door," he said, his voice low and even.






I did as I was told, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over me. What did he want to talk about? Have I failed in some way?






Levi's eyes locked on mine, "I've been considering your skills, and I think you'd be a good fit for my Special Operations team."






My face lit up with excitement, a smile spreading across my face. "Really? I'd be honored to join! I've heard great things about your team."





But then, my expression faltered, and I looked away, my voice hesitant. "Wait, would I have to leave my current team? I don't know if I can do that."





"Yes, you would have to leave your current team. My team requires absolute dedication and focus."






I shake my head, my voice firm. "I can't do that. I won't leave my teammates. We've been through too much together."






Levi's expression turns intense, his eyes burning with understanding. "I see. Loyalty is important to you."






I nod, my jaw set. "Yes, it is. I won't betray that loyalty, no matter how good your team may be."






Levi's expression darkens, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "Fine, if you won't join me willingly, then you leave me no choice. You're either part of my Special Operations team, or you're out of the regiment altogether."






My eyes widened in shock, my voice trembling. "You can't be serious."






Levi's jaw clenched, his voice cold and detached. "I don't tolerate insubordination or refusal to follow orders. You're either with me, or you're against me. There's no middle ground."






I took a step back, my eyes flashing with defiance. "I've done nothing but serve this regiment with honor and distinction."







Levi's gaze never wavered. "You have 24 hours to decide. After that, if you're not on my team, you're out. Do I make myself clear?"




I protested, my voice rising in indignation. "That's not fair! You can't just kick me out for not joining your team!"





Levi's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with intensity. He shot up from his chair, his movements swift and menacing. Before I could react, he slammed me against the nearby wall, his hands roughly pinning me against the cold surface.





I gasped, my breath knocked out of me, as Levi's face loomed inches from mine. 





His eyes burned with fury, "You dare to question me? I am the one who gives the orders here. You will do as I say, or suffer the consequences."




I struggled against his grip, but he held me fast, his fingers digging into my wrists. I winced in pain, but refused to back down, my eyes flashing with defiance. "I won't join your team just because you're bullying me into it."





Levi's anger seemed to intensify, his face reddening with rage. For a moment, I thought he might hit me. But then, he seemed to regain control, his grip on my wrists easing slightly.





Levi's face leaned in closer, his warm breath whispering against my skin. I could smell the rich aroma of tea on his breath, mingling with the scent of his skin. His hand rested on my hip, his fingers wrapping around my waist like a vice.




I felt a shiver run down my spine as he drew nearer, his eyes locked on mine with an unnerving intensity. His gaze seemed to bore into my soul, as if searching for something hidden deep within.




His lips were inches from mine, the air between us crackling with tension. I could feel the heat emanating from his body, his chest almost touching mine. My heart raced, my pulse pounding in my ears like a drum.




For a moment, we just breathed, the only sound of the soft hum of Levi's breathing. Then, his voice whispered against my ear, "You're making a big mistake by refusing me."





Levi's warm breath tickled my ear as he whispered again, "I don't want you to be placed under some other man's command. I want you by my side, where I can keep you safe."





His words sent a flutter through my chest, like a bird's wings beating rapidly. I felt a surge of excitement, mixed with a hint of fear, as his breath caressed my ear.





His hand on my hip tightened, pulling me closer, as if he couldn't bear the thought of me being away from him. "I need you with me," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I won't let anyone else have you."





I felt a blush rise to my cheeks, as his words sparked a fire within me. No one had ever spoken to me like that before, with such possessiveness and desire. I didn't know whether to be scared or thrilled, but my body seemed to respond to his words, leaning in closer to him.




My lips parted, ever so slightly, as if inviting him closer. I felt a thrill run through me, like a spark of electricity, as his warm breath caressed my skin.




Time seemed to slow, the world around us melting away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in this moment of charged tension.



Levi's face leaned in closer, his lips inches from mine, as if drawn by an unseen force. I could feel the tension building, the anticipation of a kiss that seemed inevitable.



But just as suddenly, he stepped away, his eyes flashing with a mixture of frustration and self-control. He turned his back to me, his chest rising with a deep breath, as if struggling to regain composure.




I stood there, frozen, my lips still parted, my heart racing with disappointment and confusion. What had just happened? Why had he pulled away?




Levi turned back to face me, his expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of steel. "You have no other option but to join my team," he stated, his voice firm and unyielding. "You'll report to me directly, and you'll follow my orders without question."






He turned away, dismissing me, his hand gesturing towards the door. "You can leave my office now. I expect to see you at the briefing tomorrow, ready to begin your new assignment."





I felt a surge of resentment at his high-handedness, but knew better than to argue. With a quiet nod, I turned and walked towards the door, my heart heavy with the weight of my situation.






As I reached the door, I heard Levi's voice behind me, his tone softening ever so slightly. "And remember, I'm watching you. Closely."