Chapter 19

Grabbing my hand in his, Levi led me over to the other end of the alley, not letting go of my hand and stopping when we reached a door.

Then he knocked twice, making sure to keep our hands laced together, while I tried to ignore my thoughts and concentrate only on his presence and comforting touch.

After a couple of seconds, I heard footsteps, and then someone asked, "What's the password?"

My brows furrowed in confusion, glancing down at our linked hands, and then I focused on Levi as he said, "It's two letters and an X."

Immediately, the door opened slowly, and a tall, muscular man stepped outside, saying, "Oh, Mr. Austin... you are here. Please come in."

"A back entrance," I whispered in amusement as he let us pass, nodding his head at me in acknowledgment.

Then he closed the door behind us before leaving Levi and me alone, alone in this empty hallway.

"I know my status, Mel. Who I am,