**Chapter 7: Tangled Webs**

As Levi pulled Kenzy through the winding corridors of the headquarters, the tension between them was palpable. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, and Kenzy couldn't help but wonder what had triggered Levi's possessive behavior. She had always thought of him as a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of person, but the fierce intensity in his eyes had left her breathless. Their footsteps echoed off the stone walls as they navigated the labyrinthine passages. Kenzy stumbled once, her heel catching on a loose stone, but Levi's grip on her hand tightened, steadying her. His eyes never left hers, and she felt a shiver run down her spine as he gazed at her with an unnerving intensity. They finally emerged into a small, dimly lit courtyard. The sky above was a deep shade of indigo, with stars twinkling like diamonds scattered across the fabric of the universe. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant tang of smoke. Levi released Kenzy's hand, but only for a moment. He reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek, and Kenzy felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. His eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if searching for something, and she felt her heart pounding in her chest. "Kenzy," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I need to talk to you about something." Kenzy's breath caught in her throat as she met his gaze. There was something in his eyes, something that looked almost like...vulnerability. She felt a pang of curiosity, and her heart went out to him. "What is it, Levi?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Levi's eyes flickered, and for a moment, Kenzy thought she saw a glimmer of uncertainty. But then, his mask slipped back into place, and he gazed at her with his usual intensity. "I just wanted to make sure you're safe," he said, his voice gruff. "Erwin's interest in you is...disturbing. I don't trust him." Kenzy raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the hint of jealousy in Levi's voice. She had never seen him like this before, and a part of her wondered if he was truly concerned about her safety, or if there was something more to it. As they stood there, the silence between them grew thicker, until Kenzy felt like she was drowning in it. She took a step back, trying to create some distance between them. "Levi, I can take care of myself," she said, trying to sound confident. "I don't need you to protect me." Levi's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Kenzy thought she saw a flash of anger. But then, his expression softened, and he gazed at her with a look of...longing. "Maybe not," he said, his voice low and husky. "But I need to try." Kenzy's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. She felt like she was drowning in the depths of his eyes, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to be rescued. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that gave her pause. Something that made her wonder if maybe, just maybe, she needed him to try.