Layla

by E. L. Todd

  I nodded. “So, you’re a manwhore?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “So there are no secrets between us. When I asked you out, I was just looking to get laid, but when I spoke to you I started to feel differently. The more time we spent together, the more I fell for you. I’ve never felt this way for anyone before. I always tease my brother about settling down because he used to be the same way, but now I understand perfectly.”

  I stared at his face, feeling the information swirl around my mind. “So, I’m different?”

  He looked at me. “You’re completely different. I’m not like that with you, I swear. I really care about you. That’s why I didn’t want to sleep with you. If this changes the way you feel about me, I didn’t want you to make a mistake by having sex with me.”

  “I don’t know what to say…”

  “You don’t have to say anything. If you don’t want to be with me anymore, I completely understand, even though I really hope you don’t leave. I’m not a liar and I meant what I said. I really care about you and want to be in this relationship. I’m totally monogamous and I don’t want to go back to that life.”

  “Did you sleep with anyone when we were broken up?”

  “No, of course not.”

  I guess I wasn’t surprised by the revelation. He was too perfect to actually be perfect. He was a sick pervert that cared more about getting laid than having a meaningful relationship. But it was so hard for me to believe that. Kyle seemed nothing like that. “It doesn’t bother me,” I whispered.

  He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank god.”

  “As long as you don’t cheat on me, life to me, or return to that lifestyle.”

  “I passed on the torch already.”

  “Then we’re fine.”

  Kyle smiled then kissed me on the cheek. “I’m so relieved.”

  “I guess it doesn’t bother me because it’s so hard to believe.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You just don’t seem like that. I can’t see you sleeping with anyone. When you pursued me, you never tried to get me into bed. You tried to be my boyfriend even though I didn’t want you to be. I even tazed you in the stomach and you still kept up the chase.”

  “Well, like I said, I got it bad.”

  “Just because I punched some guy in a bar?”

  “I like your attitude. You’re a strong woman. I never thought I’d be attracted to that, but I am.”

  I didn’t feel strong at all. John abused me for a year. I let that relationship continue and I never resolved it. I fled the scene, choosing to run from my problems than face them.

  “Stop thinking whatever you’re thinking.”

  “What?”

  “You’re making yourself sad. I can see it in your eyes.”

  “I—just after what happened with John I don’t feel like a strong person.”

  “You left the relationship, right?”

  “Well, I ran for dear life.”

  “That’s strong. Most women never leave their abusive relationships. You came all the way here, started a new life in a big city, and you never settled for less than what you deserve. Now you’re a copy editor for a huge magazine. And this is just the beginning. Don’t make yourself feel bad about the past. You’re different.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “You haven’t let go of the past and accepted who you are. If you just started respecting yourself, believing yourself, and loving yourself, I can guarantee you wouldn’t freeze when you’re around John. You would kick his ass and give him hell.”

  “You think?”

  “Yeah. And I’ll show you a few moves, not that you’ll need them. If he bothers you again, I’ll kill him. Literally.”

  The venom in his eyes conveyed his sincerity. Just staring at the look made me flinch. I wouldn’t want to be his opponent. “I believe you.”

  “That would be wise.” He ran his fingers through his hair then looked at the time. “I should shower before we go.”

  “Me too.”

  “After I’m ready, I’ll take you to your apartment.”

  “I can just go now.”

  “No, I’ll walk you.”

  I looked at him, feeling the automatic anger rise.

  “Here we go,” he said with a laugh.

  “I appreciate you being protective, but you don’t need to walk me all the time. I can take care of myself.”

  “I respect your independence, but I take care of my girlfriend. You’ll have to deal with it.”

  I glared at him. “I let you walk me home from work.”

  “What’s your point?”

  “You don’t need to do it all the time.”

  He didn’t back down. “What’s the big deal? I have to come get you anyway. Why don’t you just wait for me to get ready and we can go together?”

  “Fine.”

  He smiled. “I win.”

  “Make sure you don’t cross any lines.”

  Kyle’s smile dropped. “Baby, I never would. I just care about you. Having a hot girlfriend is a lot of stress.”

  “A hot girlfriend?”

  “Yeah. You have to look after her all the time.”

  “If someone tried to rape me or mug me, I would electrocute them until they died.”

  He laughed. “You have a point.”

  “The only person I’m afraid of is John and I don’t think he’s coming back.”

  “It’s not worth the risk.”

  “You said you would be controlling in some ways, and I could be controlling in other ways. I don’t need you to walk me everywhere.”

  “Fine,” he said with a sigh. “I’ll be there in half hour.”

  I smiled in victory. “Thank you.” I moved from the bed but he grabbed me and dragged me back.

  “Give me one more kiss.”

  “Gladly.” I kissed him gently then slipped my tongue into his mouth. He moaned loudly then grabbed my face. When I felt his erection form, I pulled away. “I’ll see you soon,” I said as I dressed myself and walked out the door.

  He growled at me, angry that I left his arms.

  12

  “So, Sadie is your sister-in-law?” I asked as we walked to the restaurant.

  “Almost. She will be next weekend.”

  “Okay. And Scott is the one I met when we moved?”

  “Yep. But he isn’t coming. He said he had something to do.”

  “And Ethan is marrying Sadie?”

  He smiled. “You should be a detective.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I don’t want to say the wrong thing. And Elisa is your sister?”

  “That’s correct.”

  “I think I got it.”

  “Do you want a trophy?” he teased. “That was a lot of information.”

  “I would like a kiss.”

  “Ooh. I can do that.” He stopped on the sidewalk then kissed me, pulling to his chest while people walked by. His hands moved down to my ass and he squeezed it before he moved back to my shoulders. “Congratulations.”

  “Maybe if I get your family to like me, I’ll get another reward.”

  His eyes turned heated while he stared at me. “Maybe…”

  “I better. I’ve been patiently waiting.”

  “Are you always this easy?” he teased.

  “I’m not easy!”

  “You’re begging me to sleep with you.”

  “I’ve wanted to sleep with you for two months.”

  “Oh. Well, if I had known that…”

  “Make love to me.”

  He stopped and stared at me. “I’ve never done that before.”

  “Can I be your first?”

  His hand grabbed the back of my neck and touched me lightly. Kyle looked into my eyes, seeing more than just my irises. His lips relaxed like he was deep in thought. “There’s nothing I want more.”

  “Me too.”

  “Now I don’t want to go to dinner.”
/>
  “It’ll be over before you know it.”

  He sighed then pulled me forward. We reached the small café and walked inside. Kyle kept his arm around my waist and never pulled away. I loved how affectionate he was all the time, always feeling my body.

  “They are in the corner,” he said.

  I felt the adrenaline kick in as we approached the table. I really hoped they liked me. I could tell that Kyle was close with his siblings. When he called Scott and asked him to help me move, he was there in a heartbeat and stayed up all night just to help.

  “Uncle Kyle!” a boy yelled as he hopped forward, his arms up.

  “Hey, kiddo.” Kyle picked him up. “How’s my favorite man?”

  “Hungry.”

  “Your mom isn’t feeding you or what?”

  “She’s grouchy all the time…”

  “Because she’s going to give you a baby brother or sister.”

  The boy looked annoyed. “Everyone keeps saying that but it’s not here yet!”

  “Be patient.” He turned to me. “Tommy, this is my girlfriend, Layla.”

  “Oh.” He turned his face and looked at Kyle’s chest.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Tommy. You remind me of your Uncle Kyle.”

  “I do?” he said with lit up eyes.

  I nodded. “And your uncle is a very cool guy.”

  “I know,” he said.

  “What about me?” a girl yelled from the ground.

  “Here comes the brat,” Kyle said.

  “I’m not a brat!” she said as she stomped her feet.

  Kyle picked her up and held them both in his arms. “Becky, this is my girlfriend, Layla.”

  “Your girlfriend?” she asked in surprise. “Mommy said you like boys.”

  He laughed. “Well, your mommy is stupid.”

  I snickered at their exchange.

  Becky twirled her hair. “Is she like Sadie?”

  “Yeah. She’s my girlfriend like Sadie is to Uncle Ethan.”

  “I’m not stupid,” Elisa said as she came over. She had long brown hair that tapered her face. She was thin except the swollen belly that stretched her shirt. “Don’t listen to him, Becky.”

  “Does Uncle Kyle really like boys?” Becky asked.

  “Yes,” she said immediately.

  Kyle glared at her.

  A tall man that had the same features as Kyle came over to us. He had the same blue eyes and the same build to his shoulders and his chest. I wasn’t sure what kind of genes this family had, but I wished I had them.

  “How much did he pay you?” the man said.

  “Excuse me?” I said.

  “Is this for real? Are you really his girlfriend?”

  Kyle glared at him “Don’t be a di—”

  Elisa glared at Kyle, silently commanding him not to curse in front of the kids.

  “A dork,” he finished. “Yes, she’s really my girlfriend, Ethan.”

  “Then she must be special,” he said. He extended his hand. “It’s very lovely to meet you.” He turned and grabbed a woman that had light brown hair and green eyes. “This is my fiancé, Sadie.”

  “It’s nice to meet you both.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” Ethan said.

  “Layla.”

  Elisa’s eyes widened but she didn’t’ say anything. Ethan caught his sister’s look but he didn’t comment on it. I wasn’t sure what was going on.

  Kyle picked up on it. “What?”

  “Nothing,” Elisa said quickly.

  “Sorry, I was in the bathroom,” a man said as he approached us. When I saw him I felt my heart fall. Why was this happening to me? “Layla?”

  “Hey, Jared…”

  Elisa crossed her arms over her chest and looked away.

  Kyle put the kids on the ground and told them to sit down. “You two know each other?”

  Jared shifted his weight and I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

  Kyle kept shifting his glance between us.

  Jared spoke first. “Layla and I used to be—”

  “She tried to steal my fiancé away from me,” Elisa snapped. “That’s who she is.”

  I stepped back at the hostility in her voice. This woman seemed so sweet to begin with, but now she was just insanely livid. It might be because of her pregnancy. I didn’t think I was trying to steal Jared away, but I guess I was. I just thought he was too good for her. And I did kiss him at the airport…

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Kyle snapped.

  Jared placed his hand on her shoulder. “Baby, please don’t cause a scene.”

  “No,” she snapped. “She convinced you to move to another country to get away from me. She tried to sleep with you. She even kissed you even though you said you loved me.” Her voice carried to the other tables and everyone looked at us.

  I knew I should make a good impression because this was Kyle’s family, but I wasn’t going to put up with this. “First of all, Jared wanted to move to London and I told him not to, that his idea was stupid and crazy. I only helped him because I have family in England. Second of all, when I tried to sleep with him, I had no idea he was hung up on you. That was news to me. And lastly, I kissed him because he was single and could do whatever the hell he wanted. None of that would have happened if you hadn’t treated him like shit.”

  Elisa’s eyes widened in anger. I she would slap me.

  Ethan put his hands in his pockets and looked at the ground, obviously feeling awkward. Sadie looked scared for her life.

  Elisa shook her head. “You fucking—”

  “Stop,” Jared commanded.

  She fell silent but her face was still plastered with loathing.

  Kyle ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “A heads up would have been nice,” he said to me.

  “I didn’t know! You never mentioned Jared.”

  Jared raised his hands. “Okay. Let’s just calm down for a second. Nothing happened between Layla and I. There’s no reason why anyone should be upset. Now let’s act like adults and move on.”

  I always liked Jared. Pragmatism was always his natural choice.

  “Are you kidding me?” Elisa said. “This woman did nothing but try to break us up the entire time. She drove you away from me. And she slept at your apartment. No, something did happen between you.”

  “So does that mean you hate all my ex-girlfriends?” he asked her.

  “No, just the ones that are fucking my brother.”

  “Whoa,” Kyle said. “Don’t talk about Layla like that. I don’t give a shit if you’re my sister.”

  Elisa glared at him. “She just insulted me!”

  “No, she defended herself,” Kyle said. “Totally different.”

  “Seriously, the first time you bring home a girl it has to be her?” Elisa asked. “There are seven million people in this city alone and you end up with Jared’s ex?”

  Kyle sighed then looked at Jared. “Can you calm her down?”

  “It’s the hormones…” Jared looked at her. “Baby, we live together, we’re getting married, and you’re having my baby. Who cares if Layla dates Kyle? I picked you, not her. Isn’t that all the reassurance you need?”

  She shook her head then walked away.

  Jared sighed and looked at me. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” I said. “I’m sure it’s just a shock.”

  Ethan looked at Jared. “I thought you said nothing happened with Layla. What kiss are we talking about?” He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Jared.

  Now I felt bad for him. The last thing I wanted to do was break the harmony of this loving family.

  Jared stared at him. “I already told Elisa everything. It’s none of your business.”

  Sadie grabbed his arm. “Just back off, Ethan. There’s enough drama going on right now.”

  That seemed to control Ethan.

  I looked at Kyle. “I should go…”

  “What?” Kyl
e said. “No.”

  “It’s clearly not a good time to have dinner with your family, in case you haven’t noticed.”

  He shook his head. “No, you’re my girlfriend and you’re welcome here. My sister is the one who needs to get over it. You and Jared kinda dated and that’s enough reason to have you ostracized? I don’t think so. She’s being a brat and she needs to be put in her place.”

  I smiled, glad that he was supporting me even though he didn’t even know the whole story.

  Ethan ran his fingers through his hair. “Well, should we sit down, then?”

  “Okay,” Kyle said.

  We took our seats and waited for Elisa to return from the bathroom. The kids were coloring on napkins on the table top, oblivious to the fighting. I looked at Jared and saw the stressed look on his face.

  “Congratulation on your baby,” I said quietly.

  “Thank you,” he said with a nod.

  “How far along is she?”

  “A few months. I’m very excited about it.”

  “You’ll be a great dad.”

  “I hope so. Thankfully, Elisa already has a lot of experience in child care.”

  I nodded, unsure what else to say. It didn’t bother me that he was having a baby. I thought it would hurt me but I was absent of feeling. I assumed that was because I was so happy with Kyle.

  Kyle put his arm around my shoulders then rubbed his nose against mine.

  Elisa finally returned from the bathroom. When she looked at me, she looked livid. “Are you kidding me?”

  “What?” Kyle said.

  She shook her head. “Jared, let’s go. Grab the kids.”

  “What?” Jared said. “Elisa, you’re acting crazy right now.”

  “No, I’m not. I don’t want to be around her. It’s because of her I almost lost you forever.”

  He glared at her. “No, you almost me forever because of you. Don’t blame it on her, Elisa. You’re the one who lied and didn’t take me seriously.”

  “So you’re going to throw that in my face forever?” she snapped.

  “No,” he said. “But you’re insulting my brother’s girlfriend and you’re being very rude about it. Just calm down.”

  “Come on, kids,” she said, ignoring Jared. The kids left their seats and came to her.

  Jared sighed then stood up. “I’m really sorry about this,” he said to me as he grabbed Tommy from the ground. “I’ll talk to her when we get home.”