Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 14

V

Chapter 14: Layla POV

You know that fleeting, magical moment when you’re teetering on the edge of sleep, just starting to drift into that blissful oblivion? It’s like floating on a cloud for a few precious minutes, your mind unmoored, before the heavy, comforting blanket of REM sleep wraps around you, pulling you into the mysterious depths of dreams where anything can happen.

Well, I had just hit that perfect sweet spot, my body sinking into the mattress, when my bedroom door slams open with a force that could’ve cracked the plaster on the wall behind it. The sound is a violent jolt, shattering the tranquility I’d been craving all day.

After I came home, I grabbed a light snack and headed up to my room for that self–imposed nap I craved. I slipped on my short bicycle shorts and an oversized t–shirt, going for comfort instead of worrying about what others might think of me. I’m mostly alone in this monstrosity of a house, barring Moira and José. Xavier has suspiciously been MIA the last couple of days, but I’m not complaining.

The banging of the door rips me from my moment of calm, making me sit upright abruptly. So much so that I feel dizzy for a few seconds. I press a hand to my forehead to help me get some stability before I rip my intruder a new asshole.

“It’s 2 p.m., and you’re fucking drunk!” Xavier’s voice booms, his silhouette looming against the afternoon light streaming through the hall.

I am so befuddled by his comment that you could knock me over with a dead fish.

“What are you on about?” I groan at him, not in the mood for his tantrums right now.

“Why else would you be in bed at this time of day, holding your head steady, most probably because of a pounding headache?”

I have no other choice than to burst out laughing. This guy is delusional as fuck.

“Xavier, taking a nap in the middle of the day does not constitute me being on the verge of becoming an

alcoholic.”

He takes a beat, probably thinking for a second before he spews more nonsense at me. But no, this is Xavier, and he is on a roll! Wanting, no needing to make me the villain in his origin–story.

“Then why are you swaying while sitting up, holding your head as if a jackhammer has taken residence in there?” He still has a sneer on his face, one I can’t wait to wipe off with my next words.

“When you so eloquently decided to enter my bedroom, the door hitting the wall startled me. Sitting up too quickly caused me to experience vertigo. Does your big caveman brain know what that is? Or should I draw you a flowchart to explain it?” the sarcasm in my voice is thick enough to choke a whale.

Xavier’s face goes blank for a second before he gets this confused look in his eyes

–

almost as if he doesn’t

1/3

Chapter 14: Layla POV

know how to react to my response to him. Has no other girl ever stood up to him? Has he always bulldozed over those that he sees as beneath him? Well, he is in for an unpleasant surprise if he thinks I’m going to cater to his whims.

As if the last 5 minutes didn’t happen, he strolls nonchalantly over to the side of my bed, hands tucked into his jean pockets, but there is a distinct tension to his movements, almost like a viper ready to strike. Should I buy him a how–to guide to get that stick out of his ass?

“Why were you on my campus today? Stalking one of your sexual conquests?”

“Your campus? Since when do you own Saxonsea U? Not according to their website. Maybe you should take that up with them. We wouldn’t want them to be sued for false advertising.”

I purposefully evade his question, fully intending to rile him up as much as possible.

“Cut the shit, answer me!” he is vibrating with restrained anger, and it amuses me to no end.

Being the proverbial thorn in someone’s side is quite fun. Especially if that person is the big oaf in front of me. It’s a win–win situation if you ask me.

My clock catches my eye, and I realize I’ll have to give up on naptime otherwise I won’t be able to help Moira with dinner prep like I promised.

Throwing back the covers, I swing my legs over the side and get up. Lifting my head, ready to answer his moronic question, I realize his gaze is glued to the skin of my thighs which are not covered by my shorts.

Clearing my throat to grab his attention, I start strolling towards my en–suite. “If you must know, I started class today. So, sorry to disappoint big bro, but you will be seeing me on your campus quite regularly.”

Signaling the end of the conversation, I slam the bathroom door in his face.

I lean back against the door, trying to catch my breath.

What is it about Xavier that simultaneously vexes and intrigues me?

In my waking hours, I want to duct–tape his mouth shut so he can’t pelt me with more insults. At night, when I’m alone, I imagine being the one to tame the beast they call Xavier Reed.

I want to break him and then have him crawl to me on his knees, asking for understanding, and begging for absolution.

And there is the smallest part of me that wonders what it would be like to be at Xavier’s mercy, to submit to him, for him to control all of me. Being held down by those brawny hands, him taking his pleasure from me before returning the favor. It would be intense, all–consuming, and deliciously dangerous.

But it will give Xavier power over me that I’m not willing to give to him of all people. Until now, he has

2/3

Chapter 14: Layla POV

given me no indication that he wouldn’t use that power to crush my mind, body, and soul underfoot and then use it against me in some sick and twisted way.

But I will never admit those thoughts out loud – not even when placed in front of a firing squad.

Chapter Comments

13