Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 35

The look in their eyes solidifies my decision to explore this unconventional relationship with them; last night’s revelations changed nothing for them

There is no pity or disgust. Yes, there is empathy and maybe a degree of understanding, but not how they look at me. There’s also a modicum of respect for what I’ve gone through and the resilience I’ve shown for not giving up.

And, most importantly, there is a resolve there that makes

me

hopeful for the future with them,

Deciding to play coy, 1 tap a finger against my chin, asking, “Hmmm, and what do I get out of this? Having three guys to entertain and whose egos F’il constantly have to stroke might get tiresome.”

Cade’s the one to answer me, “Reing able to call you ours will more than enough of an ego boost for us, Sunshine. Although, we have other things you can stroke if you want.” His cheeky smirk has my breath stuttering and my thighs clenching underneath the table, Holy hell!

Deciding to play along, I slowly slide my hand higher on his thigh, scraping my nails as I go. He goes completely still and his hand on my waist twitches.

“Something like this?” I ask coyly and Cade’s throat bobs as my

hand

goes higher still.

Hunter and AJ can’t see what I’m doing underneath the table, but Cade’s reaction has them suddenly sitting up with alertness in their eyes. Their gazes are ping–ponging between me and Cade, wondering what’s happening.

“Layla,” Cade’s warning is low and sultry, but I pay it no heed

“Yes, Cade?” I ask innocently, while my hand continues its ascent.

As my hand lands on his thickening length, his hand clamps down on mine, stopping me from squeezing him through his jeans.

His voice is lined with an edge of danger when he says, “Baby if you don’t want me to drag you to the bathrooms right now to bend you over a sink and you senseless, I’d suggest removing your hand.”

The atmosphere at the table comes to a complete standstill and I’m caught between disobeying him and toying with him some more. Hunter’s gaze dips to where my hand is below the table, licking his lips. AJ shifts in his seat, presumably adjusting himself.

In a final act of defiance, I glide my hand out from underneath his, lean over, and then run my nose along his earlobe before giving it a soft nip. “As you wish,” I whisper before leaning back and giving the other two my full attention.

“Brat,” Cade grumbles as he moves away from me, but I can feel him still staring at the side of my head.

“So, what classes do you have left for the day?” I ask innocently, as if the last 15 minutes

never happened.

We all settle into a comfortable conversation about our schedules for the rest of the day. Soon after, my alarm goes off, reminding me to leave for my last

class.

The guys pack up as well, getting up from the table. AJ take’s my backpack and swings it over his other shoulder. Hunter helps me from the table but doesn’t retreat, causing us to stand chest to chest.

“Naughty, naughty girl,” he says as he peers into my eyes, a simmering desire in the depths of his.

I smile softly at him, my hands instinctively moving to his peès. “Did I take it too far?” I ask him, knowing he will be straight with me.

His face turns serious, “Beautiful, you go as far as you want or don’t want. As long as you’re doing it because you want to and it feels right, you’ll never hear any complaints from us,” Leaning down he places/a delicate kiss on my forehead, and I instantly forget about my doubts.

Placing a hand on my lower back he guides me/out of the student center with AJ and Cade fiánking us.

They walk me across campus to where my next class is held, and then it hits me. They walked me to my class, but their classes are entirely at the other end of campus.

Feeling guilty, I turn towards all of them. “Thank you for walking with me. I know it was out of your way.”

Chapter 35: Layla POV

Hunter steps into me and places his forehead against mine. “For you, mytime?

Al is next, handing me my backpack before leaning down, softly kissing my cheek, “Always Cupcake.*

Cade comes up behind me and slides his hand over my stomach. I instinctively tilt my head to make room for him. Leaning doen, he kisses my netk whispering, “See you at the coffee shop later.”

I watch them walk away, feeling a lightness in my soul that’s been missing for a while.

Stepping through the glass door of the coffee shop later that evening, I’m enveloped by the warm, comforting aromas of freshly brewed coffee and the sweet, buttery scent of pastries cooling on racks behind the counter. The familiar hum of the espresso machine and the soft indie playlist looping in the background settle something restless in my soul, like a deep breath after a long day.

The shop is a cozy haven, its mismatched wooden tables and fairy lights casting a golden glow that feels like a hug. For a moment, the weight of the weekend and the uncertainty of earlier fade into the background, replaced by the simple promise of a busy shift and familiar faces.

I haven’t worked alongside Tessa since last week, so when I spot her behind the counter, her dark curls bouncing as she expertly froths milk for a latte, a grin spreads across my face. She glances up, catching my eye, and flashes a playful smirk, already mid–joke with a customer. Her energy is infectious, and I’m instantly excited about tonight. The fact that Cade will be joining us a little later might also have something to do with my excitement.

I weave through the bustling shop toward the back, where the staffroom is tucked behind a swinging door. The small space smells faintly of coffee grounds and cleaning supplies, a stark contrast to the inviting warmth out front. I toss my bag into my designated locker, the metal door clanging shut, and grab my navy apron from the hook behind the door. As I tie it around my waist, the familiar weight of the fabric grounds me, a signal that I’m slipping into work mode.

I slide my phone into my back pocket, double–checking that my hair is pulled back neatly, when the device suddenly buzzes to life, the screen &ght with an unknown number.

Checking the overhead clock, I see I still have a couple of minutes to spare before my shift starts officially so I swipe my finger across the screen to any

“Hello?” I ask tentatively.

Is this Ms. Layla Kincaid?”

The voice on the other side belongs to a male and the air with which he speaks instantly gives me an idea of what this call is about.

“This is her, yes.”

My name is Jasper Morrison, and I work for Lyle, Smith and Cooper Attorneys. I have some documents that you need to sign. It is regarding the sale of the house on Ridgeway Drive. When and where can we meet so we can finalize everything?”

9

Bingo! Right on the money.

But sadly for Mr. Morrison, I will not be forced to sign documents hastily without reading every paragraph, word, and full stop.

“Mr. Morrison, thank you for your call. Where can I collect the documents so my lawyer can peruse them on my behalf?”

He doesn’t need to know that I don’t have a personal lawyer. He only needs to know that he won’t be bulldozing me regarding something as important as

this.

There’s a moment of silence and I suspect he didn’t anticipate getting pushback. He presumably thinks a humble college student would likely roll over and sign on the dotted line without doing her due diligence. Well sorry to disappoint, buddy.

Ms. Kincaid, I was made to understand that there would be no delays concerning the signature of the documents.

And with that singular comment, the second/red flag regarding this deal tears its ugly head.

“I’m not sure who made such reassurances to you, Mr. Morrison, but I will need those documents beforehand.”

Chapter 35: Layla POV

A disgruntled sigh can be heard before he answers me.

Very well, Ms. Kincaid, I’ll have the documents couriered to Mr. and Mrs. Reed’s address on Mulberry Road. *

“Thank you, Mr. Morrison, I appreciate your kind assistance.” The sarcasm in my voice can be heard a mile away, and I internally celebrate defying my mother’s nefarious plans.

After hanging up, I step to the front of the coffee shop. My smile of victory is evident, and I instinctively know my evening will be amazing

Chapter Comments

POST COMMENT NOW

39