Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Hunter POV

I have no idea what to do with this building rage inside me.

I am torn between decimating this room, hunting her mom down to give her a piece of my mind, and pulling Layla into my arms to comfort her.

How does someone who calls themselves a mother act so cruel towards her own flesh and blood?

I gently stroke Layla’s back as she is cocooned in Moira’s arms. I need physical contact with her right now to help ground my feelings and emotions, proving to myself that she is okay, and to prevent me from rushing from this room and wreaking havoc on her behalf.

Xavier sits across the room, seething like a boiling tea kettle. It would be very comical in different circumstances because Xavier does not do silent fury. He rages, breaks things, swears, and screams at anyone who crosses his path.

But I don’t think he wants to upset Layla more than she already is and that’s why he’s sitting there, fists clenched, jaw ticking, probably internally plotting her mother’s demise. He’d better include me in his plans. because there’s no possible way on God’s green earth I’ll sit that metaphorical fight out.

If AJ’s not careful, he’ll soon etch a ditch into Layla’s floor with his pacing. Pulling at his blonde locks will also help no one. But I know by now that this is how he works through whatever emotional turmoil he might be experiencing so I’ll leave him for now.

I have no freaking idea where Cade has stomped off to. Hopefully, it’s not to find her mom and strangle her. I don’t feel like posting bail right now.

Moira is whispering soothing and encouraging words into Layla’s ear. It seems to be working because her soft cries are settling down, making me feel less anxious at seeing her in such unnecessary distress.

When she sits up straight after a few more seconds of sniffling, my restraint snaps. “Come here Beautiful,” I say as I pull her towards me and place her between my legs, her back to my front. I wrap my arms around her middle and rest my head on her shoulder.

Draping her arms over mine, she gently squeezes them. “I’m sorry that happened to you. And I’m sorry I didn’t answer when you called. What do you need?” Placing a soft kiss on the nape of her neck, I drink in her signature scent and relax a little, knowing she’s safe in my arms.

Her answer is tentative but clear, “Just hold me, please.” And it makes my heart soar.

Cade steps back into the room, “I don’t want her living here anymore. There is a spare bedroom at our place she can have. There she’ll be safe and comfortable.”

I get where he’s coming from and his reasoning is sound, but our girl will not go for that suggestion. She’s way too stubborn and independent to run away from her problems. And living with a house full of guys

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won’t be a walk in the park either.

I feel her stiffen in my arms before she says, “Cade, I can’t do that. I need my own space and avoiding my problems has never been how I’ve lived my life.”

AJ steps toward the bed and sits next to her outstretched legs. His hand instinctively goes to her foot, slowly running his thumb over the top in a soothing motion. “I can only speak for myself, but seeing you like this Cupcake is killing me inside. The thought of you coming here every day where you could be ambushed again doesn’t sit right with me.”

I can sense Layla’s dismissal coming a mile away, but before she can speak, Xavier is the one that pipes up from the corner of the room, “She’s right, she needs to be somewhere familiar and comfortable. So, I’ll stay over here during the week, and on weekends she can come over to our place for a change of scenery.”

The room descends into complete silence. Who is this guy and what has he done to the version of Xavier Reed who has been a numbnuts to Layla until now? His suggestion (or should I say decree) makes sense, but I never in a million years would have thought that he would willingly want to act as her protector. Did something happen between them last night that they haven’t shared with us yet?

“That’s not necessary Xavier, I know how busy you are with football practice most nights of the week. And having you driving up and down to campus like a madman just doesn’t sit right with me,” Layla hedges, probably to discourage him so she doesn’t have to walk around on eggshells at home because of his

grumpy ass.

“Sorry Princess, I’ve made up my mind.”

Before she can protest, he’s out of his seat and walking towards the door. “Cade, want to come help me make breakfast for everyone so Layla can eat something before she has to take her meds again?”

“You boys should probably be getting ready for classes, I’ll look after Layla for the rest of the day,” Moira suggests as she gives Layla a small smile.

“Fuck classes. We’re playing doctor with our girl today,” AJ cheekily says before he leaves the room behind

Xavier and Cade.

Moira shakes her head but with an affectionate smile says, “Stubborn boys. I better go supervise them or I fear my kitchen might look like a warzone after they’re done,” she then winks at us and walks out.

For a couple of minutes, Layla and I sit in companionable silence. I want to stay like this for the rest of the day – holding her, soothing her agitation, and making sure she’s not in any more pain.

“How are you feeling?” I softly ask against her ear. The shiver that I can feel running through her body makes me smile. Glad to see the bump on her head hasn’t affected how she reacts to me.

“Tired, hungry, sore, and dirty,” she answers me with a halfhearted chuckle.

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“Well, the guys will be feeding you soon. Once you’ve had some pain pills the soreness will ease. After everything, I’ll tuck you in for another nap so you can rest up. Want me to draw you a bath so you can soak all of yesterday’s bullshit off? Because I don’t think standing upright in the shower for too long will work out so well right now.”

She dips her head, shying away from me, before asking, “If it’s not too much to ask?”

Hooking my finger under her chin, I turn her face towards me so I can look her in the eye. “For you Beautiful, nothing will ever be too much.” Not giving her a chance to dispute my words, I kiss her softly, wanting to solidify my words with actions so she won’t doubt their sincerity.

Pulling away slowly, I give her a final soft kiss on the tip of her nose before getting up and going into the ensuite.

I plug the bath and open the tap as I spot a bottle of vanilla and cinnamon-scented bubble bath on the bath’s ledge. Pouring a generous amount in, I stand back and watch as the bath fills with warm water while the bathroom gets enveloped with heavenly-scented steam.

This is the sort of treatment she should get every day, not just when she is hurt. Time to step up my chivalry game.

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