Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45: AJ POV

Sitting around the breakfast table with the others while they chat about mundane things, purposely avoiding the subject of Layla’s altercation with her mom, makes me believe that all of us being together as a unit is indeed possible.

The soft din of conversation is soothing, and I find my mind drifting to my shared moment with Layla upstairs – both of them, for that matter.

I knew I was taking a risk declaring my love to her, especially so soon after we came back into each other’s lives. But when Xavier’s call came through this morning, an icy cold fear seeped into my marrow and refused to thaw before I could set eyes on her and hold her in my arms.

But now, knowing she was on the brink of saying it back, I cannot find a shred of regret for declaring my undying love and devotion to her.

Stupid fucking Xavier and his shitty timing. But I have no problem waiting for her to say the words that are clearly in her heart. She’ll come to me when she’s ready, and that’s fine with me.

I’m just disappointed our intimate moment in front of the vanity was cut short because I came so fucking close to tasting and devouring my girl.

Initially, I only intended to kiss her so I could put the last doubts in my mind to rest about her being safe and relatively unharmed. But things escalated quickly when she gave me the green light to touch her. My complete undoing, though, was when the scent of her arousal started drifting towards me in the air.

It almost turned me into a feral beast intent on finding the source of that delectable aroma to discover how to cause more of it. I wanted to bathe in it because there was no way I would ever get enough. The ultimate reward would have been if I got to taste her, as there is no doubt in my mind that once her nectar-like essence coated my tongue, I would become a junkie for her. And gladly.

What also made me proud of her as I was worshipping at her feet was that she didn’t back down when I provoked her to engage in dirty talk with me. Fuck, she was glorious as I was looking up at her. Her back was straight with her resolve, but her eyes were burning with twin amber flames of passion.

I can’t wait until she finally snaps and gives herself over to that euphoric release that can only be experienced with someone you are connected to on a deeper level.

I’m drawn from my internal musings when Cade asks everyone at the table what we should do to pass the time today.

“You guys don’t need to stay home with me; you all have classes with upcoming important assignments,” Layla hedges, trying to deter us from our mission of staying by her side for today at least.

“Nope, not happening, Beautiful,” Hunter declares first, brooking no further argument from her. When she scowls at him, he gives her a smile that screams, “Just try and stop us.” She must realize she’s not winning

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this argument because she sighs in exaggerated irritation before returning to eating the last remnants of food on her plate. Good girl.

Xavier suddenly says, “I’ve already arranged with all our professors in today’s classes; they’ll email me the discussed materials and any new assignments.”

Layla glares at him, probably because of his overbearingness, before grumbling, “Bossy, much?”

He cheekily grins at her and says, “You bet your sweet ass I am, Princess,” before winking at her to rile her

up even more.

In a final act of adorable defiance, she sticks her tongue out at him, causing everyone at the table, except Xavier, to laugh. True to his cockiness, which he’s renowned for, he leans closer to her before softly saying, “Stick your tongue out at me again, Princess, and I’ll teach you a thing or two about what I truly want you to do with it.”

The kitchen falls silent for various reasons.

Layla – because his flirty admission has melted her brain.

Moria – because Xavier’s blatant sexual innuendo in her presence has shocked her to her core. Not becaus she’s a prude, but because, according to the other guys, he respects her too much to bring his one-and- done girls here, never mind flirting with them in front of her. And especially with Layla.

–

Me and the guys

because he has, till now, vehemently denied that he has an attraction to Layla. And eve though we never called him on his bullshit, the signs were always there, at least for us. But him tossing hi hat into the proverbial ring like that could only mean one of two things: he pulled his head out of his ass, or something happened last night while he was over here tending to her wound.

I think it’s a bit of both. Seeing how things unfold should be interesting, to say the least.

We’re all saved from giving a response when Xavier’s dad comes strolling inside from the inside door that leads to the garage. “What’s everyone doing here at this time of the morning, on a school day, nonetheless?” he asks suspiciously as he walks to the fridge.

As he opens its door and leans forward, we all look at Layla to see how she wants to play this, but Xavier pipes up, “A few of us picked up a nasty tummy bug, so we all stayed home just to be sure we don’t spread it around campus.”

When his dad comes into view again, he has a bottle of water clutched in his hand. “That makes sense, I suppose,” he replies, already on the way out again.

Moira asks what we’re all wondering, “Are you working from home today, Mr. Reed? Should I prepare lund for you?” As she speaks, Layla subtly shifts, hiding behind Hunter’s broad shoulders so Xavier’s dad won’t notice her injury unless he looks directly at her.

Chapter 45: AJ POV

“No need, Moira, thanks; I’m just picking up a file from my home office that I need for a meeting later.”

“Of course, sir,” she replies. We’re all holding our breath at this stage, hoping the conversation is over and he leaves.

When he’s gone from the room, we all relax somewhat, and Layla even stands up to collect the dirty dishes that need to go to the dishwasher. But our little moment of relief is quickly shattered when Mr. Reed unexpectedly reappears around the corner, his head down and his attention on his phone.

“Xavier, before I forget, we’re having that…” he trails off because he had lifted his head and locked eyes with Layla while he spoke. The thunderous look that descends over his face sucks the air out of the room, making us all freeze in anticipation of the bomb that is about to rip through this kitchen.

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