Ever After Awaits (Layla) novel Chapter 8

A few days into my new routine, I’ve found a comfortable rhythm that feels almost like home. Each morning starts with a cozy breakfast alongside Moira, going to my shift at Beantree, and spending the evenings lazing around the house if I don’t have my night classes.

I haven’t really seen Xavier after the first day, which suits me quite well. The less I have to look at his moody face and listen to the vitriol he likes to spew in my direction, the better.

Today’s a rare treat – my day off from Beantree. With an extra barista on staff, we’ve all managed to carve out at least one day a week to ourselves, a small but welcome reprieve from the constant bustle of steaming milk and juggling orders. I plan to make the most of it by hiking nearby trails, hoping the fresh air and open sky will clear my head.

I’m on my way down to the kitchen, dressed in black gym leggings, my trusty sneakers, and an oversized t- shirt that once belonged to my best friend before he moved away.

In the kitchen, I catch up with Moira while grabbing some snacks and a couple of water bottles. As I’m stuffing them in my backpack, I hear footsteps entering the kitchen behind me, but I don’t turn around immediately, assuming it is José.

“Good morning, Xavier,” Moira says brightly, cracking eggs into a bowl with a practiced flick of her wrist, likely prepping for her famous scrambled eggs or maybe an omelet. “Can I whip you up some breakfast before you go?”

My stomach sinks, and I stifle a groan, my mood souring at the mention of his name. So much for a peaceful start to my day off. I haven’t even had my second cup of coffee, and now I’ll have to brace myself for whatever snide comment Xavier’s got loaded up today.

The only answer Moira gets is an indistinguishable grunt. Hopefully, she understands Xander–speak better than I do.

I

I slowly turn around, ready to let Moira know I’m off for my hike. I have already told her which trail I’m heading to because I don’t want her to worry unnecessarily. In a short amount of time, she has become like a second mother to me, dare I even say better than my own mother.

Xavier’s scowl immediately accosts me, but I refuse to let him intimidate me, “Morning Xavier.” I give him a subtle smile which makes his brows pull together even more. Grumpy old bear!

“I’m off Moira, I have my phone with me, but you can expect me home around noon.” Giving her a quick one–armed hug, I go to leave. Xavier has other ideas, though.

“Off to see your next conquest?” he sneers at me.

Not in the mood to be baited, I give him a wink over my shoulder before saying, “Maybe.”

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Chapter 8: Layla POV

I can hear Moria starting to chastise him as I walk away, but I am not inclined to stay and listen to his

weak–ass excuses.

As I’m skipping down the steps to my car, the front door gets ripped open and Xavier comes storming after me, a murderous expression on his face.

“You better not come home smelling of cheap sex, or worse yet, bring your one–night stand here after your little date.” The last two words must taste like acid on this tongue if the look on his face is anything to go

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“Oh Xavier, why do my sexual escapades bother you so much?” I cross my arms and cock my hip, raising my eyebrow. He doesn’t need to know that I have never been with a guy. Let him dig his own grave with his

misconceived notions about who or what I’m.

“It’s my business when you turn my home into a whorehouse!” his whole body is vibrating with anger. Now might not be the right time to taunt him about looking like a boiling tea kettle that is about to pop its top.

“Xavier,” I slow my speech and speak calmly as if I’m talking to a toddler, “just because you tend to bring everything with two legs home, does not give you the right to lug me in that same barrel with you.”

“It’s hard to think otherwise when you prance around in another man’s clothes.” He glances down at my t- shirt, and I have no other choice than to burst out laughing. This man is delusional.

“Are you jealous?” I decide to taunt him as soon as I’m able to breathe normally again.

Xavier stills as if I’ve slapped him. Interesting reaction, I’ll have to explore that notion at a later stage.

After a couple of seconds of not answering me, I turn on my heel and head to my car. Again, I’m pushed up against my driver–side door by him. Is this our thing now?

“How can I be jealous of someone that gives themself to every Tom, Dick, and Harry that looks in her direction? I’d rather feed my dick to a shoal of piranhas.” His breath is hot against my ear and an involuntary shudder runs down my spine.

What Xavier doesn’t realize is that the proximity that he has forced on me is playing right into my hand. His cock is rock hard as it presses against the base of my spine. Well, well, well, what do we have here?

“You might want to share that sentiment with said dick.” I saccharinely say to him over my shoulder while arching my back into him ever so slightly.

Xavier stills but doesn’t move back immediately and I know I have him hook, line, and sinker. Hypocrite

much?

His hands fist against the roof of the car where he is caging me in, his knuckles turning white. His breaths become ragged. But still, he doesn’t move.

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Chapter 8: Layla POV

Getting fed up with his games, I push away against the side of the car, dislodging him from behind me, and open my car door.

I refuse to look at him as I’m sliding into my seat, or as I start my car, and even as I drive off. Xavier Reed needs to learn that I will not be his new punching bag.

He obviously is used to girls either falling at his feet to worship at his altar or running away in trepidation. He will soon learn that Layla Kincaid is neither of those things!

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lyla comes across as a strong character with good morals. im interested to learn more about her best friend.

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