Layla Read online

  14

  When I went to work Monday morning, I had a smile on my face. I’d never been happier in my life than I was with Kyle. It was nice not to be paranoid about his intentions, if he was going to hurt me or not, or if he was doing something he shouldn’t be doing. That trust was such a strong force and it couldn’t be diminished.

  “Why are you smiling?” Joanna asked as I walked by.

  “Oh. It’s a beautiful day.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You got laid last night.”

  My cheeks blushed. “It may have happened. But it really is a beautiful day.”

  “Yeah okay,” she said sarcastically. “So who is it?”

  “Uh, just my boyfriend.”

  “I didn’t know you had a boyfriend. Taylor will be crushed.”

  I rolled my eyes. “That pervert needs to stop bothering me.”

  “Tell Mr. Benedict.”

  “He’s already aware of the situation.”

  Kyle came up beside me, holding a cup of coffee. “Black, just how you like it.”

  “Thank you,” I said with a smile. My first instinct was to kiss him but I couldn’t because we were at work. That would be a little inappropriate.

  “And I got you a blueberry muffin. I know you don’t eat breakfast.”

  “Ooh.” I opened the bag and looked inside. “Yummy.”

  He turned to Joanna. “Good morning.”

  “Hello, Mr. Benedict.”

  “Well, I need to get to work.” He walked down the hall and headed to his office.

  I stared at his ass as he walked away. It was tight and firm. I imagined grabbing it while he pounded me.

  “Is there something going on between you?” Joanna asked.

  I felt my heart race. Kyle said we should just be honest about it, but I felt weird admitting the truth. “Why aren’t you playing solitaire?”

  “The computer is rebooting,” she said. “And don’t change the subject.”

  “Uh…”

  “It’s him, isn’t it? Your boyfriend?”

  “You should be a detective.”

  She laughed. “He’s a catch. I would have slept with him if I had the opportunity.”

  My eyes narrowed. Now that Kyle was mine, the love of my life, I didn’t like anyone looking at him, staring at him, checking out his chest or his ass. It made me furious with jealousy.

  Joanna caught the look. “I didn’t mean to hit the crazy switch.”

  I laughed. “Sorry. Sometimes it just comes out.”

  “Apparently.” She smiled. “I’m very happy for you. “He’s a good boss and a good guy. You could do a lot worse.”

  “I know.” I turned and walked away. “Have a good day.”

  “I will when this computer turns on.”

  I went into my office and started working. I kept thinking about Kyle in the next room but I pushed the thought back. When I looked at the files and papers on my desk, I imagined having sex on top of it. That would be so hot.

  When there was a knock on the door, I looked up expectantly. When I saw Taylor, I was disappointed.

  “How was your weekend?”

  “Good. I’m sad it’s over.”

  He sauntered into the room then sat in the chair in front of my desk. “So, what are you doing tonight?”

  “It never seems like you’re working. You’re always chatting away.”

  He shrugged. “I’m a fast worker.”

  “Or a bad one.”

  He laughed it off. “They’re opening a new sports bar downtown. We should check it out.”

  I sighed then stared at him. “I’m not interested in spending time with you outside of work. Please stop coming into my office and distracting me from my work.”

  He raised his hands. “I was just trying to be friendly.”

  “Well, we have different definitions of friendly.”

  “I was just asking if you wanted to have an innocent drink.”

  “Take your wife,” I snapped.

  “She works late.”

  “You told me she didn’t work.”

  He froze, caught in his lie.

  “Please get out of my office. I’ve been nice so far, but now I’m just fed up with it. Please leave.”

  “Don’t be like that,” he said, looking at me incredulously. “I’m just a nice guy.”

  I turned back to my computer and ignored him, hoping he would just leave.

  He drummed the arm of the chair. “So you want to go?”

  “I just said no.”

  “Are you busy tonight?”

  “Yes, I’m busy every night of the year.”

  “I know you’re playing hard to get.”

  “I’m definitely not.” I looked behind Taylor and saw Kyle come into the room, a look of murder on his face. He came behind Taylor and gripped him on the shoulder.

  “What did I say about harassing my employees?”

  He flinched at the touch and words. “I’m not harassing her. I’m not even touching her.”

  “Don’t play stupid with me,” he snapped. “Harassment can be verbal. You know this. You’ve been doing it for years.” He released his hold then came to me, leaning over the desk and giving me a gentle kiss before he pulled away. “I suggest you leave my girlfriend alone.”

  “I—I didn’t know.”

  “Human resources has already been notified of your actions. I gave you two warnings and you still breached that verbal contract. And since Mr. Gallagher is mine, I’m just pissed. Now it’s personal. I suggest you pack your things before they sack you.”

  He stood up. “What? You can’t do that.”

  Kyle put his hands in his pockets and stared him down. “I just did.”

  “You fucking asshole.”

  Kyle seemed unaffected by the insulting words. “Is that supposed to bother me?”

  Taylor pulled his arm back and punched Kyle in the face. But Kyle grabbed his arm and pinned it behind his back. “Now your career is over.” He glanced at me. “Baby, please call security.” He pinned Taylor to the ground, who was unable to move under Kyle’s heavy weight.

  I made the call and they came inside a moment later. Kyle and I both gave our statements and they dragged Taylor out.

  Kyle wiped his hands on his suit then approached me. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m not the one that just got into an office brawl.”

  He laughed. “So that’s a yes?”

  I nodded.

  He came to me and leaned against the desk, his knee close to my chest. “To be honest, I’m glad this happened. I’ve wanted to fire that fucker for a long time.”

  I placed my hand on his thigh. “I know I won’t miss him.”

  “Your tits look great in that top.”

  “Thanks,” I said as my cheeks reddened. When I ran my fingers across his thigh, I saw the bulge form in the front of his pants. “You should close the door.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” He crossed the room then closed it gently. When he came back to me, I was already on the desk, my skirt pulled up.

  “My baby doesn’t waste any time.”

  I pulled down his fly and removed his pants. “Just shut up and make it quick.”

  “You’re bossy. I like it.” He pulled my hips toward him and I lied back. He grabbed a condom from his pocket then rolled it on. I licked my lips while I watched. Kyle placed one leg over his shoulder then held the other one. He slipped inside me, stretching me wide.

  I kept my mouth shut as he moved into me hard and fast. We were both silent as we moved. A noise didn’t escape his mouth and the desk didn’t move. I felt my threshold as soon as we started. I’d never had sex at work before and I was aroused by the real life fantasy. His cock felt so good inside me and I felt the inferno between my legs. Kyle seemed to know when I was going to come because he placed his hand over my mouth, silencing my quiet moans. When he reached his unbridled bliss, he bit his lip and squeezed my legs, his final thrusts irregular.

  When he pul
led out, he rolled the condom then wrapped a tissue around it before he threw it in the garbage. I stretched on the desk, tired and satisfied.

  He pulled down my dress then adjusted my underwear before he fixed himself. “Back to work.”

  I whined.

  He kissed me gently on the lips. “It’s always a pleasure.” Then he walked out and left the door open. I got back to work even though I almost fell asleep a few times.

  Kyle upheld his end of the bargain and participated in the color run with me in the city. I wasn’t sure what he was complaining about because he completed the race with absolutely no effort. I was out of breath most of the time and he looked relaxed, even calm. He had to slow down just so I could keep up with him. My friends were there too and they kept making fun of me. I hadn’t been hitting the gym because I’d been spending all my time Kyle, unless you counted having sex as a workout. Which it was most of the time.

  We used his season tickets every chance we had. Every once in a while, we were too tired or never left the bedroom so we missed the games. And I was happy that he let me pay for some of the meals. We set up a system where we traded off every turn. I didn’t expect him to agree but he did. He fulfilled his promise to me to equally share power and control. In the bedroom, he was dark and dominant, which I didn’t mind in the least, and he let me call the shots in other respects.

  His sister hadn’t spoken to either of us since the incident. I didn’t bring it up because I didn’t want to deal with it. Ethan’s wedding was approaching so I knew I would have to see her eventually. I sincerely hoped it would be on better terms.

  John didn’t reappear, and after a while, we forgot about him. Kyle was big and strong so he probably chased John off. Plus, I lived in a new apartment and had a new job. There was no way he could track me down. Only Cassie, Janet, and Kyle knew where I lived. It was a nice feeling. I wasn’t scare of anything anymore. Kyle still showed me a few fighting moves that I learned quickly, but I didn’t think I’d ever need it.

  Kyle didn’t mention John again and I was glad that the subject had been dropped for good. Our relationship had changed and become more intimate than it did before. Now I hated to be apart from him. Anytime I wasn’t at work or with friends, I was with him. I slept there most of the time, so my bed was forgotten. We hardly ever said the L word, but it wasn’t necessary. I saw it in the way he looked at me and the way he was attentive to me. When I was sick, he stayed with me the whole time, force feeing me soup and crackers. He ran his fingers through my hair so I could fall asleep and not let the headache ruin my entire night.

  I never had a boyfriend that was my best friend. It was like having Janet and Cassie around all the time, except he was a beautiful man that did naughty things to me that made me swoon every single time. I’d never known a love like this. For the first time, I felt like I had what I deserved to have. It took me a long time but I finally got there. I had my career in front of me, my past behind me, and Kyle right next to me.

  15

  When I came home the next day, I was exhausted. Kyle and I didn’t get much sleep the night before because we were too busy making love, talking, and then making love again. Sometimes I couldn’t get enough of him. I knew he felt the same.

  I tossed my purse on the counter then pulled my hair loose from the hair-tie.

  “Long day?”

  I stilled and looked at the source of the voice. John was sitting on the couch, obscured in the darkness. Fear and anxiety coursed through my body for a moment but I didn’t let it cripple me. I stopped my heart from losing the courage. “What do you want, John?”

  He stood up then came toward me. I didn’t flinch as he moved in on me. “I’m glad to see that pussy boyfriend of yours isn’t around.”

  “The pussy you ran away from?”

  His eyes widened in annoyance.

  “Get the fuck out of my apartment.” I grabbed my purse but he took it away.

  I aimed for his nose and punched him in the face. Surprised by the hit, he stumbled back, wiping the blood away. I didn’t stop and gave him another hit to the eye. He recovered from the surprise then grabbed my arm, twisting it behind my back.

  “I wouldn’t do that,” he said into my ear. He held me still, close to his chest.

  I squirmed under his grasp and tried to kick him away.

  “You’re wasting time, Layla. I just came here to tell you something. When I’m done, I’ll go.”

  “A phone call would suffice.” I bit his hand and he pulled it away.

  “You’re feisty.”

  I tricked to kick him again but he evaded the collision.

  “Do you want me to press your face into the ground? I will.”

  I fell silent.

  He released me and pushed me away.

  “So what do you want?”

  “I just want to talk,” he said with a smile.

  “I’m done talking.”

  “You want to head to the bedroom then?”

  “Fuck you,” I snapped. “When Kyle finds out you’re here, he’ll kill you.”

  “I’m not scared of him. In fact, he should be scared of me.”

  I glared at him, keeping my distance.

  “So this is what’s going to happen,” he said as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re going to break up with Kyle, get rid of him, and you’re going to get back together with me.”

  “I would rather slit my own throat and let my blood drain in the street than do that.”

  “That was very detailed.”

  “I’m glad it paints a good picture.”

  He raised his hands. “I understand why you’re so distrusting of me. To be frank, I deserve it. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m sorry. I mean it.”

  “That’s great,” I said. “Now you can leave.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. I’m not done,” he snapped. “You’re going to end this relationship with Kyle and you’re going to give me the chance I deserve.”

  “Deserve? You don’t deserve anything. No.”

  “It’s your choice,” he said with a shrug. “But be careful.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  “You know I’d never hurt you, Layla. I love you. But I don’t have a problem hurting him. If you don’t’ break up with him, I’ll make his life miserable, beat him, and even kill him.”

  I shook my head. “You’re fucking psycho.”

  “Which is why you should take my threat seriously.”

  “I’m calling the police.”

  “So they’ll do what? Question me about it then leave? That sounds productive,” he said sarcastically. He took out a piece of paper from his pocket. “Kyle Benedict lives at 820 Springer Road, apartment 12. He works on the tenth floor of Satin Magazine. His parents have passed away but he has two brothers, whose addresses I have, and he has a sister.” He took out another paper. “And he’s an uncle.” He showed me a picture of Becky and Tommy. My heart moved in my throat, making me sick to my stomach. “They’re cute,” he said as he looked at it. He returned everything to his pocket then stared me down.

  “I fucking hate you.”

  “Break up with him without telling him a word of the truth, and they’ll all be safe. All you have to do is end it and forget about him. It’s pretty simple.”

  “And then what?”

  “We’ll pick up where we left off.”

  “No, I’m not going to do it.”

  “Okay. That’s fine.” He stared me down. “I can make it look like an accident and they’ll never figure it out.”

  “I FUCKING HATE YOU.”

  He didn’t flinch at my scream.

  “Why are you doing this to me?” I felt the tears under my eyes but I didn’t let them fall. “Even if I break up with him, I’m not going to be with you. You can’t make me do that. Kill me if you have to. I really don’t care.”

  “If you don’t, I’ll just kill them.”

  I shook my head.
“I thought you said you loved me.”

  “I do,” he said with soft eyes. “More than anything.”

  “Then you shouldn’t do this. I’m happy. Please let me be happy.”

  He shook his head. “You’ll be perfectly happy with me.”

  I gripped my hair and almost pulled it out.

  “Break up with him tonight and I’ll never bother him or his family. They’ll be safe. So, how selfish are you? Are you going to let him suffer because you won’t do the right thing?”

  “The right thing? You’re so fucking crazy.”

  “Be that as it may.”

  I sat on the couch and covered my face, trying to remain calm. I didn’t know what to do. If I didn’t do as John asked, Kyle would get hurt. I couldn’t let that happen. And I definitely couldn’t let his family get hurt. Now I wished I had a gun. I could tell Kyle the truth and figure out a way to get rid of John, but if John found out what I did, he would attack Kyle anyway. I had to come up with a plan quick. I just needed to get a gun. If I could make it clear that it was self-defense, I could kill him. I’d already been to the police but that got me nowhere. If I didn’t take this into my own hands, I would never get out.

  16

  “Baby, what’s wrong?” Kyle asked when I walked inside.

  “Nothing,” I said. “How are you?”

  He didn’t look convinced. “Why are you so sad?”

  I came to him and wrapped my arms around him, hiding my face. I enjoyed our closeness and appreciated the feel of his body next to mine. It was the only time I felt safe. His hands ran down my back and touched me softly. I pulled away then kissed him, enjoying the warmth of his mouth. He cupped my face while he kissed me, holding me close.

  When I pulled away, I wanted to die. I hate this. I hate John. “I need to talk to you about something.”

  “What is it?” There was alarm in his eyes. He looked frightened.

  “I—I think we should take a break.”

  “What? A break? What the hell does that mean?”

  I took a deep breath and stilled my nerves. “I think we should break up.”

  His breathing increased and his eyes expanded. “What? Why?”

  “I—I just don’t feel the same way about you.”