“Because I already have.”
I stared at her as she stood up.
She was falling for me?
“I know this makes it odd between us, and I’m sorry. I understand if you can’t be my friend-”
“Layla, of course I can’t just be your fucking friend.” I snapped, surprising myself. “I can’t let you live like this.”
“You don’t have a choice, Zane. These people... Steve’s people, they are bad. Corrupt. I don’t want you involved. Ok? Promise me.”
Her voice was panicked, and I met her gaze with mine.
“I can’t promise you that.”
“You have to; this isn’t your decision to make,” she said harshly, her eyes flashing with anger. “It’s mine, and I’ve made it.”
“So you’re going to be some gang leader’s girl to save your Dad? Come on, Layla, you can go to the police-”
“I’m leaving now. I don’t want to speak about this ever again; please understand.” Layla checked her phone before sucking in a breath. “I have to go.”
Layla strode out of the bedroom, leaving her perfume lingering in the air. I could still taste her on my mouth, my stomach in knots, when I heard the front door slam.
What was I supposed to do? I couldn’t sit back and let her marry Steve. I didn’t care about the consequences for myself, but I did care what would happen to her.
I could go to Caleb, but he would have to follow protocol, plus it was out of his jurisdiction being in Australia.
Fuck.
I needed to speak to someone, and I needed to speak to them now.
There was only one person I could speak to, and that was Alice.
27
STEVE
I woke up with a banging headache, too much coke, and too much vodka.
I lifted my head from the pillow to find I was completely naked, with two girls from the agency sprawled on me. I grinned as I remembered one telling me she only did anal if it was agreed up-front, so I told her if she didn't do it, she wouldn't be able to fuck anyone again with the state I'd leave her in.
Sure enough, I was soon pounding her dirt hole.
I preferred to pay for girls when I was away because you knew they were clean. I never used johnnies, couldn't stand being restricted by that shit. I pushed the girls away, striding over to the table where my phone sat. My dick hardened at the thought of my little fiance sitting at home, her sweet eighteen-year-old pussy just waiting for me to fuck it.
I don't know what it was about Layla, but she had to be mine. When she walked into a room, everyone stared at her with instant longing. She made me hard constantly; her insane curves and exotic good looks made me almost shoot my load every time I kissed her.
Plus, she was avirgin.
Marriage material if I'd ever seen it. Her mom wasn't bad-looking either; I'd probably fuck her too at some point. Maybe get them together, fuck yeah. Plus that little friend of hers, Mrs. Fallon.
I'd fuck all three, I decided.
But first, I wanted my little wifey in my bed. I'd promised her I'd wait until we were married, but enough was enough. I didn't want to wait anymore. My cock was solid as I pulled on my clothes, sending her a text.
STEVE:
Meet me in your bedroom in thirty minutes.
