Page 84 of Chase

“This is where your dad lives?” I repeat, for the third time, mouth still hanging open.

Chase glances over at me, “Yes, Layla, this is where he lives.” He gets out of the car while I sit here, still staring at the house. Chase opens my door and gently pulls me out, giving my lips a few soft kisses. I’m worried about coming here. Anyway, I’m pretty damn nervous right now. “Come on, baby, it will be fine, okay?” Chase assures me as he rubs his hand on my stomach in a protective gesture. I nod. I glance down at my outfit, and hope I’m wearing something appropriate. I went with a long black maxi dress and gold sandals. My hair is in a long fish braid, and I’m wearing neutral make up, browns on my eyes and a nude lip.

“You look like an angel, Layla; you’re perfect, so stop stressing,” he says softly.

“Okay, let’s do this,” I say more to myself than Chase.

After we are invited in and seated some kind of posh looking room, Chase’s dad walks in. I know it’s him instantly, because he looks a lot like Chase. Dark thick pepper and salt hair, he has similar features and blue eyes of a different shade. There is one difference though; his blue eyes don’t contain the warmth that Chase’s do. He looks mean. His posture is rigid, and I can tell he has kept himself in good shape over the years. Chase and I stand up to greet him.

“Son,” he acknowledges Chase, “It’s been a long time.” He walks up to him and puts his hand on his shoulder, than glances over at me. “And who is this beauty?” he asks in tone that doesn’t quite seem appropriate. Chase grabs my hand protectively and pulls me closer to him.

“This is my fiancé, Layla.” Chase beams at me as he says it, and I can see the pride in his eyes. I can’t help the tentative smile that spreads across my lips.

As soon as Chase said the word fiancé, the atmosphere immediately became tense. His dad, Chase told me his name was Dean, looks over at Chase with a sneer.

“Fiancé? What has gotten into you, Chase? I thought you were going to settle down with that lovely girl Aubrey?”

I grimace at her name.

“That’s enough father, me marrying a stripper would make you happy?. I love Layla, and I’m going to marry her. Aubrey is history, and good fucking riddance!” Chase hisses.

Dean glances over at Chase thoughtfully. “Why would you want to...” He breaks off and nods. “I see. You’ve knocked this girl up. That would have to be it.” He glances over at me and pins me with an evil look. I look over at Chase, just in time to see his eyes flash rage.

“You have some fucking nerve...” he starts walking towards this father ready for a confrontation. I grab his hand, my eyes pleading with his.

“Chase, can we just go please,” I ask him softly. I wanted to get out of here. I really didn’t deserve this.

“You don’t need to marry her Chase, I can write her a cheque,” his father says snidely. He actually starts to pull out his cheque book. “Aubrey’s father and I, have been waiting for the both of you to finally tie the knot. Our plans won’t be ruined because of some infatuation you have.”

This is a disaster. Chase sits me down on the chair, and stares directly into my eyes. “Stay here for one minute angel. Can you do that for me?” he asks in a tender voice. I nod. He kisses me on the forehead, and then glares at his father.

“Other room. Now,” he growls, his teeth clenched. They both walk out and Chase gently closes the door. A few moments later, I can hear a lot of yelling and Chase saying the word fuck a lot. Then I hear a crash. I feel horrible. I don’t want to cause and even bigger rift between them.

A few minutes later Chase walks back in and takes me by the hand. His knuckles are bleeding. I glance at him worriedly, “Chase, are you okay?”

“Let’s go home baby,” he tries to say gently, but I can hear the controlled rage laced underneath. I nod. I could not get out of here fast enough.

******

“I’m so sorry, Layla; you shouldn’t have had to listen to that. I fucked up.” Chase has been apologizing for the entire ride home. It’s not his fault, at all, but I still feel terrible. “I had no idea he would be that much of a bastard,” he grumbles miserably. I take his hand and entwine our fingers.

“It’s okay, Chase, but I don’t really want to go through that again,” I say bluntly. “It was awkward as hell, and I feel like shit now. I don’t want you to fight with your dad.” I take a deep breath. “Wait a minute; you’ve known Aubrey for a long time. I thought she was just a random girl you met and dated.”

Chase sighs. “Yeah, I’ve known her since we were kids. I never really had anything to do with her. I hadn’t seen her for years until I ran into her in Vegas, by then she was a popular showgirl. She followed me back home and asked for a job at Heat. We started seeing each other after that. Let’s not talk about her anymore,” he says, voice pleading. Aubrey is obviously still a sore subject. The car is silent for a few moments.

“I’m not taking you there ever a fucking gain, baby. I’m so sorry. You should never be treated like that, especially by someone I brought into your life. Fuck!,” Chase suddenly blurts out.

“Chase, stop. It’s not your fault okay,” I tell him again. I lean over and kiss him on his cheek, and his jaw. He sighs. Instead of going to the apartment we go to Kade and James’ place. Both boys are sitting on the deck, Kade is on his laptop and James is reading some huge business book.

“Hey you two, any idea where Nikki is?” I say as I take a seat next to Kade. Chase storms into the kitchen, probably to pour himself a drink. He needs it.

“Said something about a fucking date.” Kade says in an icy tone. Okay then.

“Hey Layla, how you feeling?” James asks.

“I’m okay,” I say, giving James an easy grin.

Kade looks at me knowingly. “Dickhead?”

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