Page 17 of Layla

She turned to see Kirk walking into the living room. She ran into his arms and began sobbing.

“I don’t understand why Courtney can’t just be happy for me.”

He rubbed her back, kissed the top of her head, and swayed her gently. “I know, honey. And I’m sorry.”

He gave her a few moments to cry before guiding her to the couch—present along with the other furniture thanks to the movers he’d hired—and sat down. He positioned her on his lap, facing him, as he stroked her cheek lovingly.

“Honey, Courtney isn’t trying to be mean. She’s afraid.”

“She doesn’t need to be afraid for me. You’d never let anything happen to me,” Layla said between sniffles.

“It’s not you she’s afraid for. It’s herself.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I think Courtney is a submissive, honey. But it terrifies her. It’s a truth she’s not ready to face. It helps her to have an enemy, so to speak. Not you—but your lifestyle. She’s projecting her own fears and insecurities onto you and our situation. If she convince you that this is all wrong, then maybe there’s hope she can convince herself, too.

“Besides that, she’s threatened by you. A bit jealous.”

“Jealous of me? She just called me weak, basically,” Layla said.

Kirk shook his head. “There’s nothing weak about you. Think about it. So many people desire this kind of life—or any kind of life that’s out of the mainstream, whatever mainstream is—but few are brave enough to grab it and make it happen.

“You did. You weren’t content to simply long for something different. You took the steps to make it a reality. Very few people ever do that. I’d say that makes you stronger than most.

“And submitting isn’t exactly easy. It’s not for the faint of heart.”

She thought about her husband’s words. She remembered Margo from earlier today and the predicament she’d been in. “You can say that again. I think some people like the theory of submission but would tap out when things got messy.”

She then remembered Courtney’s words. What if her best friend was right? What if Layla herself tapped out?

Kirk nodded. “So see, you’re strong, honey. One of the toughest people I’ve ever known and I’m so proud of you.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so,” he said before bopping her nose playfully. “And if you ever need to talk about all this, you know you can tell me anything.”

“I know, Kirk. Oh gosh, I love you so much.”

They kissed.

“I love you, too.” He let a moment go by before saying, “You know, I love Courtney. She’s like a sister to you. But if you need some space from her for a bit, don’t be afraid to set boundaries. You owe it to yourself to have healthy relationships.”

“I think you’re right,” she said. “I don’t want to cut her out. I love her so much. But maybe for a day or two, just some space.”

“I support whatever you decide,” Kirk said. “Now come on, let’s go unpack a few things in that kitchen of yours. You mentioned homemade bread and I can’t stop thinking about it.”

They walked away, hand-in-hand, both eager to put the unpleasantness behind them.

But deep down, Layla worried.

What if Courtney was right? What if she didn’t have what it took to fully submit?

She’d find out soon enough.

Tomorrow.

Chapter Nine

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