Page 55 of Tormenting Me

Wes continues bustling around the kitchen, his movements more careful now. As I watch him, I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt for snapping at him. After all, he’s only trying to take care of us.

Now that I am feeling more awake, I slowly swing my legs over the side of the bed and make my way towards the kitchen. The clattering of glass containers has ceased, replaced by the sizzling sound of something cooking on the stove. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, instantly making me feel more alive.

I walk up behind Wes and wrap my arms around his waist, resting my chin in the middle of his back. “I’m sorry for being grumpy,” I whisper, my words filled with sincerity. “Thank you for making breakfast. I appreciate it.”

Wes turns around, a smile playing on his lips. “Apology accepted,” he says, giving me a gentle kiss on the forehead. “You know I can’t resist spoiling you a little. Especially since you were such a good girl last night.”

My cheeks flush and heat spreads low in my belly.

I chuckle, feeling the tension from earlier dissipate. “So, what is on the agenda for today?” Wes places a cup of coffee in front of me, made just the way I like it.

“Well, I need to do some more recon on Bannister, so that is what I will be doing. You, on the other hand, I’m not sure.” He smirks, but the tone of his voice leads me to think he doesn’t want me to come with him.

Why would he want you to, Layne? Wes is more experienced in this. You would only slow him down.

I shake my head as if to make the thoughts go away like an etch-a-sketch. “Can’t I come with you?” I bat my eyelashes at him as I lift the coffee mug up and take a long sip, the robust flavor of the coffee sneaking through all the cream and sugar. Wes’s back is to me as he continues to make our breakfast. The scent of bacon wafts through the air, making my mouth water.

He sets a plate full of bacon, eggs, and toast in front of me. I watch as Wes takes a sip of his energy drink, his eyes focused on the task at hand. I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment that he doesn’t seem interested in having me join him on his recon. But I understand his reasoning. He’s the experienced one, the one who knows how to handle these situations.

I take a bite of my breakfast, savoring the flavors that dance on my taste buds. The bacon is crispy, the eggs perfectly cooked, and the toast toasted just the way I like it. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel warm and content inside.

Quietly, I finish my meal, I can’t shake the feeling that I want to be more involved in this. I want to prove to Wes that I can contribute, that I can be more than just a burden. I want to show him I can handle myself, that I have what it takes to be a valuable asset.

I muster up the courage to speak up, my voice slightly wavering. “Wes, I know I don’t have any experience, but I want to help. I want to be a part of this, not just sit around waiting for you to bring him to me. I’m willing to learn, to do whatever I need to. I want to do this with you.”

Wes turns to face me, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He sets down his energy drink and leans against the counter, studying me for a moment. “Layne, I love your enthusiasm, baby, but this is dangerous. I don’t want to put you at risk. If he were to see you and recognize you…If you were to get hurt. I would never forgive myself for putting you in harm’s way.”

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I understand the risks, Wes.”

His expression softens, and he walks over to where I’m sitting and places a hand on my shoulder, a mixture of concern and reassurance in his eyes. “Alright, Layne. If you’re sure about this, then I won’t hold you back. But promise me you’ll listen to my instructions and stay safe.”

I nod, a surge of determination coursing through my veins. “I promise, Wes.”

With that, we finish our breakfast and gather our supplies, ready to head out together.

We’re in the GTO, just out of view of a dingy-looking apartment complex, waiting for Bannister to leave so we can follow him. It’s mid-afternoon, another overcast day in the city.

“Hey, you know, maybe if we make out for a little before we do this, it will help us get our heads on straight. You know, serotonin and shit.” Wes wiggles his eyebrows. His nerdy come-on’s can be such a turn on sometimes.

I look directly at him and roll my eyes. HARD. Wes glares at me, I know exactly what me rolling my eyes does to him.

“Bratty, bratty girl. Or I could fuck you? That might be even better, come to think of it. Break in the backseat the old fashioned way.”

“You’re telling me you’ve never fucked anyone in this car?” I look over at him, blatantly calling him out on his bullshit.

“Never. No one has ever been worthy of getting absolutely wrecked in the backseat. Until you, that is.” Wes smirks. He then climbs over the seat of the car, and before I can even think of a comeback, he wraps his arms under my armpit and pulls me over.

I straddle his lap, my hands grip the back of the leather seat. “We cannot fuck in broad daylight, Wes.”

“Who said anything about fucking? That was just an idea.” Wes leans forward. With his tongue, he gently caresses the hollow of my throat before swiping across my bottom lip. “Open up for me, Ma Petite Mort. I miss the taste of you.”

Ignoring Wes’s suggestive advances, I push him away gently, maintaining my composure. “Wes, we need to stay focused on this. We can’t afford any distractions right now.” I remind him, trying to steer the conversation back to the task at hand.

He pouts, clearly disappointed by my rejection. “Alright, alright,” he grumbles, reluctantly letting go of me. “But you know, a little tension release wouldn’t hurt, especially in a high-stress situation like this.”

I give him a small smile, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. “I understand, Wes. But let’s save that for later, when we have more privacy.”

He nods, understanding my point, though from the situation in his jeans, he isn’t happy about it. “You’re right, as always. We’ll stay focused until the time is right.” He leans back in his seat, adjusting himself, his eyes fixed on the dingy apartment complex. “He has to leave at some point, right?”

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