Page 10 of For the Love of Layla

You belong

To me.”

My throat swells as my breath becomes unsteady, “Who the fuck is this?”

A deep voice cuts through the song, sending chills up my spine, “I know we’re apart, but you’re part, part of my heart and tonight you belong to me.” It takes me a moment to realize they’re singing along to the music; the thick accent sounds strange and for the life of me I can’t place it.

“Tell me who you are or I’m hanging up!” I yell a little too loudly, making a few people give me odd looks.

Deep breath. Deep breath.

“Where’s the fun in that, baby?” They answer, the slow methodical way of speaking that makes my stomach turn to glass.

“What do you want?”

“Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here? You’d be so much safer with me.”

I grip the phone tightly in my palm. When I don’t answer they continue, “I meant what I said, you belong with me. I hope you like the song, I picked it out for-” I hang up, my body trembling as I quickly shut off my phone, dropping it into the depths of my bag as if that whole unsettling conversation would follow it.

It’s a joke, some sick, stupid joke. That’s all. Just stick next to Ava. You’ll be fine. They’ll give up when they see you aren’t going to play along.

Liam

I watch as Layla walks back into the lounge, my fists clenching so tightly my nails dig deep into my palms. I want to grab her, slip my hand over her mouth so she can’t scream, and drag her back home. Back where she belongs, I can’t trust her anymore. She’s my everything, my world, and here he is touching her. Flirting withher and she’s allowing it.

Enjoying it.

I step off the bench outside giving her enough time to get through the crowd before I follow her in. These past few months, watching and waiting has been hell for me. It was necessary. If the texts and calls had started too soon after our breakup she would’ve put two and two together far too easily. I’m not ready for you to know, not yet anyway. Not until I’ve broken you down to your core and stripped you bare. Don’t worry, I’ll build you back up once we get there. I’ll always build you back up, take care of you. Even when you don’t think you need it.

You should’ve listened to my warning, little star. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. This is your fault, Layla.

TRRST by IC3PEAK&Killakami

It’s pure unbridled torture watching her face light up as she laughs and bobs her head to the music, knowing it should be my company she’s enjoying. My jokes she’s laughing at. I slink back further into the booth, listening through the device I installed on her phone shortly after we started dating.

I know, I know. It’s not right, but she’s mine. I want to keep her safe. I want what’s best for her, even if she doesn’t see it that way at first.

My jaw ticks as I glare at Ava. Not that she’s ever given me a good reason to dislike her. She’s taken my Layla’s attention from me more often than I’d like.

Which is a problem.

Every moment away from her is a fucking battle. Fighting the urge to take her sweet body, chain her and lock her away from the world. So I can fuck, touch and hold her anytime I want. I don’t just want her at my side, I want to consume her. Merge our bodies, so she’s always with me. Bound to me until I take my last breath. Ineedher. I’ve never needed anything like I do her, not food, not air or water. My cock jerks in my pants as she leans over the table, her gentle curves perfectly hugged underneath the fabric of that dress. I know it doesn’t belong to her. I checked her closet for new clothes earlier today when I brought her a gift. Forcing my eyes closed I pull a deep breath through my lungs, trying not to let my anger get the best of me, yet. She hasn’t even noticed what I left for her at home, but I know she’ll like it. She likes the way silver looks on her skin, so do I. It compliments her.

We’ll be together soon, don’t worry, little star.

I grip the Ka-Bar knife tucked and holstered against my side; the black steel warm from being pressed against my skin all night. The blonde saunters over to Layla looking far too comfortable next to her. I adjust the earbud in my ear as his voice grinds at my eardrums.

“So, what did you think about the music?”

She pauses for a moment. My heart thumps harder in my chest, “It was great. Honestly, you have an amazing voice.” I grind my teeth, gripping the handle of the knife so tightly it bites into my skin.

You like his voice, little star?

He beams down at her, his stupid boyish smile masking the heat in his eyes. But not from me. I can see you clearly. That’s why you asked her here tonight, why you’re luring her to the party afterwards. Why you looked at my Layla like that in the restaurant, watched her with lusty eyes while she cleaned herself up.

That simply won’t do.

“If you’re still down, give me like fifteen minutes to make my rounds telling people bye and meet me outback. The band always parks in the alley, leaves first to beat the traffic.” She hesitates. My sweet little star hesitates, and my chest fills with hope. You can save him, Layla, you can say no. Go home and this ends here.

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