Page 114 of Knights Game

Why would he do that if he didn’t care about me? But why would he do what he did last night if he cared about me? Between my grandad, last night, the girls. It’s all too much.

His strong arms wrap round me and pull me to his chest.

“He…he fell. He was in such a state.”

He shushes me and rubs my back. Then he touches my cheek. “He doesn’t know what he’s doing.” He kisses me gently on the lips. “I know that doesn’t make it any easier, but he didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I just…It breaks my heart. I hate seeing him like that.”

He kisses the top of my head, and holds me.

“Luca, is all this—”

“Layla!”

I unclench my fist and drop my hand, clearing my throat at hearing my name being called.

Sylvia comes outside again. “Sorry to interrupt.”

I breathe in deeply and wipe my eyes.

“Are you alright?” Sylvia comes over to me and grabs my hands. Luca remains stoic and silent, but doesn’t move, instead watching the interaction with cold dark eyes.

The arsehole's back.

Mask in place.

Emotion hidden.

I shake my head, pulling myself back together. “I will be. Is he okay?”

“He’s settled. Come on, let’s go get a coffee and talk.”

Luca stands. “Luca Knight. Layla’s boyfriend,”

Boyfriend.

“Nice to meet you. Do you want him to join us?” she asks.

He squeezes my hand, tucking me protectively under his arm.

“You remember where my office is? I’ll get the coffee.”

“Just two waters.” My head is pounding.

She nods and leaves us.

I sigh and look up at him.

“I know.” He replies to my unspoken words.

“Why are you here?” I ask, as I navigate us through the sad corridors of the care home.

“You needed me. Of course, I would be here.”

“At what point did I tell you I needed you?” He pulls me closer to him as we walk past someone.

“At the point I read your message. At the point I heard that someone you loved had been hurt. At the point that I realised I can’t stand you being in any sort of pain, and it fucking kills me that last night I was the one that caused it, and instead of being able to make it up to you, you’ve had to deal with the warehouse and now this.” He runs his hand through his hair. “And at the point we both realised that this most likely is linked to my family.”

---