Page 115 of Knights Game

“Unbelievable,” I whisper. “So what? You’re here to help with your investigations?”

“No, Layla. I’m here for you. You. No, you didn’t tell me you needed me, yes, you could deal with all of this on your own, you’re strong and independent. But why should you have to? So, if you want to tell yourself I’m here toinvestigate, because it makes it easier to keep me at arms length, so be it. But I had to make sure you’re okay. And I’m sorry if that pisses you off.”

I let his words sink in, the way that my heart beats faster, the way that warmth spreads in my chest. The way that he makes me feel.

“Last night, I may have overreacted,” I mutter.

“You didn’t and we’ll talk later.” He kisses me quickly. “Now, how did he fall?”

“They aren’t sure. He hasn’t been able to get out of the chair unaided for a while. Hopefully Sylvia can shed some light on the situation. The care has slipped recently, short on resources.”

“But can we move him? If it was necessary?”

I shake my head. “He stays here. He doesn’t know much, but he knows that room, and he’s settled. If I move him, he loses that. He’s already lost himself. I c-can’t have him losing the one thing that has him settled.”

I untuck myself from his arm and open the door to Sylvia’s small office.

A desk sits under a small window with two chairs in front of it, paper covering the surface as well as some personal items including pictures of her family.

“You know I’m going to find it hard to stay quiet during this?” Luca says.

I know him well enough to know that he will take control of this conversation. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me for caring, Layla.”

I sit in one of the chairs, tired; Luca next to me, his bulk and dominance making the space feel smaller, and I feel safe. I want to sit on his lap and let him wrap his arms around me and care for me.

Wash away last night and today.

“You’re blushing.”

“Shut up.”

He leans back in the chair, a smug look on his face.

“Get that expression off your face.”

“What expression?” he asks innocently.

“That smug look that makes me want to punch you in the face.”

“You always want to punch me in the face.”

“That’s because you’re an irritating twat face.”

“I know.” He replies, leaning forward. “And you’re a fucking nightmare. But let’s not talk about that now, we can talk about that when I take you home after.”

“What about Katy?”

“Roman is sorting Katy.”

“You know they had sex last night?”

“I don’t care what they did last night.”

“Could have been anal,” I say pulling a face.

“Ah, sunshine, if that’s the expression that comes to your face when you think about anal, you’ve been doing it wrong.” He leans closer to me, invading my space. “I’ll show you if you want, I’ve always wanted to fuck you there.”

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