Page 84 of Laila Manning
“Like you didn’t, you mean.” I added, but she still didn’t look at me. “This is about you, not that kid.”
She shook her head, “No. It’s about him. Because something can be done to help him. No one helped me.”
I was hesitant to interpret her veiled language, apprehensive about saying something that might cause her emotional distress or revive bad memories. It felt like walking through a minefield blindfolded. But I’d do it, again and again, to help figure her out.
“Okay.” I sighed and squeezed her thighs as she looked over at me finally. I gave her a small smile and lifted my hand to her cheek, whenshe leaned into my touch, I breathed deeply for the first time. “I’ll help him. Because he matters to you.”
“I don’t want you to do this for me. I don’t want you to resent me for it later.”
Shaking my head, I stopped her before her worries grew. “You matter to me. That’s the only reason I’m doing it. That’s not something to resent you for later.”
“But you don’t agree with me on it.” She countered, and I hated that she was hesitating to take what she wanted from me, like she was expecting a trick at the end.
“Do I think it will make the grand change to his life that he needs, to suddenly be successful and thriving? No.” I admitted. “But I can see how he’s struggling as much as you can, and maybe I ignored it because I’m desensitized to it at this point in life. So instead of ignoring it, I’ll help him.” I squeezed her thighs again, “Because he won’t get a fair chance at life from anyone else but you.”
“I don’t know why I’m drawn to him.” She admitted relaxing her shoulders for the first time since I had walked into the room. “But I can’t seem to shake the need to intervene.”
“Then let’s agree that there was a reason you met him on the street that day. And go from there.”
“And you won’t hate me?” She chewed her bottom lip.
“Never.” I promised immediately. “Especially not over your generous heart.”
She sighed and offered me a small smile. “I’m sorry I ran.”
“I’m sorry I yelled.”
“Yeah, I really didn’t like that.” She widened her eyes and pursed her lips.
I chuckled and rose from my knees. “Make me a promise?”
“Uh oh.” She droned, standing from the chair with her hand in mine. “What is it?”
“That if you need space from me like this again, you are free to leave. But please tell someone where you’re going. Even if it’s Carly or Jed. Just don’t go dark on us again.”
She swallowed and nodded her head, “I won’t do it again.” And then fluttered her eyelashes, “Sorry Daddy.”
I growled and cocked my head to the side in warning as a smile pulled on her full lips. “Careful, Dove.” I leaned down until my lips were hovering above hers, “Because I’ve thought of nothing else all day except how sexy your moans were when I slid deep inside of you each time yesterday. And I’m on edge, barely containing that need, until we get back to your place.”
“Hmm, and if you didn’t contain yourself?” She questioned, “Would you fuck me before we got back.”
“Minx.” I groaned, tightening my hands around her waist and pressing my ever-growing erection into her stomach as she giggled and licked those lips. “Car. Now.”
“Yes, Daddy.” She whispered, leaning up to peck my lips briefly before all but running for the door.
Trouble; Laila Manning finding her footing and backbone was nothing but trouble.
And I was ready to fucking thrive in the chaos of her strength.
Chapter 22 – Laila
“Tell me what you meant about no one helping you.” Zeke said, tightening his fingers on my thigh as we drove through the dark city streets of Shadeport.
He found me at Lux, and I had half expected his anger when he showed up. Hell, I’d been ready to match his anger with my own.
But he was only gentle and understanding. Firm and protective, but understanding.
“Just in life.” I shrugged, trying to avoid the memories that burned behind my eyes like a horrific movie.
