Page 24 of August and the Night

Pausing for a moment, my fingers lingering in her hair. There's something about this moment, something intimate and tender that I hadn't expected. Before I can second-guess myself, I decide to take a step further. "Would you like me to braid it for you?" I ask, my tone casual.

Her eyes brighten, and she nods eagerly. "Yes, please!"

I carefully divide her hair into three sections and begin to weave them together into a simple braid. As I work, I feel a strange sense of contentment; this feels really intimate, and I can't say that I hate it. Once I finish the braid, I secure it with a hair tie that she hands to me and admire my handiwork.

"There you go," I say, my voice laced with a touch of satisfaction. "All done."

She touches the braid with a smile, her fingers grazing the hair tie. "Thank you, August. It's perfect."

I watch her for a moment, my heart beating a little faster at the sight of her smile. "You're welcome, Layla," I reply, my own smile matching hers.

Layla glances at me with a hopeful look in her eyes. "Do you happen to have any tea?" she asks softly.

I nod, offering her a reassuring smile. "Of course. Let me go make some for us."

As I head to the kitchen to prepare the tea, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment, and that shakes me to my core. I can't believe how quickly Layla is warming her way into my heart.

When I return with the tea, she has already taken a seat at the small table in my living room. We sip our tea and engage in conversation, I find myself opening up more than I do with anyone else.

However, the tranquility is shattered when Layla suddenly pales as her phone rings then stops, her eyes widening in realization. She scrambles for her phone, her hands shaking as she unlocks it. I watch her, concerned, as she scrolls through her messages.

Layla's breath hitches, and her eyes fill with panic. Without hesitation, she dials a number and brings the phone to her ear. But as soon as the call connects, I can hear Lily's shouts on the other end, her words laced with desperation and fear.

Without a second thought, I move closer and gently take the phone from Layla's hand. "Lily, watch how you speak to my woman," I warn in a low voice. Layla stares at me in shock as I continue, “Tell Arthur Lexington that I'll be seeing him tomorrow for dinner. We have some matters to discuss."

Lily's voice is trembling, and I can sense her panic even through the phone. "August, you don't understand. If Layla doesn't come home, Arthur will—"

"He won't touch her," I interrupt firmly, my voice resolute. "Tell him to expect me."

Lily's frantic breathing is audible over the line, and she seems to be on the brink of a panic attack. "August, please, I'm begging you. If anything happens to Layla—"

“I would love to see anyone try to hurt her with me standing behind her, it will be the last day they have on earth.” I growl into the phone and that seems to shut her up, the only sound heard on the phone is her heavy breathing.

I hang up the phone and turn my attention back to Layla, who is staring at me with fear evident in her delicate features. "You don't have to worry," I say, my voice softer. "I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Layla's eyes glisten with unshed tears, and she nods slowly. "Thank you, August," she whispers.

I gently hug her in my arms and watch as her tense demeanor gradually eases, I hold her close, my hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. Her breathing begins to steady, and I can't help but feel a sense of protectiveness wash over me. The weight of her vulnerability stirs something within me, something that both infuriates and saddens me. But as she succumbs to exhaustion, a soft, rhythmic sound fills the air – small snores escaping her lips.

Suppressing a chuckle, I marvel at how quickly she has fallen asleep in my embrace. Gently, I lift her, carrying her with care to the guest bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. Yet, as I stand in the doorway, an unexpected hesitation overcomes me.

An unspoken desire gnaws at me, urging me to keep her close. Without overthinking it, I change my course and return to her side.

The sight of her sleeping form tugs at my resolve. In that moment, the boundaries I have carefully constructed seem to blur. I lift her again and take her to my own bedroom. Setting her down on the bed, I cover her with the blankets.

I watch her, my thoughts race. There's a connection between us that defies reason, and I find myself drawn to her in ways I can't easily dismiss. Slipping into bed beside her, I bring her into my arms, allowing her warmth to seep into my very core.

Her presence beside me is supposed to anger me, disgust me even. That is why I do not understand why her presence feels like an anchor, grounding me in ways I hadn't anticipated. As sleep overcomes me, I can't shake the awareness that something significant is changing between Layla and I.

22

Layla

I wake up to find myself sleeping in the same bed as August, his arms wrapped around me as if he's afraid I might vanish. Being held so tightly, I can't help but let out a soft giggle at the thought of him holding onto me like I might escape.

His peaceful sleeping face is a sight to behold. The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on his features. His strong jawline, accented by a hint of stubble, gives him a rugged yet handsome look. Long eyelashes brush against his cheeks as he sleeps, and I find myself studying every detail, in disbelief that I'm in the arms of a man this handsome.

There's something so alluring about the vulnerability he displays in his sleep, contrasting with the authoritative demeanor he usually projects.

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