Chapter 42

LAYLA

Instead of taking us to a restaurant. Theo drove us to a skyscraper and we rode the elevator to the top floor where a penthouse was located. When I asked where we were, he told me that he bought this penthouse close to Alpha Alexander’s place so he could come and stay here as long as he wanted and also because he didn’t want to stay in a hotel whenever he

came.

He didn’t say it, but I knew he bought this place because he wanted to be close to Ayla and me. My heart melted as we entered the lavish penthouse. Ayla jumped all around, running from one corner to another with the excuse of checking out her friend’s new house.

Theo ordered the dinner from the restaurant in the building. After we were done eating, a chocolate cake was brought up which made Ayla happy instantly. Theo knew Ayla was crazy about chocolate. Chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake, chocolate milk-She can’t resist any of that.

We celebrated the start of Ayla’s new journey in school together and then settled down on the couch in the sitting area to watch Frozen, which was my Baby’s favorite movie. Theo turned off the lights, letting the light of the screen and the scenery dimly illuminate everything,

Now, we three are sitting on the big couch staring at the screen as Elsa runs away from her castle and starts her journey toward making an ice castle for herself.

Theo is sitting in the other comer, with his arm spread over the headrest. The tips of his fingers slightly touch my shoulder, making me shudder from time to time. Ayla is sitting in the middle, munching on the popcorn as she giggles excitedly at some scenes in the movie that excite her.

When we are together like this, it doesn’t feel weird. Theo gives me a semblance of stability that I crave in life and I don’t think he even notices that Something about him is just so comforting. His whole existence is a big block of p peace.

Ayla’s light snores bring me out of my thoughts. I glance at her to find her resting her head against Theo’s waist, sleeping soundly. Usually, she doesn’t sleep unless I pat her but with Theo, she finds the same peace I do.

*

Let me put her to bed.” He whispers carefully so she doesn’t wake up.

I nod, shooting him a soft smile. Theo scoops Ayla’s small body in his arms and carries her up the flight of stairs.

I pull my legs to my chest and rest my chin on my knee as my gaze drifts to the clock hanging above the screen. It’s already half past ten. Alpha Alexander asked me to return by eleven.

Even if we set out now, I don’t think we will reach so I guess, we are staying here tonight. He can get angry all he wants. I don’t need to care.

Theo comes back after tucking Ayla in bed and plops down beside me. My heart misses a beat as I sneak a quick glance his way and find him dressed in only a white button-down shirt and black slacks. His sleeves are folded back, showcasing his thick arms and the bulging veins. Undoubtedly, he can make anyone’s panties drop and I don’t want to be an exception to

that

Do

you

want ice cream?” He asks.

I blink, moving my gaze to his face. My cheeks flush when I realize he has been staring at me all along and he probably knew I was checking him out.

I thought men offer alcohol to women when they are alone. “I grin, placing my elbow on the headrest and leaning my head in my palm.

You don’t like alcohol. You like ice cream. So, if I want to be on your good side, I should offer you ice cream, right?” He

12:39 Fri, 17 May

Chapter 42

smiles, keeping his eyes on me.

You are good at this. “I shake my head, grinning.

I have to be. It’s not easy to impress a beautiful girl like you. I have to give you what you want to grab your attention. “He replies playfully.

I lick my lips. His eyes drop to my lips as he gulps. Heat spreads in my cheeks once more.

“You always do that. “I whisper, gently grabbing his hand which is resting on his thigh.

What?”Theo drags his gaze to my eyes

You always give others what they want, Theo. When I needed protection, you offered it to me and asked for nothing in return. When I needed a friend, you became one. When I wanted someone to take care of Ayla, you stepped up. From the moment I met you all those years ago, that’s all you have been doing. “I can spend the rest of my life being grateful to him and it still won’t be enough.

“I wanted to do those things for you.” He belittles his efforts as always and gives me a soothing smile that makes my heart s k i p another beat.

And? What else do you want, Theo? What do you want the most right now?” I caress the back of his hand with my thumb.

Theo’s eyes search my face, lingering a little too long on my lips. His smile gets replaced with an intense look as he runs his tongue across his bottom lip.

“I want to kiss you, Layla. Can I?” He asks softly.

“Kiss me.” I nod.

He pulls his hand out from underneath mine and cups my cheek before our lips meet. He kisses me slowly, taking his time to suck and nibble on my lips gently. His grip on my cheek remains careful as he consciously makes sure to not hurt me.

We pull apart to breathe for a moment before I grab his collar and tug him in again. I kiss him hard, and he follows my lead before shoving his tongue between my lips and exploring my mouth delicately. I moan as I pull him into me more.

The harsh lips, and devouring kisses that scorch my soul flash before my eyes, making me close my eyes tightly. I don’t want to think about Alpha Alexander. It’s only about Theo and me.

Theo and me, I remind myself as I lay down on the couch and he hovers above me.

His hand lowers to my thighs, wrapping my legs around his torso. I breathe over his lips as we pull back.

Do you feel comfortable, Layla? “Theo whispers, pressing his forehead against mine.

I open my eyes and peer into his soft green eyes. This is the man I should always think about. He cares so much about me.

Touch me, Theo. “I utter, finding my cheeks flushing under his stare

Theo’s Adam’s apple bobs down. My heartbeat escalates, making me tremble under him.

Are you sure? His breaths caress m

my wet lips.

“Yes. “I swallow.

Theo hikes my dress up as he stares into my eyes. My toes curl as his fingers touch my panties. His touch is feathery soft but a rough and demanding touch reigns my mind and makes me breathless. I imagine Theo’s fingers to be Alpha Alexander’s callous fingers that f u c k me as if he wants to bring me to my

knees.

12:39 Fr / 17 May

Chapter 42

Theo rubs small circles on my c l i t with his thumb as his lips find their way to my neck, kissing, nibbling, and sucking my flesh. My back arches as his thumb puts more pressure.

But it doesn’t feel right.

As long as I am caged in my fantasy, imagining a huge man atop me, plunging his fingers deep inside me, and making me take it hard, I find pleasure. But when I face reality and find myself under Theo’s body, something goes wrong in my core.

Bile rises to my mouth when I realize how horrible I am right now, I can’t do this to Theo or myself. This is-

I gasp as a loud knock sounds on the door. It’s like someone wants to break the door down and come inside. Whoever it is. doesn’t even bother to wait a moment or never tries to ring the bell and bangs on the door again.

Theo retracts his face and hovers above me. His eyes move towards the door before narrowing.

Let me get that door. “He whispers as he looks back at me.

I nod meekly, finding no words in my mouth due to the messed up conflict I am in. Theo gets up and moves towards the door while I stay on the couch, regaining my breath and not even bothering to fix my dress.

now?”

* What the f u c k do you think you are doing right now! Theo shouts.

My heart drums in my cars as I sit up on the couch and glance over my shoulder to see who it is. My soul almost departs. from my body when I find Alpha Alexander standing behind me in all his glory with his eyes spitting fire.

Fear grips my insides. I jump to my feet, only to have those murderous eyes trail down my legs. Realization dawns upon me. My dress is still hiked up.

“Alpha Alexander, “Theo hisses, taking a threatening step towards the man who has barged inside like he owns the place.

You.” Alpha Alexander ignores him and points his finger at me. Get our daughter and come out right now.

“You can’t just–

“Theo. Don’t, please. We should head back. “I cut in because I still remember Alpha Alexander’s threat and after seeing him: kill an Alpha heir so easily before, I don’t think I want to take the risk

“But Layla-

BER

“Please. “I grimace, looking at Theo’s face which is turning red with anger and hurt.

I can tell he is disappointed because I am choosing to listen to Alpha Alexander but he doesn’t know I am doing this to save his life. I steal a last glance at the scary figure standing in the middle of the sitting area before I fix my dress and run up the stairs to pick up my Baby.

When I come down with Ayla, my gaze flickers to the wall clock which indicates that it’s only been five minutes past eleven.

My heart clenches as I realize he knew I won’t listen to him so he came here to make sure I know who holds the power.