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Twenty
LAYLA
My mind is whirling, and I didn’t mean to say so much to Mav. I’m a little raw right now. I was really hoping to be able to get my uncle out of the club, but I wasn’t expecting what I found.
Uncle Jordan is protecting someone. He didn’t say it, but he has that determined look he gets when he has to do something and people may not understand it. I saw it when I was seven for the first time when I overheard Uncle Jordan and my dad arguing over a sibling I didn’t know I had.
Lips pressing together, I sigh as my eyes flutter open. I’m laying in my bed at the hotel, with four men whispering outside of it. I swear, I have never fainted so much before. I don’t feel like going out there yet, so I pick up my phone that’s charging and listen to them.
Thank goodness Draven had the foresight to put it on the charger.
“She had a hell of a night, guys. Mav, you need to learn how to time things,” Tyler sighs. “She didn’t need you to unload on her tonight.”
“I know,” I can hear him wince from here. Second hand embarrassment is real. My mind is still racing from what he said. I can’t forgive him, what he and Atlas have said and done to me is too ingrained now in who I’ve become.
Who am I without that burning pain?
Opening my phone, I check the time. It’s after two in the morning and my sister has been blowing up my messages.
I’m back at the hotel safe and sound. Uncle Jordan is stuck though and can’t leave. Long story, I’ll tell you tomorrow. Oh, I also owe Seán O’Brien a blood debt. Oops?
There are furious bubbles under my messages, and I look up to pay attention to the guys. Draven leans against the door frame, lazily glancing over at me to wink. I know I’m not putting one over on him, he probably knew I was awake the second my breathing changed. The man can tell every small change in me, because he pays attention.
It’s nice to be cherished like that, even though we haven’t known each other long.
“It’s a little late for a change of heart, Mav, don’t you think?” Draven drawls cruelly. This beautiful man twists his lips into a sneer as he watches one of his best friends.
“I didn’t know we did so much damage,” Mav says brokenly. “She left after the incident on the bus, and I only saw her at Lenny’s wedding since. Layla looked so beautiful, perfectly shacked up with Tyler. How could Atlas and I stay when it was clear we no longer fit?”
“We were in the way,” Atlas murmurs, cool and collected. “I want to repair my relationship with her sister, but I still stand by my decision to leave Layla alone. I think she has some screws loose, waving a red flag in front of a mob boss.”
“Layla knew what she was doing,” Draven scoffs. “Besides, who do you think taught her those moves? Her sister! It’s obvious she thought it would be needed at some point in her life.”
“Lenny and Layla are girls who hate bullies,” Tyler chuckles darkly. “They’ve both suffered, but Lennon chose to burn the world down to ash for those who hurt her. It’s in the genes. Don’t fuck with either of them if you don’t want to be burned.”
“Being burned by her is one of my favorite things,” Draven smirks, meeting my eyes. My lips part as I think about all the possible ways we could play, my thighs rubbing together uncomfortably. Fuck, and now I’m horny.
“I don’t like how you two are working together now,” Mav grumbles. “This bromance is really weird.”
I personally like it.
Tuning them out for a second, I check my phone.
Lenny: Did Jordan freak out? I taught you how to defend yourself for a reason, Lay. At least O’Brien cleans up those kinds of messes in-house. Are you okay?
Smirking, I shake my head. I thought my big sister would be losing her shit. I should have known better.
I’m good. A little more concerned about Mav and my screaming match after. Why are guys such idiots? I also think they miss you more…
More what? More than they’re sorry they hurt me? More than they ever cared about me? I don’t even know.
A tear rolls down my cheek as I violently blink. If anyone was looking at me I’d look like some kind of demented doll with the eyelashes that move.
“Is she awake yet?” Atlas asks. Looking up in a panic, I see Draven blocking the entrance to the room.
“Nope,” Draven lies smoothly. “I’ve been watching for signs that she’s stirring. Let her sleep. You can fuck up another day, torture her into wondering why she ever gave you two the time of day.”
“Fuck, you’re in love with her, aren’t you?” Atlas stumbles back, a stunned look on his face. Sometimes, things move faster than can be explained. I don’t know how to explain the bubbles of happiness inside of me when I think of Draven yet.
