“She’s staying with us. Both of them are,” Marilyn said. “Benji will be thrilled to have you all under the same roof. He’s been lonely anyway.”
I tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear with a shaky hand. “Marilyn, I can’t impose. We have no idea how long this might take.”
“It’s already decided,” Michael added. “Layne, it would make more sense if you stayed with us as well unless you have a family you can stay with that you’ve not seen lately? We don’t know if he's followed you to where you’re staying now.”
“I’ve been living with my uncle, but he’s out of town for a few weeks.”
“Oh my God, I visited you guys yesterday. I’d been at the Parkers’ for hours. "If Jack is tracking me, then he might have seen me at your house. That would put everyone at risk. I can’t do that.” I dabbed at my forehead with my hand. I wasn’t feeling so great. All the events of the night had me reeling.
Marilyn scooted to the edge of her seat, her eyes never leaving my face. “We have a security system and the means to hire bodyguards.”
Michael nodded. “Correct. That’s why we think it would be better for everyone to stay at our place. Besides, if you’re all under one roof, you’re easier to keep up with. If all of you are scattered, I’m afraid my wife won’t get a wink of sleep. We need to remain functional. Sharp.” His leg bounced up and down briefly. We were all scared.
I tugged on my lower lip with my teeth, analyzing the situation from as many angles as possible. “What if the bodyguards throw off everything? If I were Jack, the minute I saw them, I’d move.”
Franklin pulled a business card from his wallet. “I have a recommendation: Westbrook Security. These guys are the best I’ve ever worked with. If you want them hidden, you’ll never see them. Trust me—Pierce is your man.” He handed the card to Michael.
“I’ll call them tomorrow, then. At least for now, it’s settled, and the kids will stay with us.”
Marilyn gave us a sincere smile. “What good is a big house if it’s not filled with fun and laughter?”
“Thank you,” Layne said. “My main priority is keeping Tensley safe.”
“It’s now about all of you,” Franklin added, leaning back in his chair. “All right. Let’s get your bodyguards in place first, then someone can take Tensley downtown for the DNA test as soon as we can. I’ll call my contact and see how fast they can test her and deliver results. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long.”
“Thank you,” I said. “For everything.”
“You bet. You all get some sleep.” Franklin continued some small talk as he escorted us to the front door.
A few minutes later, we were on our way to my best friend’s house. I wondered if he would still be up even though it was late.
There was no way I would be able to sleep. I wouldn’t admit it, but I might be afraid to close my eyes after hearing the details of Jack Flannery’s murders. At least I could snuggle up to Layne, but even then, I didn’t think it would slow my mind down from fucking with me.
My pulse continued to escalate on the ride to Benji’s. Layne hadn’t released my hand, and I was grateful. The last thing I wanted was to be alone.
Marilyn was a natural and gracious host. Layne and I kept our voices down as we ascended the tan carpeted stairs behind her in case Benji was asleep. I’d been in the house many times, but I was always struck by how much the Parkers loved their home. Family photos lined the walls and included Benji waterskiing behind their boat, attending reunions, and at Christmas parties. I’d been invited to the parties since I’d met Benji, but my insides twisted into knots when I saw the pictures because I knew it wasn’t a facade. The love they shared and the bond they had were genuine, and someday I hoped to have those for myself. Until then, I counted my blessings that the Parkers included me in holidays and get-togethers.
“This is Benji’s room. Layne, you’ll be across the hall, and Tensley will be the last door on the left. Let me make sure the bathrooms have clean towels before you get settled. That way, if you want to … oh dear.” Marilyn stopped midway down the hallway and turned toward me. “I’ll get you some pajamas, Tensley. We look about the same size. I’m probably a little bigger, but I don’t think you’ll drown in them. Layne, you can probably borrow a clean shirt and shorts from Benji. I’ll make sure we grab you both fresh clothes tomorrow.”
“Thank you again, Mrs. Parker,” Layne said. “I’m happy to help with anything around the house too. I’m a neat guy, so I won’t make a mess or be in the way.”
My heart expanded with an array of emotions: love, appreciation, respect, and awe. Layne had been through so much, but he’d remained kind and respectful. I didn’t know how he hadn’t closed off the world after losing Nicole. Or maybe he had, and I just hadn’t been around to witness it.
Marilyn patted him on the cheek and beamed at him. “I knew the first time I laid eyes on you that you were a good man. You’d have to be in order to win Tensley over.”
My cheeks flushed with her words. Although she was paying Layne a wonderful compliment, she understood it was difficult for me to allow new people into my circle, much less a boyfriend.
A little after three in the morning, Marilyn left and returned with clean clothes for us. Not only had she brought me something to sleep in, but she’d also provided me with a fresh pair of jeans and a polo shirt. She’d even included a brand-new pair of underwear with the tag still on them. They were from Saks Fifth Avenue. As soon as she disappeared down the stairs for the night, I grabbed Layne’s hand and dragged him down the hall to my room.
“I want to see if Benji is awake, but first …” I flipped on the light, stood on my tiptoes, and kissed him. His arms encircled my waist and pulled me flush against his muscular body. “I need a distraction right now.” Frantically, I fumbled with the button and zipper on his jeans and tugged them down. I wrapped my fingers around his hard dick and sighed while I stroked him.
“I like the way you think.” He groaned before his lips crashed down on mine.
In record time, my pants and panties were around my ankles. I stepped out of them, and Layne spread my legs.
“You’re so wet,” he whispered against my ear.
I moved his hand and slid my fingers along my wet slit, then I rubbed my juices along the tip of his cock.
“Oh my God, that feels good.”
We’d only been together once, but I wasn’t in the mood to make love. I wanted him to fuck me. And I wanted to make him come harder than he had in his entire life.
I brushed past him and crawled onto the bed on all fours, my ass tipped in the air. I tossed him a look over my shoulder and grinned.
Layne kicked off his jeans and waited for my next move.
I rolled over and shed my shirt and bra. “No touching. You can only watch.” I pulled my bottom lip in between my teeth and traced a trail down my stomach with my fingertips.
He laced his fingers behind his head and sucked in a sharp breath, his heated gaze never diverting from my body. My hand slipped between my legs, and I spread my folds apart for him, gently circling my throbbing clit. Layne grabbed his hard dick and squeezed.