Jack’s low, dark chuckle echoed through the room. “Can’t a dad meet his daughter? Have a little bit of quality family time together?”
“Someone will come looking for me any minute. Maybe we can wrap up our chat.” I placed my hand on my hip, exhibiting way more bravery than I could actually pull together. I’d never faced a serial killer, but I’d met plenty of narcissists.
In two long strides, he backed me up against the wall, and his fingers wrapped tightly around my throat. “Make no mistake, little girl. I’ll cut you into pieces if you give me any more shit. Don’t you ever forget … I made you.” With that, he let me go, turned, and strolled out the bathroom door.
Before I could lean over the sink, I puked all over my boots. My body shook violently as my brain processed what had just happened. I balanced on the white porcelain edge of the sink and turned on the faucet. The sharp squeak reminded me to move so I wouldn’t have my back to the door. Quickly, I rinsed my face and mouth, then grabbed a handful of paper towels and dried off.
“Dammit,” I half cried, unzipping my boots. At least my vomit had mostly splattered on the toes. I would have to let Matthew know to clean up the bathroom. Poor guy. Every time I was there, I dropped something or puked.
Minutes later, my boots were clean, and I attempted to pull myself together. There was no denying that my face was pale, though. Thank God it was dark and Layne wouldn’t be able to see me well in the car. He couldn’t ask me questions. Realizing it was up to me to keep him safe, I inhaled sharply and willed my heart to calm down.
I opened the door to the restroom and turned down the hall, nearly slamming into Vaughn.
“Are you all right?” he asked, nodding for me to walk in front of him. I searched the inside of the bar, but we’re all clear.”
“Yeah.” I refused to look at him as he escorted me through the hall and toward the front door. Had he seen Jack leave?
Half the lights were off, and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. The heels of my boots smacked the wood floor as I hurried toward the exit. In a quick burst, I flung the door open and stepped into the cold night.
Michael and one of the bodyguards were waiting outside the SUV. Michael’s concerned gaze landed on me. “I was about to send Marilyn in for you. Are you all right?”
“Yeah, just a lot of information tonight. I’m fine.” I gave him a little smile as Vaughn opened the back door for me. Layne hopped out, and I scooted in, situating myself in between Benji and Layne.
I assumed security was on all sides of the bar, so I had no idea how Jack had gotten in. Of course, only a few people were aware of what was going on. For all I knew, Avery had held the door open for him half an hour ago when I was talking with Franklin in his limo.
“Hey, sorry.” I took Layne’s hand and laid my head back on the leather seat. “Matthew caught me for a minute and just told me what a great job I did tonight.” I inwardly cringed with how easy the lie came, but I had no choice. If Layne even suspected anything was wrong, I would lose him. Jack had made it clear that if I even muttered his name, he would kill everyone I loved.
“Hmm.” Layne’s jaw clenched. “You were amazing.”
“Thanks. It was really good to get out.” I leaned forward and again thanked Marilyn before turning to Benji. “How are you doing?” I took his hand in mine and wiggled my eyebrows at him. “This is a girl’s fantasy, being sandwiched between two hot guys.” I kept my voice low enough that his mom couldn’t hear me.
Benji snickered and leaned over me. “Well, it’s my fantasy too.” An ornery grin eased across his face. “Any chance your man is bi?”
I shook my head, giving Benji a sympathetic look. “We’ll find you someone soon.”
“Oh, Benji, was that Thomas I saw tonight?” Marilyn turned in her seat in order to see her son.
“What?” I smacked Benji on the arm. “He was here? Layne, did you meet him?” I was grateful for the small distraction.
Layne rubbed his chin and shrugged. “There were no introductions from Benji tonight.”
“Yeah, Mom, it was him, but don’t read anything into it. I made it clear that he wasn’t welcome.”
“Oh.” Marilyn faced the front as Michael slid into the driver’s seat. “I thought maybe he was there to beg for forgiveness.”
“Maybe he was, but when you’ve messed around on me twice, you don’t get an opportunity to do it again.” Benji huffed then looked out the window.
I squeezed his arm, thankful he wasn’t settling because of the wheelchair situation. He deserved better.
“Did everyone have a good time?” Michael asked, pulling onto Division.
“We did. Thank you so much for making it happen.” I answered for everyone, but it seemed as though we were all incredibly grateful for the night out. Until the end.
“I had no idea you were so talented, Tensley,” Michael continued. “Layne, had you seen her play before?”
A smile lit up his face as he looked at me. “The first night I saw her in Spokane, she performed at Barney’s.”
What would I do if I never saw his smile again or his blue eyes that melted me to the center of my being? Jack’s sneer and threat loomed over my shoulder, and my grip tightened on Layne’s hand.
A frown creased his brow. Shit, he knows something’s off.
My tongue darted across my bottom lip, and I glanced down at his crotch. Maybe that message would distract him enough not to ask questions, at least for the rest of the night.
He leaned down and kissed me gently. “I can’t wait to be inside you,” he whispered.
I couldn’t wait either.
22
My fingernails raked down Layne’s back as he slowly pushed deep inside me. His mouth teased my nipples, sucking on my breast while he pulled back out then thrust into me again.
A moan escaped me and I wrapped my legs around his waist. With every move, my body responded to him. Raw desire swirled low in my belly as he continued to claim me.
“I love you,” he whispered. “Nothing feels more right than being here with you.” He paused and gently brushed a stray hair from my face. His eyes penetrated my soul, and an overwhelming combination of love and fear consumed me. My heart belonged to him. I’d never loved anyone else like I did Layne, but it had been made clear to me that, as sure as the air I breathed, he could be taken away, and I didn’t know what to do about it. How can I protect him and everyone else I love?
Layne’s pace picked up, and I rolled him over on his back, taking control. I ground my hips against him and he sucked on his finger before massaging my clit.
His eyes darkened as he watched me. “Do you know what makes me come, Tensley?”
I shook my head, my orgasm building as he continued to touch me.
“You. The way your eyes close when you’re about to come for me. The way your back arches with my touch. How you bite your bottom lip in order not to scream. Knowing it’s for me, baby…” His fingers dug into my hips, and he panted, slamming upward and gaining a new angle I’d not experienced before.
“Layne.” I leaned forward, my hands landing on the bed over his shoulders. “I love you,” I whimpered as my body shuddered. Black dots floated behind my eyes. My slick walls tightened around him as his hips bucked up, and he released.