Layne stood, and without a word, he slipped the duffel off my shoulder and kissed me. For a moment, everything disappeared around me, and we were the only people that existed. He deepened his kiss, his hands sliding up my back and pulling me against him. My knees turned to Jell-O. How will I make it without him? I’d finally let someone in. I’d fallen in love. And now …
“Tensley, we need to talk.”
“I have to go,” I replied between kisses. “The longer I stay, the more danger you’re in.”
Layne kissed the tip of my nose and hugged me tightly. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. When I told you I loved you, I meant it. When those words left my mouth, I committed to you on every level, not just when it was convenient or safe, but every moment we had together. I’m not letting you go, and you’re not leaving me. We—did you hear that, Ten?—We will figure this out together. You’ve been on your own for way too long, but I’m here now.”
I peeked up at him with tears clinging to my eyelashes. “I can’t ask you to put yourself in harm’s way.”
“You’re not. I’m telling you I’m not going anywhere. This is my choice, babe. You’re what I want, and that’s all. If that means we take down a sick son of a bitch together, so be it.”
I shook my head in disbelief. No one had ever loved me enough to stick around for long, much less put his life on the line in order to be with me.
Layne released me, grabbed the bag, and dumped the contents on the floor. “Now get the idea out of your head that you have to leave. Jack Flannery never has to know you told me.”
I frowned. “How? He has eyes and ears everywhere. He knew more about my past than you did.” I shuddered and rubbed my arms.
Layne bent over, grabbed my pajamas, and for the second time that night, put them on me.
“Bed.” He pointed.
“Bossy, much?” I couldn’t hide the small grin pulling at the corner of my mouth. “I might like bossy, Layne.”
He cocked an eyebrow, then turned the covers down for us. Although it went against everything inside me, I agreed to stay. Layne and I would just have to keep our secret.
He gently stroked my hair while I laid my head on his chest. “I need some time to think.”
Exhaustion tugged at me and I stifled a yawn.
His soft lips brushed my head. “No more secrets?”
“No more secrets.”
I inhaled deeply, willing all the bad shit to disappear. I wasn’t sure what would happen next, but there was one thing I’d learned about bouncing around foster care. Enjoying the good moments was important because they could be gone in a heartbeat.
Jack’s fingers wrapped around my throat and squeezed. I clawed at his hands, desperate to suck even a tiny amount of air into my deprived lungs. My feet lifted off the floor as I struggled.
“Babe.” Layne shook me gently. “Babe, wake up, you’re having a bad dream.”
My eyes popped open. I gasped for air and sat up ramrod straight. I reached for my neck, but no one had me pinned against the wall. Sweat trickled down the side of my face, and my heart pounded against my rib cage.
“Layne?” I reached out to touch him, and the warmth of his skin eased my terror.
“I’m right here. What happened?” The blankets had fallen to his waist, revealing his upper body. The muscles in his chest rippled as he took my hand in his. “You’re safe.”
I nodded and attempted to calm my out-of-control heart rate. “I thought you were Jack. He was strangling me in the bathroom at Barney’s.” It was a good thing I’d confessed what had happened to Layne because there was no way I would have been able to hide the nightmares. Plus, what if I talked in my sleep? I collapsed back on the bed and rubbed my bleary eyes. “What time is it? I feel like I just fell asleep.”
“It’s almost five thirty.” Layne settled back into his pillow next to me. “Can I hold you?”
I turned to look at him. “Please.”
He wrapped his arms around me, and I snuggled up against him.
Layne’s fingers traced up and down my back. “Is there anything else I need to know? Did Jack say anything else, Ten?”
“No. I told you everything. I just have a really awful feeling, and not because he’s here or because you’re in danger. I’m not sure what it is. I just don’t think we’re going to get out of this without losing someone.”
“You can’t think like that, Ten. We have to stay ahead of him and figure out how to communicate with each other and the police.”
That time, I didn’t argue.
“I might have an idea, but you’ve got to trust me. I can’t say anything yet until I’m sure,” Layne said.
I stuck my lower lip out in a pout as I looked up at him. “I don’t like this.” I flattened my hand against his chest.
“Me either, but I’ll tell you as soon as everything is ironed out. In the meantime, I’d prefer that you not go anywhere in public without Michael or me. I’m not trying to be a controlling ass, but if Jack got to you in Barney’s and slipped past the bodyguards, this guy knows what the fuck he’s doing. Plus he’s eluded the FBI across eleven states. We have to be more careful.”
I massaged my temples and blew out a big breath. “I know. I was just grateful Avery wasn’t with me. She usually is, but she left since Justin broke up with her. Shit. I’m supposed to have girl time with her today. I can’t not see her, babe. She needs me. And what excuse would I give her anyway? Oh, hey, so Jack Flannery held a knife to my neck last night, and I can’t see you today because he might fillet us all.” I cringed as the words left my mouth. The gruesome details of the women he’d already killed were front and center in my mind.
“Have her over. You girls can talk in here or in the family room. I’m sure Benji’s parents would prefer that right now anyway. Benji and I will hang, maybe pick up some dinner for everyone.”
“Are you and Benji getting closer?” My heart fluttered with hope. It would be beyond amazing if Layne and Benji became tight. I knew that sometimes friendships drifted apart when someone fell in love, but I refused to let that happen. Benji and I were a package deal. If Layne loved me, then he would have to love Benji too. Well, maybe not love him, but I couldn’t have someone upset over me sitting in his lap or planting a juicy kiss on his mouth.
“He really loves you,” Layne said, his voice full of respect. “He straight-up told me I’d better not break your heart, or there would be serious consequences.”
“Did he?” I giggled. “And he would make sure you paid for hurting me too. I love him so much. He’s the best friend I’ve ever had. There was just something with us that clicked. No judgment … just acceptance. It’s been like that since day one.”
“I can tell. I hope to have that with you as well.”
I propped up on my elbows. “Layne Garrison, if I didn’t have that kind of trust in you, I wouldn’t have told you about Jack. I just hope like hell I didn’t make a horrible mistake.” I leaned over and kissed him. “I’m not sure what part of you is my favorite: your lips, your eyes, or your dick.” I slid my hand beneath the covers and into his sweats. He was already hard and ready for me. “I need a distraction.” I moved my leg over his and let him take control. Sometimes it was sweeter to surrender.