Sickness burns my stomach. When I first found out Vicky had a crush on my brother, I didn’t realize the truth. Instead, I pushed it away, just like I do with everything else. Vicky got what she wanted. Maybe Tasha thought she could tonight. They’ve probably been plotting together all this time.
I guess deep down somewhere I knew they weren’t real friends. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been hurt by Kyle-
A loud knock on the cubicle door snaps me out of my thoughts. I swallow nervously, hoping it isn’t Tasha. I can’t face her. Layla, open the door.
It’s Colton. I quickly stand and unlock the door. Sure enough, there he is, stood right outside the cubicle. Women that walk past look between us with raised eyebrows. Embarrassed, I’m about to tell him to go away when he pushes me back and walks in, closing the door behind him.
My body heats and my palms sweat as I look up at him in disbelief. What are you doing ? You can’t be in here.
It’s my club. I can do what I want.
But it’s the women’s bathroom. You know, for women only ?
He smiles, and I roll my eyes, knowing he isn’t going anywhere. I sit back down and breathe in deeply. My stomach aches and I want to go home.
Seeing me upset, Colton bends down until he’s in front of me. I stiffen from his closeness. Our eyes meet, and he reaches out, taking my hand in his. I’m also comforted by it, but I feel stupid. I must look pathetic right now hiding in a toilet.
You don’t. He puts his finger under my chin. Want to get out of here ?
My stomach dips with excitement. I don’t want to be here anymore. But, then, I remember we have problems too. I can’t.
You can. Let me take you out of here. You’re not going to sit and hide inside a toilet. Not when you look this good.
I blush from his words. He thinks I look good ?
I glance at his hand in mine. It feels weird that he’s comforting me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this side to him and I’m suddenly craving more.
Why ? I ask, dampening my lips with my tongue. Why do you want to bother with me ?
Why wouldn’t I ? He sighs when he sees my expression. Come on, Layla. We need to talk anyway.
He stands and pulls me up with him. I let him. There isn’t a whole lot of space, so I’m suddenly very close to him. Heat radiates off him and I swallow dryly, my lips tingling at the sight of his. I bow my head, knowing this isn’t the reaction I should be having toward him, but I also know nothing I say is getting me out of the situation.
I nod. Fine, I’ll come with you. But this is to just to talk.
He smiles. Okay. It you would have said no, I would have thrown you over my shoulder anyway.
That definitely wouldn’t have scored you points.
He laughs a little, but then his smile fades. I have to do something first. Will you meet me out front in five minutes ?
I nod, but before he leaves, he leans in and places a chaste kiss on my cheek. He turns, and leaves and I blow out a deep breath, placing my hand against my forehead.
Collecting what’s left of my bearings, I walk out of the bathroom and make my way through the wild crowd to get to the exit.
But I then feel a hand on my upper arm, stopping me from walking any further. Turning, I see Tasha behind me. She’s been crying, her eyeliner streaked from her tears. I do feel a twinge of guilt because it’s her birthday, but I’m hurt. Layla, please listen. I didn’t-
Why should I ? I interrupt her.
It was Vicky ! she blurts in desperation. She was the one using you. I didn’t, I swear. I don’t even like Ray in that way. He kissed me ! I think to prove some point. You’re my best friend, please believe me.
Even if she was telling the truth, she knew about Vicky, yet she didn’t tell me. And she kissed my brother back. I didn’t imagine that. I shake my head. Just don’t.
I walk away from her, escaping yet another problem. Thankfully, she doesn’t follow, and I’m glad. On my way to the exit, I spot Toby and notice the concerned expression on his face as he looks at me. But I walk past him and go upstairs, finally reaching the exit.
Stepping outside I feel better by just breathing in fresh air. The warm breeze from before has turned cooler, but it’s nice after being surrounded by hot, sweaty people.
Taking a deep breath, I look around. Colton hasn’t arrived yet and the queues to get inside are still long. I wait three minutes until I hear the rumble of a car next to me. When I look, a black SUV, that looks brand new, has pulled up right next to me. The window rolls down and I relax when I see Colton sitting in the driver’s seat.
Get in, he says.
Trying to keep a straight face, I go around to the passenger side of the car and get inside. The car starts moving and I wonder where he’s taking me.
Can I ask you something ? Colton breaks the silence and me from my thoughts.
I nod slowly. Yeah ?
Why did you phone Toby that day ? My face burns hot instantly from embarrassment. I expected this question, but not so soon.
I tried other people first. I phoned my brother and a few of my friends but none of my them could pick me up after you left me in the middle of the road. Toby was the last person I tried and the only one who said yes.
I glance at him apprehensively. He’s staring right ahead as he drives. He looks hurt, but then angry. I didn’t mean to leave you like that. I lost control. You fuck me up. The other side of me.
His wolf.
Why are you angry at Toby ?
He looks uncomfortable. He likes you and I don’t like it.
You’re jealous ? I ask in disbelief.
He glances at me sharply. Should I have something be jealous over ?
I frown. This is just unnecessary. All I want is him. All I think about and dream about is him. I feel nothing toward Toby since the night Colton came into my life.
No, I said tightly. Not anymore. Gritting his teeth, he turns his head back to driving, his body rigid. Seriously ? I snap, unable to help it. You’re actually angry over him giving me a ride home ?
He didn’t just take you home, he took you out for food. Not only that, he pushed himself in my business by telling you things he shouldn’t have.
I clench my lips together, remembering what Toby said about Colton being distant from the family and secretive. Does that mean Colton is still very much intending to keep me a secret ? Is that why he’s angry. Because Toby found out ?
He took me to McDonalds because I was starving. I don’t remember you offering me breakfast, but of course you couldn’t, because your damn girlfriend walked in and ruined everything.
I cross my arms and peer out of the window. Toby helped me out. Why is he making such a huge deal out of it ? Is there something I’m missing ?
We continue driving through Lanten. My phone buzzes in my pocket, breaking me from my thoughts. Reaching inside my bag, I pull out my phone. I have a text from Ray. I open it after debating whether to ignore it or not.
I’m sorry.
Is everything okay ?