I know it’s hard to understand-
Colton, I warn him. Don’t. Answer it.
His jaw clenches. She’s part of a plan of revenge. I’m using her.
I swallow. Revenge ?
Yes, revenge. As soon as I get what I’ve spent years trying to get, I’ll be the guy you deserve.
His words are strong and hold so much promise. But promises can get broken. He answered nothing. So, you’re saying I have to wait ?
You came at the wrong time. His expression looks pained.
Without another thought, I turn away from him and start walking down the beach. I feel sick. Why did he bring me out here if he can’t be with me ?
He’s torn between me and Jenny because of revenge ? Revenge for what ?
He catches my wrist, stopping me. Don’t walk away.
Why bring me out here if it’s just to torture me ? It’s not fair ! I push his chest. Why don’t I go and date someone else and see how you like it ?
I gasp when a tear slips down my face. I wipe it away furiously and push him his chest once again. I’m impatient. I don’t want to wait for him. I want him right now. Why should I wait ?
I turn and walk away from him but hear him follow. You told me nothing.
I don’t know where I’m going. It’s not like I can get off this beach without a boat or anything, and it’s not long before grabs me around the waist and pulls me back into his solid chest. Stop running away from me.
My blood burns through my veins. He’s touching me, his fingers on my skin. Feeling it, he pushes me up against a palm tree nearby. The wind blows against his shirt, rippling against his body. There’s anger in his eyes. Agony. I push him in the chest, and he pins my hands above my head with one of his.
I inhale a sharp breath when he bends his head and kisses me, our lips crushing together, all that tension exploding between us.
His hands free mine as he grips hold of my hips while my arms go around his neck, my traitorous body pulling him into me. Needing him.
But soon my senses come back, and I realise what I’m letting happen. I pull my mouth away from his, even though my body throbs.
Why not me instead of revenge ? I press, my voice sounding shaky and vulnerable.
His shoulders slump, his eyes tortured. I can’t get you involved.
And I told you before, you already have. I left shit behind at the club and walked into more shit with Colton. But it’s hard, the more time I spend with him, the deeper I’m falling for him. It’s messing with my head. Maybe it’s best if we don’t see each other for a while ?
His eyes darken. No.
Yes. You can’t do this to me. This isn’t fair. You can’t kiss these problems away all the time. I can’t be your secret. I’m Layla and it’s about time you started treating me like her.
His jaw clenches. I know who you are.
You don’t because you wouldn’t be trying to do this to me, I say. I was in a relationship with someone a few months ago. He treated me like shit. The things he said to me, the things he did… I shake my head. It hurts bringing this up, but I must. He had the ability to make me believe that we were the perfect couple despite everything bad he did to me. He was cheating on me and hitting me when he drank too much. He pressured me into sex all the time and said I was worthless when I said no. He eventually dumped me, and everyone laughed. I’m sick and tired of everything. I’m tired of lies and being used.
Layla-
No, I cut him off. You can’t keep coming into my life, taking me out and kissing me like this means something when it doesn’t. Not when nothing changes and we keep going in circles.
My body trembles with anger and hurt. I sit down on the sand and hug my knees to my chest. It’s not long before he sits beside me. How can I make this better ?
I don’t think you can, I mumble and sigh. Tell me why you can’t be happy ?
You’ll-
Don’t say I’ll get hurt because I am already, I say. Stop avoiding the question.
Looking up, my heart clenches when I see his torn expression. I want to tell you, but I can’t put you in danger of knowing. I have a lot of people who want to kill me.
What ?
I know it would make sense to leave you alone. I tried giving you space, but I just can’t stay away. I take risks bringing you into my world, and I know I shouldn’t, but with our connection we’re not meant to be apart. I don’t know how to stay away. It goes against all my instincts and I can’t fight it.
I swallow back dryness. I don’t know what to say. We sit there in silence for a while, staring out at the ocean.
Can you take me home ? I finally say, bowing my head when I see the disappointment on his face. I need time. We need to try and stay away.
He nods and stand, his face is like stone as he pulls me to my feet and takes me back up the beach. No words. No pause. My heart sinks as I watch him.
Why do I feel bad ?
After driving for a while, we finally pull up outside my house. After taking off my belt, I glance over at him warily. He’s been quiet this entire time, not saying a word. Now, he looks straight ahead, not making eye contact at all.
Um, thanks, I mumble and open the door. My legs tremble as I walk up the path toward my house. My heart screams at me and I want to cry.
I hear footsteps behind me, and when I turn my head, I see him storming up the path toward me. I freeze on the spot when he reaches out and pulls me into him, his lips coming down onto mine.
I can’t lie. Having lips on mine melts me. He pulls away, his thumb brushing against my kiss. A goodbye kiss.
My chest squeezes and I can’t bring myself to say anything. When my eyes well with tears, I turn away from him and rush up the path toward my house. I hear his car start up as I open my door. But when I turn my head, he’s already gone.
It’s then I feel a hand wrap around my arm, and I gasp when I’m pulled inside the house. Crying out, I look up frantically, seeing Ray glaring down at me angrily. Why the fuck are you messing around with Colton Dawson ?
Pulling my arm from his grip, I stumble back and stare up at Ray’s angry face in disbelief. I know he’s just saw Colton kiss me outside, but I’m not sure it warrants the anger blaring in his eyes.
Why were you kissing him ? he demands again, and even though my face burns with embarrassment, I’m angry at him.
None of your damn business that’s why, I snap.
I go to move past him, but he stops me. Don’t walk away from me. Answer the damn question. Why was he kissing you ?
I glare at him, the hurt after what he did to me tonight resurfacing. Once again, it’s none of your business.
Do you even know who he is ?
No, I whisper sarcastically. I have no idea.