Andrew cocks his head back, his eyebrow rising. He then does something weird and sniffs the air, shaking his head a moment later. You mated ? He spits the word as if Toby isn’t worthy of such a thing.
Yes, I did.
Squinting his eyes, Andrew backs away. Tell Colton to watch his back. Everyone’s watching him.
With that, the two men leave the alley quickly. I look up at Toby. What was that about ?
Still on edge, he sighs and pulls me out onto the street. But I pull my hand from his and turn back.
Layla, he calls behind me. Stop. Let me explain.
Stopping, I turn to him. You all have serious issues with answering people when they ask questions, but if you’re not going to answer mine, then I’m not going to be around you.
Calm down, would you ? We’re in public and it’s not safe here.
I grit my teeth. I don’t give a damn. What was that ?
You’ve got Colton’s scent all over you, alright ? I had to mask it with mine. I did the first thing I could think of. He told me to protect you and I did. Those guys are dangerous. Someone’s obviously suspicious over you, otherwise Andrew wouldn’t be following you.
Great, I snap sarcastically. How great that I have someone following me when nothing is even going on between me and Colton.
But there is, Layla. There is, and you know it. You two are bonded and someone is onto that. Andrew is Jenny’s older brother.
My stomach clenches with unease, the same time my phone vibrates inside my pocket. I pull it out and groan.
It’s Colton, I mumble, dread seeping through my pores. Would he have…
He feels everything when it comes to you. He must have felt the kiss.
My heart hammers against my chest and I have a mental fight whether to answer or throw my phone away and run. Taking a deep breath, I hit answer. Hello ?
What the hell is going on ? his angry voice growls down the phone. I flinch, but before I have a chance to mutter any semblance of an answer, Toby snatches my phone out of my hand.
It’s Toby. Andrew was following Layla. He’s suspicious over her. I hear Colton yell something down the phone, which makes Toby roll his eyes. It was the only way to put my scent on her and convince Andrew that she’s my mate to protect her. I only did what you told me to do. He pulls the phone away from his ear as Colton shouts some more. Sighing, he puts it back against his ear. Are you finished ? He pauses, then glances at me. He wants to talk to you.
He shoves the phone in my hand and my mouth gapes. Ugh. I don’t want to talk to him. But I don’t want him to think I kissed Toby either.
Hey ? I say nervously.
Are you okay ? he asks, and I relax when I hear worry in his tone and not anger.
I’m fine, I mumble. What’s going on ?
Nothing for you to worry about, he says quickly, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Just tell Toby if he kisses you again, I’ll rip his head off.
He’s only trying to be a body guard you’re making him be. Which, by the way, I really don’t need.
I knew something like this would happen, that’s why I asked Toby to keep an eye on you. My world is dangerous. Don’t be difficult.
Difficult ?
I’m not being difficult. I have people…or whatever, following me. I have a right to be upset. Especially when I can’t have you.
I’m not saying you have no right to be upset. Trust me, I’m angry this happened. I’d take care of you myself, but I have to keep up appearances… and you don’t want me to be around you. There’s suddenly voices in the background. I’ll call you later. I have to go.
My heart sinks yet again and I sigh. Okay. Fine.
Layla… He pauses. You’re making staying away from you really hard.
I smile at that but hide it when I see Toby watching. Bye Colton.
He hangs up and I tuck my phone away. Clearing my throat, I bring my hand up and scratch my head. Toby chuckles. You like him.
What ? No, I don’t.
Liar, he sings, and I scowl. You have it bad.
It’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about… earlier, I say when we get to my car. But after what you did, I’m not sure I want to talk to you now.
He looks embarrassed. I’m sorry. It felt weird, didn’t it ? Like kissing a sister or something.
I nod, my face flaming. It was gross.
We get inside the car, but I don’t put the key in the ignition. At least let me make it up to you by bring a shoulder to cry on ?
Hah, I won’t be crying, I say, but spill everything to Toby about what happened last night. I tell him nearly everything, leaving out the passionate kissing I shared with Colton. He doesn’t need to know that. Somehow, I don’t think it’s going to be goodbye, and honestly, I don’t know if I want it to be. I feel bad. It’s making me feel bad.
He nods thoughtfully. To me, from someone who has known Colton nearly all my life, I know what kind of guy he is. And what he’s not. One thing he isn’t is a liar. I’ve also never seen him be like this with anyone before. Protective and shit. He’s never cared enough, especially after his parents died. He was made alpha young and a lot of people took advantage of that. He’s made enemies along the way, but he’s never involved the family or attempted to hide behind us. And he clearly keeps us in the dark about a lot of things because I don’t know about this revenge plan he has going on.
I listen to everything Toby is telling me and my heart aches for Colton. It sounds like he’s alone, and here I am, pushing him away when I’m not sure if I want to anymore. I push my hand through my hair with frustration. I don’t know what to do.
If you want my advice, give him a chance. I think you’d be safer anyway. I don’t have a good feeling about to day. I’m on edge.
Ray won’t let me. He seems to really hate Colton.
He doesn’t look surprised. Layla, there’s a lot you don’t know your brother…
What’s going on with him ? I knew it. Is he on drugs or something ?
No, he’s not on drugs. It’s not my place, but he needs to tell you things. Don’t push, though, just give him time.
I nod, now worried about Ray and whatever’s going on with him. Somehow, I don’t believe Toby when he says he’s not on drugs. What else could it be ?
We fall into silence and I start the engine. That’s another thing. Colton wouldn’t just give his baby to anyone. He’s referring to the car.
He didn’t give it to me. I don’t even have a licence.
He shakes his head disapprovingly. No wonder. You drive like you’re on crack.
I shove his arm. I drive perfectly fine.