42

So, I said frowning, trying to wrap my head around it. What’s the problem then ? No one knows it was you.
They know Toby is lying, but they know you have mated with a pureblood and they know Toby is protecting someone, they just don’t know it’s me.
Oh, I mumbled. I could see how that could be a problem. It meant that I was getting unwanted attention.
I know it’s a lot to take in, but I have to be honest with you, Colton told me and I nodded. Anyway, Marcus, Jenny’s father, pulled me to one side and asked why you were my assistant and who Toby was really protecting. I was worried he would make the connection between us, so I managed to sway him by my lies that I was investigating it personally. Marcus cannot interfere by asking Toby himself, it’s my pack and my business.
Ok…
Colton’s face became annoyed. That’s not just it either, Jenny has been away to her friend’s wedding, but told Marcus that I have been disinterested in her for the past few weeks.
And have you ? I asked. Been disinterested in her, I mean ?
Colton nodded his head. Well, yeah. Since I met you I haven’t touched her.
So, what are you trying to say ?
He squeezed my hand gently. Layla, you do know I’d never do anything to hurt you on purpose. Anything I do now is to protect you and my family.
I frowned, worried about where this was going. I think I did know and I didn’t like it. I stood up, ripping my hand away from him.
What are you trying to say Colton ?
He stood up too next to me, a pleading loo in his eyes. If Marcus finds out about us, finds out that I was the one that mated with you, he will do everything in his power to kill you. The only way I’m going to protect you is if I start paying more attention to Jenny and-
I knew it, I swallowed deeply. Spare me the melodrama. I know what you’re really trying to say here and don’t make out that it’s for my wellbeing.
Colton frowned confusedly. Everything I’m doing is for your wellbeing, Layla. You don’t realise how dangerous my world is-
Then why the hell did you bring me in it in the first place ? I shouted.
I was angry so I screwed my promise of not arguing with Colton. Basically, because Jenny’s daddy was asking questions about me, he has to be the golden boyfriend to Jenny now ?
Why, what was Colton hiding from me ? Why was he so intent on keeping Jenny’s family so bloody sweet ? He said it was for revenge, but revenge for what ?
Toby protected Colton so he could still go through with this stupid plan and the annoying, sad thing about this is that now, after everything, I can’t think of letting him go. I was the one that was sucked in and constantly left high and dry.
Are you going to sleep with her ? I asked, barely containing my bitterness.
Colton jaw hardened and he looked away from me. No… I would never do that.
Then how can you possibly keep her sweet otherwise ? I asked exasperated. Did he honestly expect me to believe that he wouldn’t do anything with her ? I’m finding it really hard to understand Colton, really fucking hard.
I know, don’t you think I don’t know ? I promise you the next and only person I sleep with will be you, not her. I just have to pay more attention to her until I have the ball in my hands. It’s going to take time and I’ll have to keep as much distance from you as possible. I need to do this Layla, I need to avenge- he cut himself off again.
Avenge ? Avenge who ? It was like trying to squeeze juice from a melon.
It would be easier if you told me, it would help me understand. I took his hand in mine because his face was like a broken child, helpless. Suddenly he pulled me so that I was in his arms.
I buried my face in his chest and breathed in his cologne. There was so much about him that I didn’t know, so much sadness lingering inside of him.
I could feel it. He brought me here to show me that he was that guy for me and I wanted to trust him, but I was unsure. I didn’t want to get hurt.
I will tell you, but not now.
I bit my lip and hid my scowl, but we were interrupted by my stomach growling, demanding food.
What perfect, embarrassing timing. I heard him chuckle then which broke the stiff mood.
Okay, you need food.
He let go of me and walked into the kitchen whilst I stood in the living room hugging my body with my arms.
I observed him as he started pulling food from the fridge and expertly started cooking with little difficulty. Colton and cooking was not a combination I’d ever thought to see, but he seemed very controlled in the kitchen. He also seemed calmer, but that was probably because I wasn’t running away and I knew once again I should be.
Why did life have to be so complicated, why couldn’t I just meet a guy and have uncomplicated relationship ?
Was he worth all of this ? I sighed. I didn’t have to think very hard about that one because yes, he was very much worth everything. I didn’t want to lose these feelings he was making me feel.
Was I stupid and naive ? Very much so. But I couldn’t fight something I couldn’t win.
Not when I liked him this much. He had made it clear he will not let me go and that Jenny means nothing to him, but a revenge scheme that came long before me.
After Colton cooked, we sat down at the table to eat breakfast. He had made pancakes, bacon, eggs and French toast with an endless supply of tea.
We ate in silence, everything was delicious and I was happy that Colton didn’t point out my bad eating habits like Toby had when we went to McDonalds.
Actually, I was aware that this was the first time me and Colton had done anything normal together. It was really strange.
While I ate, I managed to catch a glimpse of the beach not far away. The water was glistening under the bright sun. It seemed nice here, definitely somewhere you’d go on holiday.
But I felt like I should be lying on a beach catching a tan with Tasha, not surrounded by all this seriousness that has suddenly come into my life.
I have more to talk about, if you’re ready ?
I looked up at Colton sitting opposite me at the table, he had polished off all of his food and was waiting for my reply. I swallowed down my annoyance with him and nodded my head.
What now ?
He tilted his head to the side and raised one of his eyebrows at my tone. I flushed and bowed my head away from him, he didn’t comment on it, instead he just carried on talking.
If you are faced with a situation of being asked about what happened a few weeks ago when you came to my club, you will need an alibi. I have come up with one for you that works for both me and you.
Okay ?
Colton pulled out a piece of paper, he unfolded it revealing a list of things. I’ve written them down and I want you to memorize this. In turn so will I. I’ll read it.
I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. I doubted anyone would be asking me about what happened the night I met Colton, well, at least I don’t think no one would be.