Page 47 of Solace

She glared at me sorrowfully.

“It is, isn’t it, you’re afraid, aren’t you?” I reached my hand to her face and move her hair away from it, only she moved her head away from me. “Can we go inside and talk about this?” I asked softly.

“No, I want to get out,” she argued.

“Does it mean that much to you?” She glared at me almost reminding me of the days when she was in the cell captured and frightened. “Fine, if you fancy getting out of here then I will have Carlo, take you out. You’re not in prison, never will be. You do need to understand though you’re under my protection, with you being my girl, you’re at risk,” I told her as my heart ached.

She spun to glare at me. “Are you serious about letting me out?” she asked shocked and calmed down.

“Yes, of course, all you had to do was ask and not act like this, I mean no way can my girl move these gates,” I scoffed to lighten the mood.

“You will allow me to go?”

“Go?” I need clarity on that remark.

“Yes go…leave?” she stipulated.

“What do you mean go?” I asked as this wasn’t sounding good at all. “You can leave to get out of here for a while but not leave as in never come back,” I had to inform her.

Her eyes widened.

“I don’t understand, maybe you could explain why you wish to leave?” I ruffled my fingers through my hair and glanced back at Carlo, nudging my head to indicate for him to leave. I need time with my girl. I had to get to the bottom of this before I went insane. “I need you to talk to me and explain why the last few days you have been acting distant. Just tell me what has happened or why you have a sudden urgency to leave? Hell, if you need to be somewhere I will escort you. I want to protect you” I reached for her hand, but she soon stepped away.

I stepped closer when she moved further away.

“Layla, you must be honest with me. Give me one good reason why you wish to leave. That is all I ask of you. If you want me and you to finish, as much as it’ll break my heart, I’ll allow you to go,” I told her as I gulped in pain.

Fear filled her eyes like she feared my reaction. I stand tall, meaning business, only this was Layla I was dealing with not my men. I relaxed my shoulders not wishing to scare her off, she meant more to me than anything that had come into my life. No way would I allow her to leave that easy unless she had good reason.

“Layla, I understand if it’s the lifestyle you don’t wish to be part of. And me getting shot has well, upset you. But bella I’m still here and we have so much time to share together. I cannot promise you I will never get hurt, but that is who I am. I cannot change or be someone you wish me to be, this is the reality of my life. I have competition and most of them want a piece of me. Now please, just talk to me, allow me to share your concerns,” I said softly.

She stood, without saying a damn word. Her lips pressed firmly together. How I longed to kiss them and the rest of her delicious body.

“How about I do something, romantic, a meal, or something? I do need guidance on that.” I chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood. Only her face never faltered. “Layla, I’m trying here.”

Her expression changed when she glanced over my shoulder. Her eyes widened and she placed her hand across her upper chest. She turned to the gate and tried to force it open again. Puzzled by her behaviour I looked over my left shoulder and saw Monica standing on the porch, staring at us both. My eyes met hers when she turned her attention back to Layla.

Now either I was about to make a massive mistake and read the incorrect signs, but Layla saw Monica and once again wished to get the hell out of here. Personal indication…this had something to do with that bitch.

I wasted no time spinning around and walked full speed back to the house. This I was determined to get to the bottom off.

“Antonio,” Layla shouted. Only I had no intentions of stopping, my blood boiled and I had a deep gut feeling Layla’s strange behaviour has something to do with this woman who I used for sex. She opened those legs and in I went, I didn’t care about her, she was easy and gave me release, and that was it. I feared Monica had gotten jealous of Layla and now booted out, was doing her pathetic tricks at getting my girl out, well I am not standing for that shit.

Monica stood gawping at me like I was an alien. My eyes fixed on hers, and her expression changed, eyes widened, I guess she’d figured I was coming for her. I marched towards her hearing Layla calling out, chasing after me, but no way was I going to stop until I had the answers I feared were coming.

Without hesitation, I grabbed Monica by a clump of her long hair and pulled her into the house.

“Antonio, stop, stop,” I heard Layla fret.

“What the hell,” screamed Monica, trying to get my hand off her hair. Only I was stronger and more powerful than her and there was only one thing happening here, answers.

Not bothering to turn to look at my girl, but she was hysterical. I blanked her out as there was nothing she said helped with the situation.

Dragging Monica into my office and threw her to the floor, where she landed in a heap.

I caught Layla in the corner of my eye entering the room, her face shocked.

“What are you doing?” Layla asked frightened.