Chapter 47

JAKE

I listen to how Layla asks me if I am okay. I always thought that I got this whole controlling-the-wolf thing under wraps and no one can see when I try to do it. But for some reason, Layla is seeing me trying to control the wolf. I dare not look at her because I am afraid that if I do, she would see right through me.

But then out of the corner of my eye, I see Jason pulling Layla closer to him, and suddenly everything inside me tightens up. It is almost painful for me to control the wolf from coming out. I recognize that I would not be able to control him any longer.

I know that I should look away but then I see the expression on Layla's face. I can see pure true fear written all over her face. It is clear to me that Jason is making her feel not just uncomfortable but she looks afraid of him. So, I answer her with one word.

"Fine...I am fine"

I say it through my teeth as I am afraid to say anything. I wish I can just get up and maybe go to the bathroom to try and control the urge of the wolf but I know that I can not leave her alone right now. I need to think of something and I need to do it quick.

I take a deep breath and try to control talking as normally as possible.

"Jason, I wonder if you can see if the bar could make me something to eat. I am really exhausted after the show and I do not want to make a scene again. Could you possibly help me with this, please?"

Then I watch him take his arm off Layla and I feel myself calming down again. He almost looks happy that I asked him that and then he says.

"Sure, I can hear if they can do something for you. What would you like to eat?"

"Anything will be fine"

"Coming right up, boss"

He salutes me and then slides out of the booth. He almost falls as there is a little step from the booth to the floor. He is clearly beyond drunk.

LAYLA

As I feel Jason's hand pulling me even closer to him while he is asking me why I do not care about him, I can feel my hands starting to tremble. I really do not know what to tell him but then luckily, Jake interrupts us.

I do not know how he knew it but he managed to get Jason away from me. As soon as Jason has left the booth, I feel completely relaxed and happy. But then when I look over to Jake, I see him still staring at the floor.

Then without me realizing what I am doing, I put my hand on his hand. Suddenly, he looks at me and I swear his eyes look different. I am almost afraid but for some reason, I do not take my hand off his. I can feel his hand trembling under mine. Then I say.

"Jake, are you sure you are okay?"

JAKE

She takes my hand, I feel a jolt run through my entire being. As I look into her eyes it is as if she is bringing calm to my being. Then she asks me if I am okay. It is funny how suddenly I feel much better. How is it even possible that she can have this kind of power over me?

I can not stop as my thumb immediately starts to caress her hand. Her hand is perfect in every way. It is so soft and tiny in my hand.

"I think, I am just exhausted. But thank you for caring. I actually wanted to ask you the same question, are you okay?"

LAYLA

It is strange how he cares about what I think or feel. I thought that he was this guy going through girls like candy and now he actually cares about what I feel. Then I feel his thumb starting to caress my hand and it feels so right in every way.

But then I realize what I am doing and I quickly pull my hand away.

"I am so sorry, I did not mean to-"

"Please, do not apologize for that. It means a lot that you care"

I feel a blush coming up on my cheeks and so I decided to divert the attention.

"I am sorry that you feel exhausted. You really did not have to come tonight. I think all of us would have understood if you did not come?"

JAKE

It is such a nice feeling to have someone that actually cares about me. She does not care about my name or my fame. She cares about me. I struggle from not taking her hand again and then I say to her.

"Thank you again for saying that but I really wanted to come tonight. You see, I have not really been to a lot of these after parties these couple of months and so I really wanted to show my face"

I see her laughing a little bit as she covers her mouth and then she says.

"I think that you have shown your face enough for one night. Especially after that scene at the bar...If you are tired you should really go and rest"

I laugh with her just thinking about what happened at the bar and then I say to her.

"It would probably be a good idea if I go and rest right now but suddenly, I find myself wanting to be here right now"

I can not stop myself from staring at her. I want her to know how I feel but then at the very wrong moment, Jason decides to come back. Fuck!

"Here you go. This is all that I could get for you. The kitchen was already closed"

I look at the peanuts that he puts before me and I try to keep my composure but then I see Layla laughing at what Jason saw as food. I swallow deeply trying not to laugh with Layla and then I say to Jason

"Thank you. I am forever in your debt"

Then I see Layla looking away trying not to burst out laughing. This just makes it more difficult for me not to laugh. Jason looks real chuffed with himself as he takes a seat next to Layla. Abruptly, her laughter stops, and then I see him throwing his arm around her neck again.

I do not know what I am going to do but I know I must do something now before the wolf in me wants to manifest again. I think a hundred miles per hour on how to get him away but then Layla says as she takes his hand off her shoulders.

"As fun as this was, gentleman. I am sorry but I am still very jet-lagged. So, I need my sleep. Please have fun and enjoy your night but I have a date with my bed"

I feel a disappointed feeling my heart as I really enjoyed talking to her but I can see that she wants to get away from Jason and this was her way to get away from him. I watch Jason staring at her in shock and then I slide away so that she can come out this way.

It really looks like Jason was not planning to move at all. I can see the relief on her face as she finally gets out of the booth. But just as she is about to get out she also falls over the step. I grab her just as she is about to hit the floor.

I feel my hands around her perfect waist and I never thought it would feel this good. I pull her up tight into me making sure that she can feel my body against hers. She grabs me on my arm and puts her other hand on my chest.

It is almost as if it is in a movie where the hero of the story saves the girl. I slowly pull her up to stand on her feet again but she just stares at me probably still in shock. Then I feel her hand slowly moving over my bulging muscles in my arm and then we release each other.

The attraction between us is undeniable. Then she says while clearing her throat.

"Thank you so much. You really saved me there"

"No need to thank me. I am sure that any man would do that for you"

We stare at each other for another moment just taking in what we want from each other. Then as if breaking a spell she says.

"Well, goodnight then, Jake and thank you again"

"Goodnight, Layla"

I watch her walking away and just when she is a few feet away she turns around, saying.

"You should really get some sleep too. We need you to stay healthy. Please, look after yourself"

I almost can not believe what she is saying. I can see the sincerity in her eyes and I know that she truly cares. I smile and say to her.

"I promise...I will do that"

Then she turns around smiling and then disappears. I feel my heart in its wholeness going with her and I have nothing left. But then I turn around and I see Jason just staring at me. This time it is not the Jason that wants to please me but rather the Jason that hates me.

Then I discovered that he probably has a big crush on Layla and that he wants her all for himself.