Chapter 29 : Layla POV We're seated at the table under the bay window when Cade comes storming back into the kitchen . He looks as mad as a raging bull with a storm cloud that hangs around him that could suffocate the whole room . " What happened , bro ? " Hunter asks as he notices Cade's clenched fists and tight jaw . " Fucking Xavier and his childish bullshit , that's what . " Before I can get up to go to him a door slams , and we hear muffled curses . Secretly I hope Xavier has slammed his hand into said door as punishment for his douche - ness . Moira gets up , presumably to go and find Xavier , but we all stop when we hear the garage door opening and I instinctively know that this conversation will have to wait because we're about to be served a shit sandwich . AJ and Hunter get up from the benches and cross the kitchen to Cade , I'm quick to follow , wanting to see them off and delay whatever this is , even if it is for a few minutes . Michael steps through the inside door to the garage first , dragging his luggage behind him . When he spots the guys , he nods in their direction with a neutral , " Boys . " directed at them . When his eyes settle on me , I see a subtle shift in his stance and a smirk crosses his face . " Sweetheart how are you ? " he asks me as he comes closer . I immediately feel uncomfortable , but I don't want to draw unnecessary attention to our interaction , so I keep still , smile at him , and answer , " I'm good , thanks . I hope you enjoyed your trip ? " He stops a couple of feet before me , way too close for comfort , but I decide not to call him out , at least not yet . He leans his hip against the island , crosses his arms across his chest , and licks his lips as he gives my body a leering inspection . " The trip was good , but it would have been better with you there . " Eww ! Did my new stepdad insinuate that I should have joined them on their honeymoon ? Creep alert ! Before I can answer his sleazy comment , I notice over his shoulder that my mom has stepped into the kitchen and is scowling at me - probably hearing Michael's comment and assuming I flirted with him first . Again , eww ! " Layla , help me with my bags , " she spits at me . Before I can make a move or tell her to carry her own damn bags , the guys step over to her and each grabs a piece of luggage . " We'll do that , Mrs. Reed . That way , our training in the gym isn't just to make us look pretty , " Cade says as 1/3 Chapter 29 : Layla POV he winks at her , and she giggles , honest to God . As I feel the irritation rising inside me at Cade's audacity for flirting with my mom , he glances over his shoulder and blows me a surreptitious kiss . Instinctively , it becomes clear that he did that to get her off my case by stroking my mom's ego . Clever guy . Mom saunters up to Michael and wraps herself around him as if to stake her claim on her husband in front of her daughter . Delusional much , mother ? I wouldn't touch him with a 10 - foot pole while double - gloved . Michael's reaction to her clinginess is surprising though , because he subtly stiffens , and a tick appears in his jaw as if he is holding himself back from telling her to get off him . Interesting . - " Where's Xavier ? " Michael asks me irritably . " I texted him earlier giving explicit instructions that he needs to be here when we get home . " His sudden brashness when speaking about Xavier raises my hackles and an inexplicable urge to defend Xavier awakens in me . " He is around here somewhere , just like you asked , " my clipped tone of voice apparently doesn't sit well with Michael , and along with the tick in his jaw , a vein pops up on his forehead . Internally , I do a happy dance at being able to get under his skin . As Michael goes to say something , I feel Xavier entering the room and he comes to a standstill next to me . " You summoned , Father ? " Xavier's body is strung tighter than a guitar string , making my own anxiety kick up a notch . Instinctually , my fingers brush lightly against the back of Xavier's hand in a small show of solidarity in addition to trying to calm his frazzled nerves . Hopefully , my small act of kindness doesn't make him want to strangle me later . Fingers crossed . Xavier doesn't react to my touch , but as if our emotions are connected , I feel the shift in his demeanor , the stiffness in his shoulders loosens a fraction , and the tightness around his eyes relaxes . " Layla , the house has been sold . The lawyer is coming over tomorrow with the paperwork , make sure you sign them , " Mom suddenly blurts out and I'm momentarily stunned . " What ? When ? To whom ? " I blabber , completely thrown for a loop , and having trouble constructing coherent sentences . " What does it matter ? It's done , so just make sure you sign the documents , " she says haughtily . I'm so stunned that I don't even question her further . Her next command makes me pause though , " And there's no need for you to read it , just sign so we can move on with our lives . " My suspicions are immediately triggered . She's planning something , and it doesn't bode well . Without answering her , I nod my head . She sure as shit can forget about me not reading every word . 2/3 8:07 pm DD Chapter 29 : Layla POV " Xavier , I've decided you will be changing your major . You won't be starting your own business after your studies are done . You need to take over my company when the time comes . " Micheal throws out and my jaw almost hits the floor . The effect on Xavier is almost instantaneous and I'm too scared to look at him , afraid that the rage I can feel coming off him in waves will consume me if we make eye contact . " What ? " Xavier growls at his dad . If it weren't for the circumstances that we find ourselves in , it would have been sexy as hell . Geez Layla , inappropriate much ? " You heard me , " he bluntly decrees before swinging his head towards me . My back stiffens and I know his next words are going to piss me off . " Also , one of my business partners wants to merge with me to secure the future of both our companies . We've decided that an arranged marriage between Layla and his son is the best way to secure such a merger . So , Layla , we will have a little party next weekend where you'll be introduced to your future fiancée . " Motherfucker ! Chapter Comments Visitor well that definitely keeps things interesting View 1 Comment > 7 SHARE