Chapter 33 : AJ POV I know what is going through Hunter's mind as he sits across from me during dinner that I'm having second thoughts about my involvement with layla , He couldn't be more wrong . I've always been quiet and contemplative when I dedicate my thoughts to something important . He fails to comprehend though that Layla Kincaid is the most important thing in my life back when we were neighbors and even more so now after I found her again . She is my end goal in life , no matter how much baggage , trauma , or issues she believes she might have . We all worry in some way , shape , or form that we might not be good enough , or mentally healthy enough to allow another person close to us . But that is the beauty of finding " your person " . Helping each other overcome those hurdles , aiding your significant other to heal , and becoming better versions of yourselves , together , is the most beautiful and rewarding experience . Hunter and Cade are bantering on the other side of the island . After they came to the mutual understanding that they would share Layla , their dynamic shifted somewhat . I can't put my finger on it , but it's almost like they are less guarded . Initially , because society teaches us that monogamy is what a relationship should look like , the idea confounded me . How can a guy , who claims to love his girl , be okay with seeing her with another guy as he holds her , comforts her , kisses her , and eventually is intimate with her ? Wouldn't he get jealous and ultimately possessive ? That is not healthy , for any relationship . But sitting here , thinking back to those short sexy moments earlier at the bowling alley , no jealousy made itself known as I watched her flirt with them . It would have been different if she left me out , but her attention was divided equally , and each enjoyed a different aspect of her as she discovered her sensual side . She deserves to have multiple men at her feet as they worship her like a goddess , pampers her like a newborn kitten , and blankets her in love and affection . And being the selfish bastard I am , I want to be one of the lucky ones to bask in her lifeblood . Xavier , the sulking bastard , hasn't spoken a word since we left his dad's house . I can only imagine that the argument he had with Cade is the main reason for his broodiness . But none of us will be letting him off the hook easily after the shitty comments he made . I get that he is conflicted and feels confused . But that does not justify his actions , all because he has some deep - seated issues with his dad and an aversion to cultivating meaningful relationships with women . But I for one , will not hide my interest and affection for Layla so he doesn't feel neglected . Fuck that shit . Hunter's phone chimes and when he reads the message on his " Moira just texted that Layla is home safe . " Treen , I see his shoulders visibly relax . Cade and I immediately perk up . Knowing she's safe is a great relief . I don't know what I would've done if something happened to her after she left . " Do you think we contact Layla , check in with her , and find out how she's phone . holding up ? " Cade asks , already reaching into his pocket , presumably for his Hunter , ever the voice of reason , says , " Let's give her tonight . I imagine her emotions are topsy - turvy and we don't want to overwhelm her . " Before Cade and I can concede that he's right , Xavier pipes up , " For fuck's sake , stop babying her . She should pull up her big girl panties and get over it . " The subsequent silence that engulfs the kitchen speaks volumes . What did this motherfucker just say ? Before I can even get to my feet , intent on laying him out , Cade is on him like a cheap suit . forearm is pressed up against his throat . Not enough to In the next second , Xavier is shoved off his barstool and slammed into the wall behind him . Cad cut off his air supply , but enough to make sure he stays put and shuts the fuck up while listening carefully . " The next time you speak about Layla like that , I will knock you the fuck out . Continue with your bullshit , and I'll make sure the whole offensive line forgets to protect their QB during our next game . " Xavier is momentarily stunned , and his eyes widen in shock . Truthfully , Cade's threat has taken me aback too , but I'm here for it . Xavier needs a wake - up call and maybe getting his ass handed to him on the football field , will make him think twice about disrespecting Layla again . Chapter 33 : AJ POV During the scuffle , Hunter stepped up behind Cade . Placing a hand on Cade's shoulder , it seems he intends to pull Cade away from Xavier , but he writes me with his next words . " We've been friends forever , but make no mistake , if you ever word vomit about Layla like that again , I'm done with you . If you don't want anything to do with her , then fine . We'll respect your wishes and not rub our relationship with her in your face . But from now on , as a somewhat decent human being , you , will show her respect when she is in your proximity . If you don't want to listen when we talk about her , you will shut your trap and walk away , Clear ? " Before Xavier can answer , I saunter over to Cade's other side . " And even though we haven't known each other long , I will have no queims in ganning for your position as QB on the football team . Just because I decide not to play does not mean I can't . Remember that the next time you want to act like a fuckwit when it comes to Layla . " With a final shove of his arm against Xavier's chest , Cade steps away from him , and without us even giving him a chance to speak , we turn and leave the kitchen - united in our devotion to Layla . Knowing Xavier , this won't be our last altercation , but he now knows what will happen when he crosses the proverbial line . As we get to the top of the stairs ( Xavier can clean up the kitchen as his punishment ) , Hunter turns to me with a victorious smile . " Nice to have you on board , brother . " My answering smile is automatic and natural because there is no better feeling than knowing Layla will soon be mine . Or , to be more specific , ours . Chapter Comments