The look in their eyes solidifies my decision to explore this unconventional relationship with them ; last night's revelations changed nothing for them There is no pity or disgust . Yes , there is empathy and maybe a degree of understanding , but not how they look at me . There's also a modicum of respect for what I've gone through and the resilience I've shown for not giving up . And , most importantly , there is a resolve there that makes me hopeful for the future with them , Deciding to play coy , 1 tap a finger against my chin , asking , " Hmmm , and what do I get out of this ? Having three guys to entertain and whose egos F'il constantly have to stroke might get tiresome . " Cade's the one to answer me , " Reing able to call you ours will more than enough of an ego boost for us , Sunshine . Although , we have other things you can stroke if you want . " His cheeky smirk has my breath stuttering and my thighs clenching underneath the table , Holy hell ! Deciding to play along , I slowly slide my hand higher on his thigh , scraping my nails as I go . He goes completely still and his hand on my waist twitches . " Something like this ? " I ask coyly and Cade's throat bobs as my hand goes higher still . Hunter and AJ can't see what I'm doing underneath the table , but Cade's reaction has them suddenly sitting up with alertness in their eyes . Their gazes are ping - ponging between me and Cade , wondering what's happening . " Layla , " Cade's warning is low and sultry , but I pay it no heed " Yes , Cade ? " I ask innocently , while my hand continues its ascent . As my hand lands on his thickening length , his hand clamps down on mine , stopping me from squeezing him through his jeans . His voice is lined with an edge of danger when he says , " Baby if you don't want me to drag you to the bathrooms right now to bend you over a sink and you senseless , I'd suggest removing your hand . " The atmosphere at the table comes to a complete standstill and I'm caught between disobeying him and toying with him some more . Hunter's gaze dips to where my hand is below the table , licking his lips . AJ shifts in his seat , presumably adjusting himself . In a final act of defiance , I glide my hand out from underneath his , lean over , and then run my nose along his earlobe before giving it a soft nip . " As you wish , " I whisper before leaning back and giving the other two my full attention . " Brat , " Cade grumbles as he moves away from me , but I can feel him still staring at the side of my head . " So , what classes do you have left for the day ? " I ask innocently , as if the last 15 minutes never happened . We all settle into a comfortable conversation about our schedules for the rest of the day . Soon after , my alarm goes off , reminding me to leave for my last class . The guys pack up as well , getting up from the table . AJ take's my backpack and swings it over his other shoulder . Hunter helps me from the table but doesn't retreat , causing us to stand chest to chest . " Naughty , naughty girl , " he says as he peers into my eyes , a simmering desire in the depths of his . I smile softly at him , my hands instinctively moving to his peès . " Did I take it too far ? " I ask him , knowing he will be straight with me . His face turns serious , " Beautiful , you go as far as you want or don't want . As long as you're doing it because you want to and it feels right , you'll never hear any complaints from us , " Leaning down he places / a delicate kiss on my forehead , and I instantly forget about my doubts . Placing a hand on my lower back he guides me / out of the student center with AJ and Cade fiánking us . They walk me across campus to where my next class is held , and then it hits me . They walked me to my class , but their classes are entirely at the other end of campus . Feeling guilty , I turn towards all of them . " Thank you for walking with me . I know it was out of your way . " Chapter 35 : Layla POV Hunter steps into me and places his forehead against mine . " For you , mytime ? Al is next , handing me my backpack before leaning down , softly kissing my cheek , " Always Cupcake . * Cade comes up behind me and slides his hand over my stomach . I instinctively tilt my head to make room for him . Leaning doen , he kisses my netk whispering , " See you at the coffee shop later . " I watch them walk away , feeling a lightness in my soul that's been missing for a while . Stepping through the glass door of the coffee shop later that evening , I'm enveloped by the warm , comforting aromas of freshly brewed coffee and the sweet , buttery scent of pastries cooling on racks behind the counter . The familiar hum of the espresso machine and the soft indie playlist looping in the background settle something restless in my soul , like a deep breath after a long day . The shop is a cozy haven , its mismatched wooden tables and fairy lights casting a golden glow that feels like a hug . For a moment , the weight of the weekend and the uncertainty of earlier fade into the background , replaced by the simple promise of a busy shift and familiar faces . I haven't worked alongside Tessa since last week , so when I spot her behind the counter , her dark curls bouncing as she expertly froths milk for a latte , a grin spreads across my face . She glances up , catching my eye , and flashes a playful smirk , already mid - joke with a customer . Her energy is infectious , and I'm instantly excited about tonight . The fact that Cade will be joining us a little later might also have something to do with my excitement . I weave through the bustling shop toward the back , where the staffroom is tucked behind a swinging door . The small space smells faintly of coffee grounds and cleaning supplies , a stark contrast to the inviting warmth out front . I toss my bag into my designated locker , the metal door clanging shut , and grab my navy apron from the hook behind the door . As I tie it around my waist , the familiar weight of the fabric grounds me , a signal that I'm slipping into work mode . I slide my phone into my back pocket , double - checking that my hair is pulled back neatly , when the device suddenly buzzes to life , the screen & ght with an unknown number . Checking the overhead clock , I see I still have a couple of minutes to spare before my shift starts officially so I swipe my finger across the screen to any " Hello ? " I ask tentatively . Is this Ms. Layla Kincaid ? " The voice on the other side belongs to a male and the air with which he speaks instantly gives me an idea of what this call is about . " This is her , yes . " My name is Jasper Morrison , and I work for Lyle , Smith and Cooper Attorneys . I have some documents that you need to sign . It is regarding the sale of the house on Ridgeway Drive . When and where can we meet so we can finalize everything ? " 9 Bingo ! Right on the money . But sadly for Mr. Morrison , I will not be forced to sign documents hastily without reading every paragraph , word , and full stop . " Mr. Morrison , thank you for your call . Where can I collect the documents so my lawyer can peruse them on my behalf ? " He doesn't need to know that I don't have a personal lawyer . He only needs to know that he won't be bulldozing me regarding something as important as this . There's a moment of silence and I suspect he didn't anticipate getting pushback . He presumably thinks a humble college student would likely roll over and sign on the dotted line without doing her due diligence . Well sorry to disappoint , buddy . Ms. Kincaid , I was made to understand that there would be no delays concerning the signature of the documents . And with that singular comment , the second / red flag regarding this deal tears its ugly head . " I'm not sure who made such reassurances to you , Mr. Morrison , but I will need those documents beforehand . " Chapter 35 : Layla POV A disgruntled sigh can be heard before he answers me . Very well , Ms. Kincaid , I'll have the documents couriered to Mr. and Mrs. Reed's address on Mulberry Road . * " Thank you , Mr. Morrison , I appreciate your kind assistance . " The sarcasm in my voice can be heard a mile away , and I internally celebrate defying my mother's nefarious plans . After hanging up , I step to the front of the coffee shop . My smile of victory is evident , and I instinctively know my evening will be amazing Chapter Comments POST COMMENT NOW 39