A few days into my new routine , I've found a comfortable rhythm that feels almost like home . Each morning starts with a cozy breakfast alongside Moira , going to my shift at Beantree , and spending the evenings lazing around the house if I don't have my night classes . I haven't really seen Xavier after the first day , which suits me quite well . The less I have to look at his moody face and listen to the vitriol he likes to spew in my direction , the better . Today's a rare treat - my day off from Beantree . With an extra barista on staff , we've all managed to carve out at least one day a week to ourselves , a small but welcome reprieve from the constant bustle of steaming milk and juggling orders . I plan to make the most of it by hiking nearby trails , hoping the fresh air and open sky will clear my head . I'm on my way down to the kitchen , dressed in black gym leggings , my trusty sneakers , and an oversized t- shirt that once belonged to my best friend before he moved away . In the kitchen , I catch up with Moira while grabbing some snacks and a couple of water bottles . As I'm stuffing them in my backpack , I hear footsteps entering the kitchen behind me , but I don't turn around immediately , assuming it is José . " Good morning , Xavier , " Moira says brightly , cracking eggs into a bowl with a practiced flick of her wrist , likely prepping for her famous scrambled eggs or maybe an omelet . " Can I whip you up some breakfast before you go ? " My stomach sinks , and I stifle a groan , my mood souring at the mention of his name . So much for a peaceful start to my day off . I haven't even had my second cup of coffee , and now I'll have to brace myself for whatever snide comment Xavier's got loaded up today . The only answer Moira gets is an indistinguishable grunt . Hopefully, she understands Xander - speak better than I do . I I slowly turn around , ready to let Moira know I'm off for my hike . I have already told her which trail I'm heading to because I don't want her to worry unnecessarily . In a short amount of time , she has become like a second mother to me , dare I even say better than my own mother . Xavier's scowl immediately accosts me , but I refuse to let him intimidate me , " Morning Xavier . " I give him a subtle smile which makes his brows pull together even more . Grumpy old bear ! " I'm off Moira , I have my phone with me , but you can expect me home around noon . " Giving her a quick one - armed hug , I go to leave . Xavier has other ideas , though . " Off to see your next conquest ? " he sneers at me . Not in the mood to be baited , I give him a wink over my shoulder before saying , " Maybe . " 1/3 Chapter 8 : Layla POV I can hear Moria starting to chastise him as I walk away , but I am not inclined to stay and listen to his weak - ass excuses . As I'm skipping down the steps to my car , the front door gets ripped open and Xavier comes storming after me , a murderous expression on his face . " You better not come home smelling of cheap sex , or worse yet , bring your one - night stand here after your little date . " The last two words must taste like acid on this tongue if the look on his face is anything to go by . " Oh Xavier , why do my sexual escapades bother you so much ? " I cross my arms and cock my hip , raising my eyebrow . He doesn't need to know that I have never been with a guy . Let him dig his own grave with his misconceived notions about who or what I'm . " It's my business when you turn my home into a whorehouse ! " his whole body is vibrating with anger . Now might not be the right time to taunt him about looking like a boiling tea kettle that is about to pop its top . " Xavier , " I slow my speech and speak calmly as if I'm talking to a toddler , " just because you tend to bring everything with two legs home , does not give you the right to lug me in that same barrel with you . " " It's hard to think otherwise when you prance around in another man's clothes . " He glances down at my t- shirt , and I have no other choice than to burst out laughing . This man is delusional . " Are you jealous ? " I decide to taunt him as soon as I'm able to breathe normally again . Xavier stills as if I've slapped him . Interesting reaction , I'll have to explore that notion at a later stage . After a couple of seconds of not answering me , I turn on my heel and head to my car . Again , I'm pushed up against my driver - side door by him . Is this our thing now ? " How can I be jealous of someone that gives themself to every Tom , Dick , and Harry that looks in her direction ? I'd rather feed my dick to a shoal of piranhas . " His breath is hot against my ear and an involuntary shudder runs down my spine . What Xavier doesn't realize is that the proximity that he has forced on me is playing right into my hand . His cock is rock hard as it presses against the base of my spine . Well , well , well , what do we have here ? " You might want to share that sentiment with said dick . " I saccharinely say to him over my shoulder while arching my back into him ever so slightly . Xavier stills but doesn't move back immediately and I know I have him hook , line , and sinker . Hypocrite much ? His hands fist against the roof of the car where he is caging me in , his knuckles turning white . His breaths become ragged . But still , he doesn't move . 2/3 Chapter 8 : Layla POV Getting fed up with his games , I push away against the side of the car , dislodging him from behind me , and open my car door . I refuse to look at him as I'm sliding into my seat , or as I start my car , and even as I drive off . Xavier Reed needs to learn that I will not be his new punching bag . He obviously is used to girls either falling at his feet to worship at his altar or running away in trepidation . He will soon learn that Layla Kincaid is neither of those things ! POST COMMENT Chapter Comments Visitor lyla comes across as a strong character with good morals . im interested to learn more about her best friend . View 1 Comment > 17 SHARE