Chapter 20
Lyla
Is this a dream?
Waking up to my body being lifted startles me and I scream.
“Shh, shh. It’s okay Doll. I got you. You’re safe.
” Case’s voice whispers against my ear. My eyes snap open and I look up and see this isn’t a dream.
Case is really here. He saved me. Tears pour from my eyes as I sob into the crook of his neck.
“Don’t cry Lyla. Please don’t. It’s okay.
He’s not here. I’ve got you baby. He’s never going to hurt you again.
” He reassures me but the tears keep coming.
“I thought I was dreaming. How did you find me?” I rasp, my throat feels like it’s been shredded. I could really use some water but it will have to wait until we get home.
“Not a dream, Doll. I’m here.” He answers as he carries me out of that house. My eyes shut on their own accord as the warm sun beats down on us.
“I-I’m so sorry for—” but he places a finger over my lips as he opens the passenger side door and places me inside.
“Not now, baby. We made a lot of mistakes but that can wait. Just let me get you as far away from this house as I possibly can. We will talk at home. Okay?” he says and I nod.
He buckles me in then shuts the door, rounding the front of his car never taking his eyes off of me.
Climbing in he puts it in drive and pulls away from hell.
He grabs my hand lifting it to his lips and places a gentle kiss against my skin.
“Thank god I found you. But I’m not going to lie, Lyla.
He’s lucky he wasn’t there but I will handle him.
He will never touch or take what is mine again. ” He spits and I smile.
“Yours?” I ask, looking over at him. He licks his lips as we get onto the highway and his eyes flicker to mine.
“Let’s not play games here. You were mine the moment I wrapped my hand around your throat in the kitchen.” he smirks, making me giggle. I wince and his brow furrows but I wave him off.
“I’m fine. Just get me home. I need a warm bubble bath.” I tell him and there go those dimples.
“You are not fine and once we get home I will take care of you. Don’t give me lip about it either.
” He seethes and I smile. I know we left off in a heated mess but I don’t know how I’ll ever repay him for coming to my rescue.
I really thought this was it for me or at least until I was able to go to class.
Kenneth’s plan was shit and no matter what I was getting away from him but sitting there with him made me feel like I was truly trapped.
“Our parents are still gone right? I don’t want to have to explain anything right now if they aren’t.
We will need to go somewhere else,” I say, as my heart begins to race.
I can’t face my mother like this. How can I explain what happened?
He squeezes my hand to get my attention–feeling my panic as my hand shakes in his.
“They won’t be home for a few weeks. Relax. Everything will be okay.” He tells me but I shake my head. This isn’t over. It's far from it and I can’t help but panic in fear of what is to come.
“You’re wrong, Case. He will come for me. This shit isn’t over until he’s not breathing anymore. That’s what it will come too. It’s either me or him.” I whisper and he growls lifting my hand once again placing a kiss on my skin.
“I promise you, Doll. It will be him.” he spits as we pull up the driveway and into the garage.
He shuts the car off and closes us in then turns to me, cupping my face.
I lean into his warmth, shutting my eyes for a second.
“Look at me, Lyla. Let me see those eyes baby.” He commands.
I open them as he tilts his head and leans in.
“Kiss me.” he whispers and I press my lips against his and moan as his tongue snakes into my mouth and swirls around mine.
He groans, deepening the kiss as his other hand cups the other side of my face pulling me towards him.
I suck his tongue into my mouth and flick the tip making him moan but he pulls away, placing a kiss on my nose.
“Let’s get you inside.” he whispers, letting me go and getting out of the car.
I take my seatbelt off and open the door for him.
He reaches in and lifts me out, kicking the door shut behind him walking us into the house.
“I can walk ya know.” I say then giggle as his eyes roll.
“Just shut up and let me do this please.” he fires back walking up the stairs and down the hall to my room.
He sets me down on my bed and walks into the bathroom.
I look around my room as tears fall down my face.
I’m home. I’m safe. I wipe my tears as I hear the water running.
I hate that I’m a mess right now. I feel weak having Case take care of me.
I’ve been alone for so long I don’t know what it’s like for someone else to do anything for me.
Footsteps approach and I look up at him.
He reaches down and his hands grip the bottom of my shirt.
“Can I remove this please?” He asks and I nod raising my arms as he lifts the fabric over my head then tosses it out into the hallway. He turns back to me and takes in the bruises and cuts marked over my naked skin. His hands ball into fists and I reach out grabbing them and loosening his grip.
“I’m safe, remember?” I whisper and he nods, falling to his knees in front of me.
He presses his head against my ribs before I feel his mouth, kissing all my marks.
Once again tears fall down my face as I watch this man I’ve been obsessed with for years, take his time kissing the pain and the memory away.
He looks up at me with so much pain in his eyes.
“I’m sorry I left you. I’m so fucking sorry, Lyla. I shouldn’t have let the anger and rage take over. I should’ve let you explain but I was so mad and I said thi—” but I place a finger over his lips and shake my head as more tears fall.
“No, Case. This is my fault. I shouldn't have lied. No one knows what I do for a living. I couldn’t tell you that. Doesn’t knowing ruin everything?” I ask but he shakes his head.
“It doesn’t baby. I promise it doesn’t. Was I mad? One hundred percent but…” he trails off and I cup his face. He swallows thickly then continues. “I was only seeing Mercedes to fuck you out of my system. Every time I was in that room I thought of you.” He admits and I laugh.
“Well, Mr. Knight. I did the same. All I wanted was you but fuck. We’re not supposed to want each other." I tell him and he smirks.
“I don’t care. My heart wants you and that's it. My father can fuck off. Everyone who has anything to say can fuck off. I love you Lyla. I’m so fucking in love with you it hurts.” He whispers as a lone tear falls from his eye.
“I-I love you too, Case. God I fucking love you.” I smile as my heart beats a mile a minute. He smiles then grips my hips, lifting me as he stands. I wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his shoulders as he walks us into my bathroom.
“Can I join you?” He asks and I smile, leaning down and pressing my lips against his.
His hands roam from my hips up to my shoulders, digging his fingertips into my flesh then reaching up and pulling my hair tie out, letting my long hair flow down my back.
He places me onto my feet and removes his clothing.
I pull down my panties and take a deep breath.
We’ve seen each other naked but not as each other.
So I take him in and lick my lips as my eyes rake up his body.
He smirks and those dimples are on full display as his thumb reaches out and flicks my pierced nipple.
“I’m obsessed with your tits. You should pierce the other one.
” he states and I laugh as I take in his ladder then look up at him.
“I’ll do it, if you pierce your tongue.” I wink and his eyes widen.
“Hmm…that could be arranged.” he states and I grin. My, my, my. How did I get so fucking lucky.