“Fallon, I need to tell you something…”
At that point, Luke walks back into the room with a tray of medical supplies. Smiling at Layla as he deposits it on the table. That is the same thing she said to me the last time I saw her. I can't let her leave without finally finding out what is going on.
“Would it be okay if I check you over? Or at least clean your lip up?” he asks.
“Erm,” her gaze shoots to mine first, and I nod in silent agreement. “Yeah… yes. That would be good.”
He kneels in front of where she is sittingand busies himself with wiping her lip. “This is much deeper than I realised, I’m not sure it could heal on its own, and unfortunately, I don’t have the equipment to sew you back up here,” he says as his shoulders slump. Then he frowns. “Is that a bruise on your neck, too?”
She fidgets uncomfortably, her hand flying up to cover her neck, but this time she doesn’t lie. She nods her head a little, more tears springing to her eyes. Luke nods back in answer and finishes up all he can do here.
“We will need to go into the hospital for me to do the rest, but this should do for now,” he smiles with those beautiful eyes of his. “Would you like me to leave for a bit?” His question is aimed at me, but I turn to Layla to see what she says.
“Are you two a couple?” She asks meekly.
“We are,” I say, turning to give Luke a small smile, which makes him puff out his chest proudly.
“Then he should probably know what I need to tell you,” her voice is trembling just as much as her hands are.
Shit, what the hell has she got to say? There is an inkling in the back of my mind, telling me I know exactly why she's here, and why she has come to me.
“The reason he lashed out at me so badly tonight was that he saw someone. Someone other than me that he is obsessed with. The onewoman who did get away and moved on,” she says, trailing off.
“No,” I whisper.
Tears are streaming down her cheeks now, and it's only when Luke slides in next to me on the sofa and brushes my cheek that I realise I am doing the same.
“It’s you, Fallon. You're the one he can't let go.”
“Your ex,” I stammer, taking a breath before continuing. “Is John Tatum?”
“I’m sorry,” she says, jumping to her feet. “I didn’t want you involved, I, just, didn’t know who to turn to.”
But before she makes it to the door, I'm on my feet and chasing after her.
“Layla, wait,” I call to her, and she freezes on the spot.
I step around so I’m face to face with her, and without a word, wrap my arms around her. Her body sags into mine, as her arms squeeze me like I'm her lifeline.
“I’m so, so sorry,” she pants into my neck. “I should never have searched for you. I should never have booked in under fake names at the salon. I just… didn’t know what else to do.”
“Don’t be sorry. You did exactly what you needed to do. I know what he is capable of, and how hard it is to find someone you can speak to.” I know this more than most. Holding her tighter, I move my hand in soothing circles on her back. “He won’t get away with it this time.”
