Chase (Resisting Love #1)(33)

“Who the f*ck is Kyle?” Growls Kade.

“Who hurt you?” James is almost yelling, which is very unusual for him. His control is usually impenetrable.

“What happened Layla? I will f*cking kill this bastard with my bare hands!” Chase booms.

All these three sentences were said at the same time. I address Chase’s comment first. “So, only you’re allowed to hurt me?” I say spitefully. I instantly regret the low blow when I see the look on his face. He looks pained, his gaze dropping to his fists. I clear my throat. I can see Kade and James both looking at me with disappointment. Ah, hell. “Just my ex, he cheated on me and what not. Ryder found out, and completely lost it.”

James asks for the *s full name. Kade grins like he loves James idea. Those two! Chase is staring at me silently, like he is seeing me in a new light, and I know exactly what he is thinking. But Chase is not paying for Kyle’s mistakes. Hell, Kyle was not serious at all, just some guy I was seeing in high school. We all return our gazes to the television and eventually I fall asleep against James’ shoulder.





Chapter Eighteen


I wake up some time later, to the guys arguing. James must have moved me, because I was now alone.

“Why did you even invite her to the f*cking party then, Chase?” That was Kade.

“She comes to every party! I mentioned it and she said she wanted to come because she hasn’t seen any of us in ages. And we are friends, there is nothing romantic between us, but that doesn’t mean I just cut her out of my life. I’m the one who brought her to Australia. I can’t just leave her to fend for herself now. But f*ck, I didn’t even think. I’m not exactly used to having to explain my actions to anyone, or having a woman I intend to keep permanently. I didn’t think about Layla’s feelings. I f*cked up okay!!”

“Why the f*ck are you still taking care of her? She’s a grown ass woman and not your responsibility.” Kade growls. “What happened was f*cked up Chase, we all know it. We all felt it. But it’s been a year. Why are you still putting up with her shit?” Hmm, I wonder what he’s talking about.

“She’s a f*cking friend!” Chase is getting defensive.

“She’s a f*cking blood sucker!” That comment was made by James.

Kade murmurs in agreement.

“I won’t be inviting her anywhere from now on, don’t worry. It was a mistake. Layla is my priority now and I’m not going to do anything to mess it up.”

“You still have to deal with her at work, and she’s so high maintenance, she’s just going to be a bitch on purpose now, to try and get your attention.”

“I know, f*ck. I should just cancel the show. We can get another act; it’s not a big deal. Her regulars might be pissed, but I can’t help that.” Chase replies. Chase’s phone beeps, and he curses. “Speaking of the devil. Problems at the club. Already, for f*ck sake. If it’s Aubrey, I’m gonna be f*cking pissed.”

I open the door and walk over to them.

“Baby, you’re awake.” His voice softens when he talks to me, and I hate that I love it.

“If you’re going to Heat, you are taking me with you.” I can see a muscle in his jaw tick, and his lips and pursed together.

“No way in hell are you going in there babe, but nice try.” I stand up straighter, crossing my arms over my chest.

“What’s the big deal? Unless you are hiding something else?” James and Kade exit the room. Smart men, those two.

Chase considers, and then says, “I’ll take you on one condition. You promise not to leave this house, threatening to move out again. You see something you don’t like, we f*cking deal with it. Together. No running.”

“I promise I won’t run. I don’t have anywhere to run to! But we are over Chase, we aren’t a couple. I can’t deal with this, all the women, all the drama, I’m just going to get hurt, over and over again. We can only be friends.” It hurts so damn much.

“Friends?” he spits the word out with venom. “As long as we are exclusive friends and no one else is touching you, you can label me however you want. Get dressed we will leave in twenty.”

“We aren’t together, so it’s none of your business who I let touch me. You need to understand that Chase,” I say in a heated tone.

Chase glances at me like I’m crazy and I’ve lost my mind. Maybe I have.

“No one is gonna f*cking touch you, you are mine.” he strides over to me and grasps a bunch of my hair in his fist at the back of my head, lifting my face up to his.

“I’m not yours, Chase, not anymore.” I can feel his arousal against my stomach. Apparently us fighting turns him on.

He laughs, and it is not a pleasant sound. It is bitter and sarcastic. With that, he turns around and punches his fist into the wall.

“Fuck!” he roars. Eyes wide, I slowly step back, which earns me an ice cold glare. “Don’t you even try to act like you are scared of me, Layla!” He takes a few deep breaths, trying to gain control. After a few moments, he sighs, resigned.

“You’re pissed now, but when you calm down, you will change your mind. So I will give you this play-for now. But I don’t care what you say, no other man f*cking touches you. Get dressed.” He tries to kiss me but I push him away. His lips pursed in anger, he turns around and heads to his room.