A Glimmer of Hope (The Avalon Chronicles #1)(108)

Layla needed to talk to Tommy about what would happen next. The thought worried her, but she knew he’d be leaving soon too. She couldn’t put it off.

So, after staring at the same page in the book for the better part of a half hour, she went in search of Thomas Carpenter.

She bumped into Jared and Grayson as they moved medical supplies out of the mansion.

“Any idea where Tommy is?” she asked.

“His office,” Jared said, putting the box of supplies on the floor. “You planning on sticking around?”

“Maybe,” she said with a smile. “Depends if I’m wanted.”

“Oh, you’re wanted,” he said, and then realized what he’d said as Remy walked past.

“Smooth, my good man. Real smooth,” Remy said with a chuckle.

“That’s not what I meant,” Jared said quickly. “Well, it is, but it’s . . .” He stopped. “I’m going to shut up now.”

“Wisest thing you’ve ever done,” Remy called from outside.

“I’d like you to stay, and I’m sure lots of others would too,” Jared managed to say eventually, blushing slightly.

Layla smiled. “Thanks. I’d like to stay. I’d like to help.”

Jared nodded several times before stopping again. “Look, I’m not good at this. I’m sort of bad at it.”

“Are you trying to ask her out?” Remy asked from the door.

“Well, you’re not making it easy,” Jared snapped.

“Actually, this is the most fun I’ve had in a week. Please continue.” Remy crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame.

“He’s an asshole,” Jared said.

“I’m no expert, but is discussing assholes usually considered a first-date flirtation?” Remy said with a massive smile.

Jared quickly turned toward Remy. “That’s . . . You’re a degenerate. You know that, right?”

“Yep. Good at it too.”

“Layla, would you like to go out with me on a date or something?”

Remy clapped.

“You’re quite cruel, Remy,” Diana said as she walked down the stairs.

“Oh, I’m only mocking.”

“I’d love to,” Layla said. “But without everyone around us.”

Jared smiled. “Oh, yeah, that’s not going to be a problem because I’m going to kill Remy.”

“Eight lives left, baby,” Remy said.

“I’m going to kill him eight times, apparently.”

Remy walked over to Layla and took her hand in his paw, planting a kiss on it. “It was a pleasure. I hope you stay around. It’s nice to have beautiful and pleasant women to talk to.”

“You know I’m here, right?” Diana said.

“A beautiful, pleasant woman who won’t tear my head clean off.”

Diana chuckled. “Nice catch. If you’re looking for Tommy, he’s in his office. And if you decide to stay, it would be my pleasure to help train you.”

“Run,” Remy whispered.

“I’m going to find my bow and arrows and hunt you for sport, Remy Roux.”

“Fox hunting is illegal in the UK,” he said smugly. “It’s barbaric.”

“I never said I was going to kill you. Just maim. Maybe a little off the tail.”

Remy sighed. “And the fun sponge has arrived.”

“What did you call me?” Diana asked, as Remy winked at Layla and walked out of the front door.

“Remy is . . . unique,” Jared said.

“He is that.”

Jared pulled out a piece of paper and wrote his phone number on it, passing it to Layla. “Not sure if you have it, but when you’re ready, give me a call.”

Layla nodded and watched as Jared picked the box back up and walked out of the mansion.

“He’s cute,” Kasey said from behind Layla.

Layla turned and was immediately embraced in a tight hug.

“It’s been a pleasure. I hope you decide to stay.”

“I’m trying to find your dad to say that exact same thing.”

“He’s about. This place is going to be empty soon, and that’s a little weird. I hope you’re okay after everything you went through. Our world can be a rough one, and you had a harsher introduction to it than most.”

“I’m dealing with it. I still have nightmares, but the spirits are helping with those.”

“Good. I wouldn’t want to see you hurting. Elias is never coming back. Trust me on that one.”

Kasey picked up a rucksack and slung it over one shoulder. “Well, I’d better get this stuff in the car. You go find my dad. I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you.”

They hugged again, and Layla walked off toward Tommy’s office. She had reached the east wing of the mansion when Harry called her.

“Hey,” he said after jogging over. “You going to stay then?”

“Does everyone know this?”

“I just figured. I’ve already asked and they said yes. Whatever money I need to work, they’ll provide it. They’ve also arranged for me to be able to complete my doctorate, and every student loan to be repaid. I’m literally the happiest person on earth right now. It’s a weird feeling to have.”