LOGINShare
33. Things We Hide
Last Updated:
2024-11-02 05:57:49
Moonlight Muse:)
Related chapters
Till Death Do Us Lie 34. Why Now
~ LAYLA ~He doesn’t move and I don’t let go, one hand clutching his shirt, the other gripping the towel that is soaked through, waiting for the shampoo to wash out when I feel his fingers in my hair. Massaging it soothingly as he combs out the shampoo.My heart hammers as I slowly open my eyes. Up close, I can see him properly. His green eyes burning into me.“I…”“I hope you have more to say, or I might just assume you stopped me from leaving the shower for an entirely different reason,” he murmurs, his gaze flickering to my lips.I’m not stupid, but I don’t understand what’s happening, and that’s why I want an answer.“Why now?”He cocks a brow as he brushes my hair completely back.“Why are you saying this now? Why didn’t you say anything when I was considering Logan?” I ask, masking the pain in my chest.Why are you making things harder for me now by giving me mixed signals?I dare not say that out loud.“Would you have wanted me to?” he asks, now looking me in the eye.I frown sl
Last Updated : 2024-11-02Till Death Do Us Lie 35. A Place From The Past
~ QUADE ~She’s ready when I get there, and we leave within a few minutes. Julian is quiet, strangely quiet since usually he always seems to have something to say. Twenty minutes into the journey and I realise Layla is abnormally quiet, too. The only time she spoke was when she gave me the address to her old summer villa.An address she gave without any doubts or confusion. Whoever put that information in her head did an excellent job.“Is everything ok?”“Yeah, yes, it is. You know it’s just a lot has happened. Sometimes life can be unpredictable. I was just thinking about how things have changed.” She smiles gracefully at me, crossing her legs as she sits back.I nod. “Want to talk about it?”There’s something weighing on her mind, that’s for certain. Is it a coincidence that both Julian and her were oddly quiet this evening? Did she mention Nikita to him? Did he tell her something?“No, it’s alright, it’s nothing really.” She declines politely.“If you’re sure.”After we had left th
Last Updated : 2024-11-02Till Death Do Us Lie 36. Not Adding Up
~ LAYLA ~Where’s the tree that was here? There was a huge row of oak trees that made the side up. The rail track is on the other side, so where have those trees gone? Did they cut them down?It makes me sad knowing that they got rid of those trees that were so old, and the memories I had of mother attached to them… I’ve not come here in years, Nadia kept advising that it would only hurt and she’s right. Not seeing those trees that we sat under, it stung.It feels like the recollections of my mother are being ripped away from me too. I stop in my tracks, staring at the dirt ground. The pond should have been here. There’s no way that it didn’t even leave any sort of sign, even if it was dried up or built over.Do I have the wrong place? No… I recognise parts of it, I wasn’t that young that I’d have imagined it.“Layla. What are you looking for?”I shake my head, not wanting to sound stupid. “I guess it's been so long that I can’t really recollect the location of the pond.”“That can hap
Last Updated : 2024-11-02Till Death Do Us Lie 37. Persistence
~ LAYLA ~“I saw it when I searched the location. I guess it did take a little browsing and searching a little deeper to come across it.”I’m not buying it… he’s smooth, almost as if he’s telling the truth, but I know for a fact he isn’t.“That’s a lie.”“Excuse me?” He cocks a brow.“I told you the address in the car, and you weren’t even on your phone for a minute even. You put the address in and voila, you saw it instantly? That isn’t what you’re saying now.”“That’s highly insulting, Layla. You’re blatantly accusing me of lying,” he replies, his voice quiet yet still calm.“I apologise if it comes off rude, but it is a lie.”“It isn’t. I did find it when I searched the location.”“Then show me. I mean, I told you the address just a little earlier, then I’m presuming you have the search history still fresh on your phone,” I counter swiftly.He rests his head back against the headrest and sighs. “Fine. You caught me.”“Excuse me?” I ask, my heart racing.“When you mentioned the villa
Last Updated : 2024-11-03Till Death Do Us Lie 38. Temptation
~ LAYLA ~I gaze out into the darkness, admiring the moon that shies away behind the clouds. But even if it’s mostly hidden, the warm glow from it casts a serene light over the deck and garden.After we had eaten, I showered and got ready for bed. It’s been a long day.Quade told me to take the main bedroom, the one that’s decorated. I now glance at the bed, smiling slightly at the petals that cover it. I walk over to the bed, ready to shake the sheet off when there’s a knock on the door, and I look up to see Quade standing there. He’s freshly showered, wearing light-coloured sweatpants and his shirt is left open as if he threw it on as an afterthought.“Are you headed to bed already?” he asks. My heart races as his eyes trail over me, lingering on my thighs. I’m wearing a satin slip dress with an extremely short gown wrapped over. Neither covers much of my legs.“I think it’s best I do?”“And why is that?” He enters the room as he walks over to the bedside table, placing his phone dow
Last Updated : 2024-11-08Till Death Do Us Lie 39. Desire
~ QUADE ~I kiss her hungrily, wanting to do this for far too long, and if she refused me tonight, I would have gone crazy. Her tantalising kisses when she was drugged have been on my mind. Being around her fuels those feelings, and I’m a fucking man. And although we are not exclusive, ever since I saw her again, I want only her.I tighten my hold on her neck as I kiss her passionately. Her eyes are hooded with lust, that beautiful blue that reminds you of the ocean. I let go of her neck, wrapping my arm around her waist, the other cupping her face as I kiss her, carrying her to the bed. I place her down, my eyes raking over her as I climb between her legs and claim her lips in a kiss once more.She pushes my shirt down, tugging it off and dropping it onto the bed beside her as her hands roam my body. I can smell her arousal, that slight intoxicating scent that wants me to ravage her and never stop. I attack her neck again with kisses as I undress her swiftly, tossing the flimsy pieces
Last Updated : 2024-11-08Till Death Do Us Lie 40. Reminiscing
~ LAYLA ~I sit up and flinch at how sore my pussy feels. I feel good though; I don’t remember the last time I’ve had such intense orgasms, or when I’ve moaned so loudly. Just the thought makes my core clench.I’m only wearing my gown, and it barely covers my thighs, the marks of our passion remain clear, and I reach for my glasses before putting them on and gazing down at the red marks that cover my thighs, mostly from where he had held me.Oh, he was good, and you aren’t meant to fuck your business partners. Yet, I did just that. But I have no regrets.I bite my lip, gazing outside at the moon for a moment before looking at the man who lies beside me. The sheet covers him from the waist down, his arms behind his head, his muscles bulging and his chest rising and falling. He doesn’t snore, that or he isn’t asleep.Sighing softly, I run my fingers over the mark where he had held my thigh as he fucked me remains; I blush, unable to suppress the small smile that crosses my lips. Julian’s
Last Updated : 2024-11-08Till Death Do Us Lie 41. Memories of Ice
~ LAYLA ~“Come to me, Layla.”“Come to me.”“Come to me!”Why are there voices in my head? I look around, confused, as I stand at the edge of the pond.Winter’s fallen, and it’s all iced over. Why are we here in winter?Didn’t we only visit during warmer seasons?I tilt my head as my body moves forward and I walk onto the ice. This is dangerous. Why am I not stopping?“Layla!”Someone’s calling me in the distance, but I still go on, laughing as the ice cracks beneath my feet. Why am I finding this completely normal? Move!But my legs have a mind of their own.“Layla! Get back! That’s dangerous!”It’s that voice again…I try to turn but my body doesn’t move. Instead, I do a twirl on the ice, enjoying the cool air that rushes through my hair. The pinch of biting cold at the tip of my nose makes me smile.“Layla, Goddess! Layla, don’t do this to me. Come here, you know it’s dangerous.”“It’s not, live a little, Tray! Join me.”“Layla, I can’t come to you. I’m too heavy. Please come here.
Last Updated : 2024-11-10
Latest chapter
Till Death Do Us Lie 72. A Dance
~ QUADE ~She’s hot and cold, her emotions unpredictable, wearing them as a mask to keep what she’s hiding from me a secret. Why was she out here when she’s not even coming from the direction of the castle?Her heart is racing, and it is not from the kiss we shared outside. She’s acting normal, but I can’t really trust that. Tonight might just be the day we start digging up the past…She’s now talking to a few women, and I step back slowly drinking my champagne as I spot Julian brooding in the corner. If looks could kill. I smirk as his cold green eyes snap to mine, and he cocks a brow.I walk over to him and he looks away, motioning a waiter over and takes a glass from the tray.“What do you want?” he asks.I smirk. “I already have everything I want,” I can’t help but remark.“Fuck you, Steele.”“I’m sure Layla might just do that,” I mock.His death glare makes me chuckle. I know this moment is hard for him, and I can’t blame him for that. If I was in his place, I’d be as pissed if n
Till Death Do Us Lie 71. A King's Weakness
~ LAYLA~He’s right… that time he hadn’t stayed in the room… but when I had that nightmare, he had stayed…“Ok, that’s a good idea, I’ll do my best. And then when it’s done, you will tell me the full truth?”He nods. “Of course, now you should really head back to your wedding before they realise the bride is missing.”“Yes.”“When we meet again, Quade will be dead.” It’s a statement, but I don’t argue, nodding instead.“Yes, he will be.”He motions me to go, but I turn slightly away from him first, glancing at the small blade before I reach down and, lifting my skirt, tuck it firmly into my thigh garter, the cold metal pressing painfully against my inner thigh.It should stay in place until I can hide it somewhere else.“Smart,” he remarks, amused, and I try to not to show my irritation as I turn and give him a nod before I make my way back around the marquee. I’m barely halfway around when I see Eddie hurrying around it, coming to an abrupt stop when he sees me.“Luna.”“Are you alri
Till Death Do Us Lie 70. A Favour Called Upon
~ LAYLA ~I glance around before I turn and look around to the left. No one is around. Relax, Layla.“Of course I know that. I haven’t forgotten. It’s not like you told me what you wanted.”I’m not sure, but it feels like he’s smiling under that mask. “Of course, I had to make sure you don’t go spilling the beans. We wouldn’t want Quade to have learned too much if you had.”I scoff, my lips curling in defiance. “I wouldn’t have, but if you keep wasting time, he’ll notice I’m missing.” My eyes dart over my shoulder towards the glow of the marquee.The laughter feels louder now, closer, as though it’s stalking me. I try to remain calm, but the quickening of my breath betrays me. My chest tightens, and I know he sees it. “You’ll get your favour in return for the truth.” The words are steady, but inside, doubt churns like a storm. Have I gotten in too deep? I don’t trust him, not enough to believe him blindly.“The favour first.”“And what exactly do you want?” My voice sharpens, the edge
Till Death Do Us Lie 69. Dangerous Moments
~ LAYLA ~I sense someone watching me, and my eyes skim across the throng of people, trying to keep my calm. When someone in grey brushes past me and I feel the feathery touch of paper brushing my palm, my hand instantly closes around it. I steal a glance at Quade, but he continues to talk to one of the elders.I look down at it, my heart plummeting when I see the words on it.‘Come alone. Garden. By the trees. Don’t make me come to you.’My heart races as I scan the crowd once again, trying to find the man in the grey suit who had brushed past me.I know who sent this. I doubt he was the one who gave me the note, but he must be close.Reagon.The laughter and clinking glasses in the marquee suddenly feel overwhelming. I glance at Quade before excusing myself, and trying to act as casually as possible slip away into the crowd. Being the bride, you can’t really do that, not when the trail of my dress forces everyone to part to allow me out.“I’ll be right back,” I tell someone who trie
Till Death Do Us Lie 68. My Sassy Bride
~ QUADE ~You can imagine how a person might look a thousand times, picture something again and again, and sometimes you’ll imagine it better or worse than it could be. But imagining Layla as a bride? Was a failure.There was no way my mind could conjure up how fucking beautiful she actually looks. There are not enough words to explain just how incredible and mesmerising the temptress before me is. She is a vision.Breathtaking, beyond beautiful, she is the epitome of perfection with the power to bring any man to his knees and I am not no exception.Goddess, Layla.She approaches me, but it feels far too slow, yet I’m unable to go to her, simply frozen in my spot.She’s mine. She’s marrying me.I fucking want her, and that is the problem. I want her, and if she ever fully gets to know me… she’ll fucking hate me. That’s not something I want to think about tonight.She reaches me and that’s when I realise it’s Julian who has walked her down the aisle, right to me.I smirk slightly at hi
Till Death Do Us Lie 67. The Wedding Day
~ LAYLA ~I’m getting married to Quade Steele, the Lycan King. A man who has more secrets than I can keep track of.It still doesn’t feel real.I take a deep, shaky breath as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.I had settled on the dress Quade had picked out. I don’t know why. I shouldn’t have, but it was gorgeous and he chose it just… Goddess, no.I exhale in frustration, making the woman working on adjusting my veil pause.“I’m fine, carry on.” I smile the best I can as I look at the shimmering smoky eye makeup, the soft blush, the bold red lips. I wanted that.I’m wearing contacts today and my hair is curled and put up in an elegant updo. Diamonds hang in my ears, and I had debated on a necklace but then decided against it. The veil is long and detailed and makes me look extremely elegant.The dress itself is made of net in the palest shade of champagne, its low cut fitts to the knees before it flows out with an extravagant trail, beads and embroidered flowers cover the entire d
Till Death Do Us Lie 66. Dresses
~ LAYLA ~I did something I know I shouldn’t have.My heart is racing, and I feel nervous just thinking about the consequences if he finds out it was my doing. And when he finds out, will he suspect me?My stomach twists and I feel nauseous. A few hours ago, whilst Quade had been out, I had managed to go visit Nikita, only to find her nearly dead with a dagger in her stomach, bleeding out onto the floor down there.Although my every instinct was telling me to leave her, I couldn’t. Unable to leave the woman who is about to die down there. So, I moved her. She was light and easier to carry than I thought, and I managed to sneak her to one of the unused corners of this castle.I had applied some healing balm and wrapped up her wound. There was too much damage for me to stitch her up and now it all depends on her, if she’ll be able to heal or not. But I just couldn’t let anyone find her.I had then sprayed some scent disguiser along the hall and in the room before I had left her to clean
Till Death Do Us Lie 65. A Sapphire
~ QUADE ~I look at Nikita from the chair I’m sitting in, drinking some bourbon, a frown on my face. The smell of blood is slick in the air, mixing well with the strong smell of the alcohol in my hand.“I’m growing tired, Nikita. Truly. You may be my sister, but that doesn’t really stand for much. I’m sure you know that by now. You’re only alive because I don’t have that crystal in my hand,” I remark quietly.She simply glares at me. “I don’t care. I will die before I tell you where that Sapphire is,” she sneers.“What are you going to do with it? You don’t have blood from that pack in you for it to work,” I remark.She frowns. She knows I’m right, even though I don’t know how exactly the power of it can be reached, but she definitely wouldn’t be able to. Yet she’s adamant to keep it from me.“What do you want, Nikita?”She’s quiet for a moment, and I stand up and now walk over to her, crouching down in front of her. I take hold of her chin, forcing her face up. There’s defiance in her
Till Death Do Us Lie 64. Confusion
~ JULIAN ~The rain patters down on my car as I drive towards Quade’s home. His words swirling in my mind. The final moments before I left that car replaying in my mind. He looked almost… hurt.Almost.I shake my head, parking up in the shadows and slip through the trees and over the wall. I don’t think Quade is back yet. Good.I then take out my phone and call Nadia.“Hello, dear,” her voice comes.“Hey, I’m outside. Think you can let me in? I wanted to have a word with Layla.”“Oh of course, but you are welcome here, aren’t you? You could use the door.”“I don’t want to run into Quade.” It’s the truth.She pauses for a moment before she speaks. “Very well then, come on around to the back. I’ll let you inside.”I smile. Nadia is the best.Once I’m let inside, I make my way up to Layla’s room before I take my phone out and message her.JULIAN: Hey.I glance down the hall as I wait for a reply, hoping no one comes up.LAYLA: What is it, Julian?I pause at the reply, scrolling up, a remi
