HAUNTINGLY | 18+

26 | Familiar

Xavier's POV

I couldn't sleep all fucking night. I watched the clock crawl to 6 am while Layla was in my bed, sleeping peacefully next to me.

Layla Rose.

After our dinner, I did some digging, stalking her entire life story. Parents gone, brother vanished – it all checked out. She was telling the truth.

But one piece was missing, until she dropped it earlier.

Jason Rose.

I've been on that fucker's tail for five years. Jason, the name I've been chasing. The prick who killed my parents.

It's all starting to connect now. Why Layla felt so damn familiar, why her house triggered something when I dropped her there.

Turns out her place wasn't new to me; I'd been inside her house years ago. Same house where I had to pay a little visit to her sorry excuse for a brother.

September 5, that's the day that bastard killed my parents, then vanished into thin air. He took my parents' life because he couldn't handle a few threats by me and my men when we dropped by to collect the money he owed me.

And now I got his sister in my arms. World's got a twisted sense of humor.

I kept my eyes on Layla, her chest rising and falling with each breath. I wasn't planning on revealing how I knew her brother and the things he did. At least, not for now.

I would eventually tell her, when the time was right. But for the moment, she was the key to locating her brother, and that's all I needed.

I drew a deep breath and kept my gaze fixed on Layla. I gently brushed aside a strand of hair that had fallen across her face.

Despite her connection to Jason, I couldn't bring myself to hate her. She was entirely innocent in this mess.

I knew I was slowly starting to feel something for her.

Fuck. Real emotions were a pain in the ass. I always believed they just made people vulnerable, weak even. But it seemed my fucking heart had its own agenda.

And my dick, but that's a different story.

I slip out of bed, careful not to disturb Layla, and make my way to the balcony, stepping out into the cool air. Grabbing a cigarette from the pack, I ignite it and bring it to my lips, inhaling deeply before exhaling slowly.

For a few moments, I shut my eyes, allowing a deep breath to fill my lungs.

"We've arrived, honey," my mom announces with a smile. I peer out of the window and catch sight of the restaurant.

Sapori D'Italia – my parents' beloved spot. We've been coming this place ever since I could remember.

I swing open the car door and step onto the pavement, observing the stream of people entering the restaurant, absorbed in their conversations.

I make my way inside, my parents trailing behind. The mouthwatering aroma of food instantly envelops me.

Benny's beaming face greets us. "The Wolfe family, welcome," he exclaims cheerfully. "Follow me to your table." With him leading the way, we follow to our booth.

"Thank you, Benny," my dad acknowledges, his own grin lighting up his features. We settle into the booth. "You must know our orders by heart now."

"Two medium-rare steaks with a side of mashed potatoes for the Mr. Wolfe, an alfredo pasta for the Mrs. Wolfe," he declares, then shifts his gaze to me. "And a rotten egg for Xavier, if my memory serves me right." His eyes twinkle with mischief.