Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 27

Nik's POV:

I walked back into the house, leaving Victoria to wait in my G-wagon. She was vulnerable and exhausted, but still, she had insisted that she didn't just bail on Layla without telling her. Even after everything, Victoria was thinking about others. I respected that. The music was still pumping through the speakers, and the atmosphere was just as chaotic as when I left. Numerous couples and random people making out all throughout the space.

I found Layla on the couch, laughing at something Jamal had said. He was one of my good friends, and they seemed to be having a good time, completely oblivious to the tension from earlier. Layla was radiant, her wings perched at an angle as she leaned toward Jamal, her halo slightly askew, adding to the angelic yet mischievous look she had perfected.

"Layla," I called out, keeping my tone neutral as I approached.

She looked up at me, the laughter fading from her eyes as a scowl took its place. "What do you want, Nik?" she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest, the defensive stance unmistakable.

I bit back a sigh, already knowing this was going to be a conversation I didn't have the patience for right now. "I'm driving Victoria back. Are you good here? Do you need a ride?" I asked, trying to keep it straightforward.

"Oh, really?" Layla stood up, her eyes narrowing as she ignored my questions completely. "You don't actually think I'm gonna let you take her, do you?" Her tone was sharp, almost accusatory.

I raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her hostility. "You think I'm gonna do something to her?" I asked, genuinely offended that she'd even suggest such a thing.

Layla didn't back down. "Wouldn't be the first time someone from your family would try something like that," she hissed, the words stinging more than I cared to admit.

I felt a pang of hurt at her accusation, but I didn't let it show. I wasn't in the mood to argue, not with Victoria waiting alone in the car, cold and still recovering from the panic attack. I ran a hand through my hair, letting out a slow breath. "Look, Victoria had a panic attack. I helped her through it, but she's in no state to be here anymore."

"Shit, really?" Concern flickered in Layla's eyes, her defensive stance softening just a fraction.

"Yeah," I confirmed, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. "You can call or text her when she gets home if it'll make you feel better, so you know she's actually safe with me."

Layla hesitated, her eyes searching mine as if she was looking for any sign that I wasn't being sincere. Eventually, she nodded, her arms uncrossing. "I'll call her in like 20 minutes," she agreed, though her tone was still a little suspicious. She glanced at Jamal, who was watching our exchange with a curious but amused expression.

I nodded, relieved that she was finally on board. "Are you sure you're okay staying here? You don't need a ride?" I asked, genuinely concerned.

Layla glanced at Jamal again, her lips curving into a small smile. "Jamal can give me a ride back home," she said, her tone lighter now.

Jamal grinned at her, his dimples appearing as he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I've got her covered, man. Don't worry about it."

I shot Jamal a look, my protective instincts flaring up momentarily, but I shook it off. Layla was more than capable of taking care of herself, and besides, Jamal was a good guy. Still, the urge to make sure she was okay was hard to suppress. But I had other priorities tonight—Victoria needed me more right now.

"Alright," I said finally, turning to head back to the car. "Just... be careful, okay?"

Layla rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of affection in her exasperation. "I will, Nik. Go make sure she's okay."