Wilde at Heart (Completed)

Chapter 17

As she got closer, she recognized both men. One was Carter and the other was Jason, the man she had met at the gala. She continued down the stairs hearing the low murmur of their voices. They looked up at her and Jason smiled, his boy-like features lighting up. "Ah, you must be Layla," he said, "The woman from the charity gala. I never forget a face."

Layla raised her eyebrows and said rather bluntly, "And why are you here?"

She knew it was rude but after all it was midnight and they were in Canon's house.

Carter chuckled and said, "Miss Kelly this is Jason, Canon's private investigator. We dropped by to speak to Canon."

Layla raised her eyebrows as she said, "I see. What is he investigating?"

"Mr. Wilde will have to answer that question," stated Carter guardedly.

"Speaking of the devil," chuckled Jason, "How is he?"

"Asleep," answered Layla calmly, "What happened?"

"I'm afraid I can't disclose the rest," answered Carter frankly.

"I know about his mother and sister being murdered," stated Layla, noticing the shock appear on both men's faces, "Why didn't you two stop him earlier today?"

Jason shifted uncomfortably and said, "I was out of town on business."

Carter nodded and said, "And I'm assigned to keep Mr. Wilde from bodily harm, but everyone knows when the boss goes down the path of self-destruction, he will drag anyone down with him. It's best to just let it run its course."

"Even at the cost of his life?" questioned Layla in disbelief, "Look I don't know what he's going through right now, but obviously it's something big."

"We wouldn't have let him kill himself," argued Jason feeling like a scolded little boy.

"No," agreed Carter, "But we would have had to bodily restrain him and it would have gotten nasty. It was easier and much more effective to just call you."

Layla blew out a breath of air and said, "What brings you two men here at this hour of the night?"

"Just checking on Canon," answered Jason, "We have some business to discuss with him as I said."

Noticing Layla's frown he tacked on hastily, "But that can wait for morning of course."

Layla nodded satisfied before proceeding into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of water. She took the steps slowly glancing back down at the two men seated in the living room.
Walking back into Canon's bedroom, she shut the door behind her and turned around to find herself pulled tightly into an embrace. "Canon," she whispered, looking up at him.

"I thought you were just a dream," he said huskily, "And when I woke up and you were gone, I was sure of it."

Layla rubbed his back comfortingly as she looked into his tired wan face. "Come on," she said softly, "Let's go back to bed. You're still exhausted."

He didn't move. "Are you sure you're real?" he whispered, "I've had dreams, but when I wake up you're always gone."

Tenderly, Layla pushed herself up on her tip-toes and kissed his chapped lips. He kissed her back gently, like she was porcelain and would break at the lightest pressure. "Does that feel real?" she asked.

He smiled and cocked his head to the side. "I don't know; can we try again?" he asked.

Layla giggled and pulled him towards the bed lying down next to him. She laid her head on his chest, listening to his heart beat. He let out a tired contented sigh and pulled her closer so that she was draped over him her legs tangled up with his and her hand on his chest. They lay in silence a moment and then Layla said, "Mary said something about you having nightmares again when I talked to her the other day. Did you used to have them a lot?"