Wilde at Heart (Completed)

Chapter 25

Canon sighed and pulled Layla down so she was lying on his chest and wrapped his arms around her waist. "We just have to find Alison's contact," he said.
"Where's Alison?" asked Layla curiously, "What happened to her?"
"After the trial," said Canon, "She went to Europe and records show she never came back. Jason says she is here in the US according to his informant. I don't know why but he has a hunch he said, and his hunches are usually right."
Layla squeezed Canon's shoulders comfortingly and said, "We'll find them."
Canon nodded and then Layla turned so she could lay her head on his chest. The room was quiet for a few minutes then Canon spoke as his arms clutched Layla tightly to his chest. Oddly enough, he felt better now that he had confided in Layla. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest and he could breathe deeply now. Layla was so proud he trusted her enough to talk to her honestly and confide in her. It made her feel so special. "I like holding you," he whispered suddenly, his face buried in her hair.
Layla's eyes flew open as she contemplated an answer for a moment. "I like it when you hold me," she whispered back.
His arms tightened and he said, "Good. Good."
"We are so not normal," she muttered, closing her eyes and mentally comparing their relationship to other couples. Normal couples went on dates, met the parents, not snuggled in bed or held each other every chance they got. Yet with the press, she knew going out to eat at a restaurant or seeing a movie would be very difficult now and more exhausting than relaxing. And meeting the parents was out of the question. The more she thought about it, the more she liked the arrangement they had going. Just being with Canon was enough for her anyway. It seemed he felt the same way.
"Normal is overrated," proclaimed Canon, flicking her nose.
Layla giggled and moved so she was lying by his side her arm draped across his chest and their legs entangled. His arms were around her waist and her head rested on his shoulder. They lay in silence until Canon asked, "Layla, you know that question you asked me earlier?"
"Hmmm?" Layla was almost asleep.
"The one where you asked what we were?" prodded Canon hesitantly.
Layla was wide awake. "Do you think you can wait till Saturday for my answer?" asked Canon, "I promise you won't be sorry."
Layla rose up on her elbow so she was leaning over him and gave him a quick kiss; a little disappointed but more curious than anything. "Of course," she whispered, trailing kisses down his cheek.
He seemed relieved. "Good," he murmured, running his fingers through her hair, marveling at how soft her curls were.
"So why do I need to wait for Saturday?" asked Layla curiously.
Even though it was dark in the room and she couldn't see his face, she heard the smirk in his voice. "You'll just have to wait and see."
Layla huffed. "Fine," she grumbled, rolling over.
"Hey," he said, "Please don't be mad."
Layla giggled and pulled his arms around her waist and said, "I'm not mad, silly."
"Silly?" questioned Canon, his voice laced with amusement, "That's the best you got?"
Layla rolled her eyes even though he couldn't see her and said, "Whatever."
......
The next morning, Layla realized she'd received about thirty-seven texts and phone calls from Rose and Jester.
"Hey," she smiled as she walked into the kitchen.
Canon turned from his position in front of the stove and said, "Good morning."
She held up her phone and said, "Apparently, Jester and Rose think I've been kidnapped by zombies."
Canon chuckled and Layla perched on the bar as she called Jester's phone. He answered on the first ring. "Oh thank the minions," he yelled, "Layla are you alright."
"I'm fine," Layla assured, "I'm at Mr. Wilde's Estate."
Jester's voice was frustrated and Layla felt guilty for worrying him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Layla shrugged and took a bite out of an apple Canon handed her and said, "I'm sorry. I was tired. I didn't realize I had to check in with you, you pine nut."
"Whatever," Jester sounded slightly placated.
"Hey, where's Rose?" asked Layla suddenly remembering Jester's date the night before, "How'd the date go?"
"Uh, fine," he muttered, "Rose is here."
Layla grinned as she commanded, "Well, hand the phone to her."
"Layla, check out the newspapers gossip page," ordered Rose, "And ever tabloid in the city has something about you and Canon in it. You broke the internet."
"Canon where's the paper?" asked Layla.
"Living room," he answered, putting their omelets onto plates.
Layla walked into the living room and picked up the paper off the coffee table. Unfolding it, she glanced through the pictures of her and Canon up to the one that had been taken of them last night as they exited her apartment. The caption read: Prince Charming Carries Cinderalla Off Into the Night.
Layla read that one out loud and frowned while Rose giggled on the other end of the phone. "Cinderella huh?" chuckled Rose.
Layla groaned and said, "I don't even want to see what the tabloids have on us. It's probably scandalous."
"You got that right," said Rose. Layla heard paper rustling and Rose continued, "I made Jester go out and buy every tabloid in the city this morning. Some of this stuff is absolutely awful, Layla."
Canon walked in the room with their plates loaded with breakfast and Layla said, "Hey got to go. I'll see you at the office."
"Bye."
Canon frowned when he saw the open newspaper then sighed. "I suppose this is to be expected," he muttered, setting the plates down on the coffee table.
Layla pulled him down to sit beside her, a teasing grin on her face. "Forget all about them," she whispered, dropping kisses on his face, "Nothing else matters but you and me."
"I like the sound of that," grinned Canon, pecking her nose.
"Where's Mary?" asked Layla as she devoured the omelet.
"I gave her the day off," said Canon, "She wanted to go visit her sister's children. She'll be back tonight."
Layla nodded and the two finished eating before leaving for work.
.......
As soon as they drove out of the Estate, hordes of reporters followed them all the way to Wilde Brothers Incorporated. Carter had to shove them out of the way so Canon and Layla could get inside. "Are you alright?" asked Canon anxiously when they got inside.
"Yeah," answered Layla breathlessly.
She was a little dazed from all the camera flashes and shouted questions. Everyone was staring at them and while they didn't approach, Layla saw the hostility in the women's eyes and was slightly scared that she'd just endangered her life. She took a look at the "South's Most Eligible Bachelor" aka Canon, and grinned while Canon looked at her worriedly. "Layla, are you sure you're alright?" he asked in a low voice.
"Perfectly fine," she purred in his ear, "I just realized I managed to snag the "South's Most Eligible Bachelor" out from under everyone's noses, hot stuff."
He grinned and asked as he steered her towards the elevator, "Did you just call me hot?"
She smiled sweetly even though a blush was coloring her cheeks. "Yup, and you better remember it because it isn't going to happen again."
Canon pouted and Layla laughed as they walked past Rose into the office, ignoring the warning looks Rose was trying to give her. "Well," spoke up a feminine voice once they stepped inside, "About time you arrived."
Layla peered around Canon to see Sophia. She sat behind Canon's desk but stood when they entered the room.
The woman looked good; Layla had to give her that. Her cocktail length silver gown fit her perfectly and matched her silver high heels. Her hair was in a sleek up-do and her makeup was flawless. "What are you doing in my office?" growled Canon.
Layla could sense he was angry and she laid her hand on his back to soothe him. It seemed to work because he took a deep breath and his voice was calmer as he said again, "Sophia I don't know how many times I'm going to have to tell you, we're over. We were never really together to start with. I'm not marrying you now or ever. Please understand that and leave."
Layla grinned mischievously and said, "The ship has sailed without you, madam." She mimicked a bird in flight and said, "The birdie flew. Bye, hasta la vista, gone, forgotten, adios."
Layla realized she was being rude, but she couldn't find it in her heart to care. Canon was hers and Sophia needed to get over it. The flare of possessiveness and jealousy caused her to stand on tiptoe and press a kiss to Canon's cheek. Canon had a small smile on his face as he knew that she was staking her claim as he said, "Goodbye Sophia."
Sophia flew at Layla and slapped her viciously. A red handprint flared up on Layla's cheek as her mouth dropped open. "This is all your fault, "she screamed, "If you hadn't come along, he would have been mine."
Layla stood shocked, her hand cradling her stinging cheek as Canon gripped Sophia's arm tightly. "Canon," she squeaked, "You're hurting me."
"Good," he said, his eyes dark, "I want you to understand something, you will not ever touch Layla again. Do you understand?"
She nodded frantically and Canon turned to Carter who had stepped inside the room so quietly no one even knew he was there at first. "Carter," commanded Canon, "Escort Sophia out and she is never to be allowed to enter the building again. If she tries, call the police. The same goes for the Estate."
Carter nodded and took Sophia's arm, pulling her towards the door. Rose poked her head in the door worriedly and then saw Layla cradling her cheek and exclaimed, "I knew it. That no good two timing tramp."
She rushed to Layla and pulled her hand away saying, "Someone should rip off those fake fingernails of hers and chop off her hair and dip her in boiling tar."
Layla smiled weakly and Canon stared worriedly at Layla as he asked, "Layla are you alright?"
She nodded and Rose snapped, "Mr. Wilde could you go get me some ice, please. Layla's cheek is going to swell if not."
Canon disappeared out the door and Rose said, "If you put some ice on it, it won't swell too badly."
Layla grinned and took the ice Canon showed back up with and said, "I'm only upset I didn't slap her back, man-stealing hoe."
Rose giggled and nodded to Canon as she went back to her desk in the hall. "Are you sure you're alright?" asked Canon, inspecting her cheek.
"I'm fine," assured Layla, "That's nothing compared to what I'm used to."
Canon's eyes darkened and he growled, "No one will ever hurt you again, my love. I promise."
Layla smiled tremulously and rested her head on Canon's chest as he tugged her into his arms.
Rose interrupted their moment as she stuck her head back in the door, a manila envelope in her hand. She grinned as Layla and Canon broke apart awkwardly and said, "Your attorney dropped these off earlier this morning, Mr. Wilde."
"Ah," said Canon, taking the envelope and smiling, "Thank you, Rose."
Rose nodded and left the room, winking at Layla on her way out.

What's that?" asked Layla curiously, still holding the icepack to her cheek.
"Your contract," said Canon, going to sit behind his desk and making room for the papers he was taking out of the envelope. Layla set the icepack on the edge of his desk and began to read through the contract. Basically, it was nothing but an agreement on salary, work hours, and a confidentiality statement until she got to the last page. "What's this?" she asked glaring at Canon.
Canon had the grace to look a trifle embarrassed. "What do you mean?" he asked innocently.
Layla narrowed her eyes on him and said, "According to this contract, I'm not allowed to quit or in any way leave your services for the next five years, and I have to live with you in that duration of time."
Canon shrugged, grinning wickedly. "My lawyer has wild ideas sometimes," he said innocently.
Canon watched as she studied his face for a moment and then grabbed a pen. She signed her name with a flourish and then came around the desk and grabbed his chin.
"You crazy man," she murmured, before pressing her lips to his.
An hour later, Canon was deep in conversation with Jason on the phone. "He's not there?" asked Canon aggravated.
"No," answered Jason, "Just his ex-wife who claims to not know where he is. And get this, the man was just released from prison. The woman did get me a picture of him though. Apparently this guy was charged with abuse. He's one scary looking dude."
"I wonder why," stated Canon sarcastically.
"There are no letters on this end," said Jason, " They've been destroyed, lost, or somewhere I can't find them. I'm going talk to the warden of the prison tomorrow and see if he has any idea where Leon could have gone. He's only been out of prison for a month. This man was definitely involved in the murder of your mom and sister though. We've got our man."
"I see," said Canon thoughtfully.
"Oh," added Jason, "I've been watching that Swiss bank account of Alison Porter's. The woman is alive somewhere or a ghost is making withdrawals."
"Thanks Jason," said Canon, "We're a few steps closer now. Call me back when you get more news."

..........

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