[MC #1] Biker's Treasure [Ghost Series Part 2]

Chapter 4 - Layla

I can't.

I can't tell him.

I told Lia I would explain everything, but I can't.

What if he changes his mind?

What if he decides he doesn't want me?

"Layla?" John notices my reluctance. He sits next to me on the bed, waiting for me to speak.

"I-I don't know if I can do this. I don't want you to hate me." I quietly murmur, but he still catches it, putting his arm around me and pulling me into his chest.

"I could never hate you. Just tell me what it is. I know something's going on, I noticed how protective Lia was. Are you in trouble? I can help, I can keep you safe, but you need to tell me what it is." He looks worried. I don't want to worry him, he has enough on his shoulders with the club and all.

I breathe a deep sigh before speaking. "My real name is Michelle Lans. I had to change it for safety purposes." I'm cut off before I can continue.

"You are in trouble, aren't you? What is it?" John completely ignores the fact that I just told him I'm not who he thought I was.

"I was sent here to live with my uncle and cousin... to hide from the people after me. – I glance at him only to see him looking at me with imploring look – I... I witnessed my dad's murder. The people who killed him are after me. I've been hiding for almost a year, moving from one place to another, until it was decided that I would live with my uncle, who was the chief of the local police, but then he moved out, so I'm alone." I'm pulled onto John's lap, as he caresses my hair and back, just quietly holding me as I cry. I hate showing him how weak I am, but just thinking about what I saw brings me to tears.

John seems to be deep in thought about what he just heard, then asks: "Lia knows, doesn't she?"

"She does. That's why she suggested I stay at her house over the summer. She said she doesn't want me to stay alone." I quietly say, still nestled in his arms. "She's been really protective ever since she heard about it. I know she talked to the bikers in San Francisco about keeping an eye on me. They're a part of your club, aren't they?" I question curiously, wiping the tears off my cheeks. John gently pushes my hand away, instead using his own to get the moisture off my skin. He strokes my cheek with his thumb, a worried look etched in his gorgeous face.

"They will not give up. I saw their faces and they saw mine. The detectives in charge of the case said that it's safer to change my name and stay hidden until they catch them. That's why I went to school here under a fake name. I told Lia about all this when she was still at the hospital. And after she learned that my uncle and cousin moved out, she decided to bring me here with her. Lia and Blake are the only ones who know about this, well, apart from you." I look up to see John's expression, suddenly feeling shy.

"Don't worry, my treasure. As long as you're with me, no one will hurt you." There is pure conviction in his voice.

Before I can say anything, there's a knock on the door. I look at John questioningly, but he just grins and calls out for the person to come in. A guy I met earlier, the one with the 'prospect' patch comes in, carrying a tray filled with food and drinks. His eyes widen slightly at the position John and I are in as he takes the tray to the small coffee table in the room.