The moon had descended and the sun had risen in what seemed like a blink of an eye to anyone else but Belle had experienced practically every drawn out minute. Layke’s warm body flushed against her had anything other than sleep pacing through her mind, forcing her to frequently toss and turn before she had finally given up on sleep taking over. As she ran her fingers over the material of the bedspread in her Avalon bedroom, Belle questioned her ability to stay sane during the coming weeks, particularly now she had a husband who’s mere voice had her body deceiving her. She resented the effect he had on her, every second in his presence she wanted to either rip his head off or his clothes, there was no happy medium. “I don’t think you’re supposed to look so glum the day after your wedding, Belle.” Sutton commented, noticing the odd quietness in her friend. “Was the package not what you hoped it would be?” Immi insinuated with a pitiful smile. Belle pressed her lips firmly together t

It had been a few days since the incident in Layke’s office and Belle had managed to stay out of his way thus far, as had been her intention all along. What had occurred between them a few days ago was only further encouragement that she needed to keep her distance, her body couldn’t be trusted around him and Nia’s infatuation with him only made it that much more difficult to concentrate when she had her purring in her head. She remembered the smirk Layke wore as her body reacted to his touch, begging him to keep his hands on her and it had drove her crazy, she wanted to slap that smug smile straight off his face. If Immi hadn’t mindlinked her at such a pivotal moment, Belle had no idea where the interaction between them would have ended up. The tracking team were expected to get back in a few hours with some answers on what they had found, meaning she wouldn’t be able to avoid Layke today. Her best bet at dealing with his irritating presence was to go for a run before the enforcers

Belle groaned, noticing the smug ‘I win’ on Layke’s face as she joined the others who were waiting with the SUVs. Not only could she not avoid Layke for the next couple of days, but he had also decided to appoint Belle her own enforcers who were now following her around like lost little pups. Like it wasn’t bad enough Layke treating her like she was fragile, now she had another two egotistical men watching her every move. “Have you noticed my surveillance team?” Belle muttered, descending the stairs. Layke smiled. “I noticed. I approve.” She grumbled in response. “I’ll bet you do.” Layke shrugged unrepentantly. “I like knowing you’re safe.” “And yet you haven’t thrown out Lucifer’s spawn.” Belle shot Sierra a glare, observing how the blonde stared daggers back at her. Belle grinned, if looks could kill – she would be dead. Chuckling, Layke shrugged again. “I know she was difficult in the past, but she’s a good warrior.” Ignoring Layke’s comment, Belle joined her friends by one

Silence had filled the air as Layke and Belle returned to the rest of the group. Considering her clothes had been torn when she shifted into Nia, Laykle had given Belle his t-shirt to wear as they told everyone what they had found. Although it only covered her slightly, he bare legs were still on display for all his male enforcers to see and it made him want to peel their eyes out so they couldn’t look at her. Standing in a protective stance in front of her, causing Belle to roll her eyes, Layke provided directions of the hut to Beau before giving out orders. “It was empty when we found it, it seems like whoever lived there is long gone, but do proceed with caution. I don’t want you getting caught off guard.” “Take Immi with you,” Belle added. “Whoever lived there was a witch, not a faerie. She had left her spell books lying around, although I couldn’t understand the latin to see what spells she was casting. Immi, take a look and see if you can work out what she was up too.” Immi n

Belle had been asleep for the entire journey home, resting in Layke’s arms as he held her in the backseat. When they had gotten back to Midsummer, Layke informed Joe that Belle would catch up with him in the morning before he carried her to her room. Feeling exhausted himself, Layke gently laid Belle down on her bed before laying besides her. He admired her beauty as she slept, enjoying the innocence she portrayed when she was sleeping and couldn’t open her mouth to snap at him with some of her witty attitude. Layke couldn’t help but feel smug as he watched her, completely passed out from him pleasuring her over and over. She’d been so high off pleasure she hadn’t even been able to talk back to him with that defiant mouth of hers. If he had known that was all it took for her to be so obedient, he would have done it much sooner. He pulled her closer to him, her peachy scent helping him relax. He was feeling pretty damn good, pleasuring Belle had been enough from him. She had tasted s