For the Love of Layla

by Callie Moss

“What was I supposed to say, Layla? You stood there and tore my fucking heart out. What was I supposed to say!? Tell me the right words and I’ll say them! You’re supposed to be mine!” I just stare at him, his chest rising and falling quickly with anger as those intense eyes bore into me. I’m supposed to be yours, yes. How could I possibly be when I’m living underneath his thumb? God knows what he’ll do to me for coming here. What price I’ll pay for feeling safe for one night? This moment right here with you is all I’ve dreamed of for far too many months. The moment you want to fix things, the moment you fight for me. Of course, it comes when I can’t have you. The deafening sound of another crack forming in my heart nearly drowns out our heavy breathing as I realize what I have to do, to protect myself…to protect him. Wrapping him into this would be wrong, as much anger as I feel towards him he doesn’t deserve my baggage. Not when it comes with such a heavy price. I can’t survive another person I care for having a target painted on their back.