My eyes strayed to the man sitting two tables away, wondering if he too had super hearing. His distance gave the illusion of privacy, but I knew that he was prepared for anything that might happen. Forde was taking no chances. I was never alone.

How did this happen? I dont get it, why me? I was very average and Forde was, well amazing.

I asked myself the same thing in the beginning with Tony. Even after I told him I wasnt interested in doing a cougar challenge, he didnt give up. Zoes smile turned dreamy at the memories. He was so hot with that dangerous edge. We met at the gym, and he could have had any of those young, firm girls who flocked around him, but he chose me. I mean he saw me, and that was it.

Zoe was striking with a quick wit, plus she was really smart. I could see why Tony fell for her. She was easygoing and made you feel comfortable, where he was intense, which was a lot like Forde. It worked out for you. I mean you two are in love.

Zoe took a sip of her water with lemon and drew her eyebrows together. I think your anxiety has to do with how sure he is, and that sets off all kinds of alarms. You feel out of control and maybe a little trapped? She gave me a questioning look. I know the harder I fought against Tony the more determined and creative he got. She finished with a wink.

A gang just shot up my house a week ago. I felt the tears filling my eyes. I shouldnt be thinking about him like that. My lifes a mess, I shouldnt even be considering getting involved with Forde.

I was walking with Tonys brother, and we got shot at. Geno took one in the a.s.s cheek, she said matter-of-factly. It happens.

I made a strangled sound. I never thought Id be in a place where Id need protection from people trying to hurt me and my friends. I glanced at my shadow. He seemed to be oblivious to my mini-meltdown.

Zoe laughed. I think it happens a lot. After all, it keeps Geno in business, and I think your man takes his share of those cases. Her gaze turned calculating. Tonys been looking into Forde. He knows were friends, and he likes you, so now he feels protective. He hasnt said much, but I can tell Forde must have checked out, or Tony would have stashed you in some safe house.

You said Tony had a bada.s.s job before you met him. What does it mean that he approves of Forde?

She gave me another serene smile, like there was no chaos in my life, and that she hadnt been pushed to the ground during an attack. It means, Tony believes Forde can handle your troubles. I dont know what all he learned, but he made some calls and checked your man out. There are some questions I dont ask, but I trust Tonys opinion and since he hasnt hidden you away, everything must be good.

I let out a deep breath. I feel so out of my element. Fordes come into my life and taken over. He calls me Layla. He said that I wasnt a Marlena. I paused, and Zoe didnt rush me. I dont know if I like being so dependent on him. I barely know him. I ended on a whisper and dropped my gaze.

Zoe took another sip before sharing her history. When I first moved to Columbus, I didnt want to have any responsibilities. I rented an apartment and leased my SUV. I was lost and unsettled after everything that had happened to me. I was injured during a break-in at my apartment, and Tony took care of me when I got out of the hospital. He moved into my place and my bed. He took over and never left. I think I fought it so hard because deep down I knew it was what I really wanted. I was afraid Id get hurt again.

I smiled because I understood her story all too well.

Zoes expression softened and her eyes filled with warmth. My oldest friend asked me if I felt any different after Tony moved in. I realized that for the first time in years, I was sleeping deeply. I didnt have bad dreams or wake up at every sound. I felt safe. I could relax.

I felt a tear fall down my cheek.

Oh honey, I didnt mean to make you cry, Zoe said softly and gripped my hand.

I, uh, Ive never felt safe until I fought a sob as I buried my face in my hand. Never, not even when I was a kid.

When I got my s.h.i.t together, I looked up and Zoe was watching me. Her eyes werent full of pity, instead they were warm and happy.

If Forde can give that to you, then take all hes offering. You deserve it. She nodded. Youve put everybody else first. Take your turn, Layla.

The plan was that after lunch Tony would pick us up, and then drop me off at Limited. Zoe wanted to see Fordes offices, but I think she hoped to see Forde and I interact. So Tony dropped us off in front of the building. While he circled the block, we made our way to the fifth floor.

This is very posh, Zoe whispered as we exited the elevator.

I dont think I have anything to wear to work here, I whispered, too.

We both giggled.

Give me a call this weekend, Zoe took my hand, and if Im not too tired, we can hit the mall.

We approached the office door, and I tried the door. It was locked so I hit the buzzer.

Zoe raised an eyebrow as a female voice inquired, Yes?

Im Layla Shepherd, and Im supposed to meet Forde. I felt kind of silly talking to the box.

The door unlocked, and Zoe reached for the k.n.o.b.

We walked in. This time, there was a pet.i.te African-American woman sitting behind the receptionist desk. She had intricate braids, and her lips were painted a shiny purple. She didnt smile at our approach. In fact, she leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest.

Hi, Im Layla, I said, smiling, and this is Zoe Alessi.

Yeah, I recognize you from your file. She looked me up and down.

I glanced at Zoe, and she gave me a puzzled look. The woman wasnt friendly, in fact she was d.a.m.n rude. We stood in front of the desk for a minute, and it was uncomfortable.

Well, I guess Im done here. Zoe gave me an apologetic look. Give me a call about the shopping.

d.a.m.n, she was going to leave. Thanks for lunch, and tell Tony thanks for the ride. I kissed her cheek.

She opened the door and left.

Ill just sit over there until Fordes ready, I told the woman. I sounded nervous, and that p.i.s.sed me off.

She shrugged.

So I sat down in the same place I had when Id come with Aunt Nora. I noticed there were no magazines to read, so I folded my hands in my lap and stared at them intently.

Im surprised you didnt come with your aunt. The womans voice broke through my zoning out.

My aunt? I was lost. I didnt understand what she meant.

Yeah, she was here about an hour ago. She said she needed to see Forde about making her payment for his taking care of you. She watched me closely as her words sank in.

She saw Forde? I managed. What was that about? Shed told me she had paid him up front. Even with w.i.l.l.i.e.s discount, it was still a lot of money.

I hear youre staying with him. I guess its for your upkeep. She smiled sweetly before continuing, You look like you eat a lot.

Her insult about my weight didnt even register as I tried to piece together what she was telling me.

Well, ah Miss I paused because I didnt know her name.

Nene, my names Nene Lockhart. Again, she flashed the s.h.i.tty-sweet grin.

I had to get out of there. I didnt like this woman and her fake smile. I needed to think through what Nora and Forde were doing.

Jesus, I was an idiot. I stood and grabbed my purse. I just realized I left my phone at the restaurant. I need to go look for it. I made it to the door.

Arent you supposed to have somebody with you? she asked, pretending to be interested.

Since you didnt let Forde know Ive arrived, just give me a few minutes to run over there, and Ill come back. Then you can buzz him or whatever you do. I was pretty proud I came up with that on the fly. I met her gaze for a beat. Then I walked out.

I was moving so fast my knee twinged. I saw a city bus pulling up at the stop, so I switched direction. I slowly climbed the three steps and pulled my pa.s.s from the inner pocket of my purse. I dropped into an empty seat and felt the tears start.

I dug in my purse for a tissue. Now wasnt the time to lose it; I needed to think. I took several breaths and felt anger take the place of the pain. All of this had to be a plan, no a scam. There was no way a man like Forde"rich and handsome"would fall for me. He was working for Nora, who wanted me to be safe.

I felt so stupid. Id believed him. Or was it more that Id wanted to believe him? For once, Id wanted to be special, not handy or capable. I should have known it was all too good to be true.

I hated myself for being so gullible.

Well, thats going to stop right now. I needed to get smart. I looked out the window and recognized where I was. I dug in my purse, upending it, and dumping everything out into the seat beside me. I had seen on some cop show that you could be tracked by your cell phone, so I threw it back into the purse along with all the other c.r.a.p. Next, I dug in my wallet and pulled out all of the cash I had, along with my id and credit card. Everything else I left in the bag. I zipped it closed and stuffed it under the seat in front of me.

The next stop was Glendale mall. I knew there would be a cab hanging around, so I put the cards and bills in my skirt pocket and got off at the stop. If Forde tried to find me, well hed have to do it the old fashioned way, without any tracking technology.

When I finally got home, well to Noras rental, I had to stop next door and pick up the extra key Mrs. Gentry kept. Before Id moved in, Nora had paid her a couple of bucks to let the workers in and to lock up after them. She wasnt too happy that I had taken over that job while I lived in the house.

Girl, you arent coming back to stay over there, are you? The woman leaned against her back door. She had her ever present cigarette hanging from the side of her mouth.

Just for tonight. I didnt have a plan, nor any place to go. I needed time alone to think.

As soon as they took that tape down, a crew showed up and started fixing the windows. She handed me the key.

Ill stop by in the morning and return the key. Hopefully, Id have a plan by then. I knew I could call Zoe and Tony, but I didnt want to tell them how stupid Id been. How I had been duped.

I walked into the house I now hated even more. Somebody had gotten rid of the bullet-riddled sofa and chair. I dropped the key on the kitchen counter and sat on the steps to the upstairs. Christ, what was I going to do? It seemed like protective custody was my only option. At least I would have free housing and meals. Just like the guy that was locked up in jail. G.o.d, Im pathetic.

I sat on the steps for hours. I tried to make plans for now and for after the trial, but my mind kept drifting back to Forde. How easily he had made me believe his lies. He could read me and told me what I wanted to hear. The worst part was that Id started to believe in what he was telling me. Id wanted us to be real.

I should go over and ask to use Mrs. Gentrys phone. I could call the prosecutors office and ask for their help. It would only be for a few weeks. I could take it, the being locked up. The difference between me and Juan Moreno would be that Id be able to walk away one day. I hoped with everything I had, that hed never get that opportunity. Because, if he was ever set free, hed probably kill me.

I needed to disappear.

That would be something Forde would know how to do. The stupid thought appeared like an answer to my prayer. I slapped my hand against my forehead hoping to banish him from my mind.

I was trying to muster the energy to climb the stairs to my bedroom when I heard the locks click on the back door. I felt my body go on high alert, but a part of me knew who was walking through the kitchen. Id always known he would find me.

I turned my head and waited for my first glimpse of Forde in the waning light.

I remember distinctly telling you that if you ever ran from me, I would come after you. His voice was low and angry as he stopped about ten feet in front of me and crossed his thick arms over his chest.

Congratulations, I said, mustering sarcasm.

He pulled out his cell and made a call. Found her at the rental. Then he put the phone in his pocket. His focus returned to me. You dont just f.u.c.king disappear, Lay. He slowly moved closer.

I fought to stay still although my body wanted to scoot backward and up the next couple of steps. An irate Forde was frightening, but I didnt care. I was furious too and hurt. You can drop all of this, Mr. Forde. I know about the deal you have with my aunt. My voice was strong although I was shaking on the inside.

What the f.u.c.k are you talking about? He ran his hand through his hair. Id never seen him like this, a little out of control.

Just, Go. I bit each word out.

He closed in, until he was only two steps away. Tell me why you ran. Everybody was looking for you, Lay. What made you rabbit?

I stopped looking at his boots and met his flashing eyes. I figured it out. Well, your girl Nene dropped a few clues that helped, but now it all makes sense. My shakes were getting worse.

Zoe Alessi said that Nene was a real b.i.t.c.h to you, and Osi reviewed the tape from reception.

Please, my voice shook. Please, just stop this lie. A sob started in my gut, and it tore from my throat. G.o.d Forde, just stop it all. Please. I was crying in big loud sobs. I couldnt stop them.

He fell to his knees in front of me. He cupped the sides of my face. Lay, I dont know what youre thinking, but youve got it wrong.

I lifted my hands to his, trying to pry them off of my cheeks. No. I was begging now. Please stop.

He pulled me into his chest and circled his arms around me. I grabbed onto his shoulders and continued crying for the dream that was all a big fat lie.

We stayed like that until I had no more tears. His cheek was resting against my hair, and I hated that it felt so good. I had to get away from him and the feelings hed generated in my heart. I started to squirm, and he loosened his arms.

Im going into protective custody. Tonight. Im going to make the call so you dont have to keep doing this. I used my arms to push away from him.

He let me, but it was clear he was allowing me move away. He stood and stretched his back. After giving me a long look, he slid in next to me on the step.

I scooted over to make room for him. I should have used the opportunity to run, but hed catch me. Plus, I wanted to hear his explanation.

No, the word came soft but definite.

You dont get to tell me what to do. I intended to sa.s.s him, but my words came out tired and weak.

Really, babe? You think youre going to get away from me again, tonight? One side of his mouth lifted.

Jesus, you can stop this farce anytime. My voice rose in frustration. Stop pretending to care. I know she paid you to take care of me.

Is that what you put together from Nenes words? He ground out the question.

I didnt want to yell anymore. I didnt have the energy. You didnt have to pretend to like me. That was, well, it was cruel. I dont deserve that, after after everything. I looked at my feet. I didnt like the idea of Forde being cruel. It didnt sit right with me.

He put his hand on my linked hands resting on my knees. Layla, I havent lied to you or pretended anything. That isnt the kind of man I am, and after everything youve been through, I would never treat you like that.

I kept staring at my feet. What he said kind of made sense. I licked my dry lips. Then why was Nora at your office? Why did she need to pay you?

He didnt answer right away. I finally lifted my head and looked at him.

Nora showed up without an appointment and demanded to see me. I made time for her because shes your aunt and that means shes family. He paused and let that sink in.

Again, that made sense. Nora had no problem making a scene to get what she wanted. Id witnessed that too many times before.

She got back last night from her cruise and had just seen the house. She was freaked out and worried about you. I told her that you were with me, and you were safe. She tried to give me another check for my people overseeing the clean-up.

I stiffened, because all of that sounded like Nora.