Avianna was absolutely thrilled to see Layla waiting for her after school. As they walked home, the little girl buzzed with energy and managed to coax Layla into the garden for a game of hide-and-seek.
That day, Layla decided against going to the hospital. She got a text from Mathias Knight asking her to bring him dinner. Since Mathias was Sebastian's nephew, Layla was wary of taking any more money from him, so she politely declined.
"I didn't work today, but I'll bring you food some other time—no need to pay me," she texted back. Though she was in dire need of cash, Layla was determined to save up enough for driving lessons. She couldn't exactly explain where the extra money came from if Sebastian ever asked. Taking handouts from his nephew? That would only complicate things.
When Mathias didn't reply, she didn't sweat it. She just tucked her phone away and focused on Avianna. At some point, the little girl found a scarf and thrust it into Layla's hands.
"Mommy, can you cover your eyes with this and try to find me?" Avianna asked eagerly.
Layla took the scarf, frowning. "Where did you get this? It's your daddy's, isn't it? We shouldn't be playing with his stuff."
Avianna shook her head hard, her big innocent eyes wide. "It's one he doesn't use. He said I could play with it. You have to cover your eyes, or it'll be too easy to find me!"
Layla sighed but made sure the garden gate was locked tight so Avianna couldn't dart outside. Once satisfied, she gave in. "Alright. I'll put this on and find you. But stay close, okay? I need to be able to actually catch you."
"Yay!" Avianna clapped her hands, bouncing with excitement.
The second Layla tied the scarf over her eyes, little giggles exploded around her as Avianna darted back and forth. "Mommy, over here!" and "You can't catch me!" taunted the tiny voice.
With the world gone dark, Layla chased the sound, hands outstretched, stumbling every few steps.
That's when Sebastian got home. As his car pulled into the driveway, he spotted Layla playing hide-and-seek with his daughter. He signaled the driver to stop, not wanting to break the spell of the moment.
From inside the car, he watched, captivated. A young woman, early twenties, blindfolded, playing with his five-year-old daughter, who was bouncing around, laughing like she didn't have a care in the world. They looked so carefree, so innocent, so... alive.
Sebastian couldn't ignore the transformation. This was the same little girl who once found it hard to even crack a smile. Dr. Webb had warned him that Avianna showed signs of mild autism. But the child he was watching now? She was just like any other bubbly five-year-old. She'd been starving for a mother's tender love.
For that, he was grateful to Layla. Without her, he would've never seen Avianna's smiles this pure, this joyful.
Not wanting to disturb the sweet moment between Layla and his daughter, Sebastian slipped out of the car, planning to sneak inside unnoticed.
But then Avianna darted right toward him, ducking behind his legs and calling out, "Mommy, I'm right here! What's taking you so long? Come get me, I promise I won't run!"
Sure that Avianna was right there, Layla lunged toward the voice, her hands clamping onto someone as she laughed in victory. "Gotcha! Now where do you think you're going?"
She yanked off the scarf—and her triumphant grin froze into sheer shock. She hadn't caught Avianna. Her hands had landed on Sebastian's... butt.
Heat flooded Layla's face. She jerked her hands away as if burned, stumbling backward. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry, Mr. Knight! I didn't mean to—I wasn't trying to—"
Awkwardness crashed over Sebastian in a wave. Her hand had been right on his most private area. Warmth rushed to his head, his body going rigid, suddenly way too hot. His ears burned like they were on fire.
But, holding himself together, he straightened up and said, coolly, "Carry on with your game," then strode into the house without another word.
Nearby, Avianna giggled. "Mommy, you didn't catch me! You grabbed Daddy's butt instead!"
Layla let out a breath. That mischievous little giggle—was this kid doing it on purpose? Why else would she lead her straight to grab... there?
But even through the embarrassment, Layla couldn't shake the feel of it—firm, with a surprising bounce. Oh God. She lightly slapped her own cheek. Stop it. No thinking about Mr. Knight like that.
He was her husband, sure, but there was zero affection between them. She didn't plan on sticking around forever, and she definitely wasn't having his babies. Her plan was simple: make enough to pay off her debt and get out. With that resolve, she grabbed Avianna's hand. "Okay, playtime's over. Let's go wash up for dinner."
Avianna obeyed and followed her inside.
Meanwhile, Sebastian stood under the shower spray, letting the water beat down on him, but his mind kept replaying the feel of Layla's hand on his—
He cursed under his breath. What was he, some desperate teenager, getting this worked up over a single touch? Was it his age catching up to him, making him crave a woman? But no. His wife was vain and manipulative. If he gave in to this lust, he'd be the one losing. It would only make her life easier.
He steeled himself. No matter how badly he might want a woman, he wasn't going to be ruled by his dick. She'd have to come to him willingly. And even then, he'd stay in control, even if it meant paying her off.
That evening, Layla and Avianna sat in the dining room, waiting for Sebastian. As the food cooled, Layla decided to call him down, hoping to save Monica the trouble of reheating everything.
She stood at the master bedroom door and knocked. "Mr. Knight, it's time for dinner."
He'd just finished his shower and gotten dressed, but he still felt overheated, on edge. When he opened the door and saw Layla's natural, stunning face, a flash of unwanted desire hit him. He shoved it back down, face blank.
"Let's go," he said, walking past her, his abs tensing involuntarily as if bracing for another "accident."
"Walk ahead of me," he ordered, a little paranoid.
Confused, Layla did as she was told but couldn't help asking, "Mr. Knight, are you okay? Your face looks a little flushed."
His expression darkened, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his eyes. He schooled his features and replied coolly, "I'm fine. Just mind your own business."
