Somebody to Hold (Tyler Jamison #2) - April Wilson Page 0,72
her. After that, her memories are hazy.”
I nod. “When I saw her on video surveillance footage at Chad’s workplace, she was clearly incapacitated. She must have been drugged. She couldn’t even stand on her own.”
Martin looks haunted. “Who knows what those bastards did to her. Even if she wasn’t raped, they still hurt her. And those other girls… there’s no telling what Layla might have seen or heard. She refuses to talk about what happened in the warehouse.”
A moment later, the door to Layla’s room opens and Ian joins us in the hall. “She wants to be alone,” he says.
I pull him into my arms. “She’s going to be okay, Ian. She just needs time.”
Jason and I exchange a glance. “You’re going to have your work cut out for you,” I tell him.
Chapter 27
Ian Alexander
Tyler’s court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, at which time the judge is expected to approve the plea deal and announce the sentence. Tyler assures me he’ll get no more than a week or two in the Cook County jail, but I’m not holding my breath. I won’t be able to relax until we know for sure.
The two of us are seated on the sofa, our feet up on the coffee table as we binge-watch the new season of Disney’s Mandalorian.
Tyler lays his arm across my shoulders and pulls me close. “While I’m away, I want you to stay at the penthouse with Beth and Sam. Or you could stay with your family, if you prefer. I just don’t want you staying here alone.”
“Why?” I think I know why, but I want to hear it from him.
“Two reasons.”
“I’m listening.”
“Well, for starters, I’d feel better knowing you were with family, either yours or mine. You need a support system.”
“What’s the second reason?”
“Turner. It concerns me that you’d be here alone. Knowing what an ass he is, I wouldn’t put it past him to come here and harass you. So, either you go stay with someone, or I’ll have Miguel come stay here with you.”
I run my hand along his thigh, squeezing the firm muscles beneath the denim. “Are you asking me, or telling me?”
He chuckles. “I guess that depends on your answer. I’m hoping you’ll agree to my request—in which case I’m asking. But if you don’t agree, then I’m telling you.” His voice hardens. “I don’t want you staying here alone, Ian. That’s not an option.”
I glance at him, studying his handsome profile. “What does it say about me that I get turned on when you get bossy?”
As he turns to face me, his hand comes up to cup my cheek. “It tells me we’re well suited for each other, because yes, I can be bossy.”
“Can be?” I laugh. “How about you are? Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”
Tyler’s hand slides to the back of my neck, gripping me firmly, and he kisses me. His mouth is demanding and insistent. Swoon. He sure knows how to get me going. All he has to do is pound his chest or growl at me and I melt.
“I’m a grown man, Tyler,” I tell him as I try to keep a straight face. I don’t really want to argue with him, but I want to see how he responds when I do. “I don’t need you telling me what to do.”
Of course, my growing erection is making me out to be a liar.
He notices, and his hand slides from my waist to palm my cock. He runs his hand down my length, and when I moan, he smiles. “Promise me you’ll do as I ask and stay with friends or family.”
I suck in a breath as I press myself against his palm. I want more. I need more. It’s crazy what he does to me with just one touch.
His expression softens. “Honestly, Ian, I’d go batshit crazy stuck behind bars if I didn’t know you were safe. Would you really do that to me?”
Shit. Now I feel like a total ass. “I’ll stay with Beth.”
He closes his eyes a moment, clearly relieved. “Thank you. I’ll call her and make the arrangements.”
I reach for his hand and put it back on my erection.
“You like this?” he says, pressing his palm against me.
I’m already hot and throbbing and needing a lot more than just a touch. It feels so damn good, I can’t help moaning as I shamelessly grind against his hand.
He slides his fingers beneath the waistband of my sweats and pushes the fabric down, freeing me. Then his long