Page 79 of Light in Your Eyes

“I believe you, Layla,” he says.

I almost choke in tears because of his words.

“Come here,” he whispers, pulling me into a hug.

And I cry in his arms. My trembling hands grip the back of his shirt as I wail.

“For those of you who speak ill about Layla, shut your fucking mouths.” Kellan’s voice is loud as he speaks to his members. “Layla has nothing to do with this. If she wantedto poison me, there had been better times in which she could have done so.”

With that said, he tightens his hold on me.

***

After the incident in the dining area, Zoe and Stas come into Kellan’s room.

Now that Zoe has heard about what happened, she’s concerned about my wellbeing. And here she is, trying to soothe me.

Zoe pats my back gently, as though she’s trying to say that the incident isn’t my fault.

“But I almost caused Kellan to eat his risotto,” I whisper brokenly, hugging my knees as I sit on the bed.

“You didn’t know that it was poisoned,” Stas says.

Kellan is leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. Fury and anger skate on his face, but they aren’t directed at me. He’s pissed because the culprit is not yet found.

“Conduct the investigation as soon as possible,” Kellan says with gritted teeth. “I called Fenrir, and he will run a thorough screening on each member.”

“I understand,” Stas says, obeying him. “We will report to you soon.” A sigh leaves his mouth. “I’ll leave you two now”.

Stas gives Zoe a knowing look, and Zoe nods at him. She leaves my side to that Kellan and I can talk.

After giving me another reassuring look, Zoe excuses herself with Stas and closes the door.

Kellan sighs. He climbs onto the bed, leaning closer tome.

I stare at him with tearful eyes. “I don’t know what I would do if you ate that food.”

Kellan shakes his head. “But I didn’t.”

“But you could have done so,” I cry in frustration, almost shouting.

I grip his chest when he pulls me into him. Another tear drops to my cheek.

“I’m scared. So very scared,” I rasp. “Someone is trying to kill you. And I almost...”

My sob breaks again as I think about what could have happened.

“It’s over.” Kellan tightens his hold on me. “I didn’t eat it, and I’m safe now. Stas and Fenrir will conduct the investigation. Stop fucking blaming yourself.”

I hug him back tightly. I almost lost him, and that thought is undeniably terrifying.

This incident has shoved one undeniable fact right in front of me.

That I can’t bear the thought of losing Kellan Romero.

Chapter 31

Kellan