Layla by E. L. Todd

I can’t,” I said.
    His breathing became deep and heavy. I could tell he was running. “Call the fucking police.”
    “Just get here,” I said with a sob.
    “Baby, I’m coming. I’m running as fast as I can.”
    I sobbed on the phone while John slammed his body against the door, almost breaking it. I sat on the toilet and buried my face in my lap. Kyle’s breathing was fast, like he was running a marathon. Time seemed to stretch so slow. John pounded on the door then walked away. I knew he was grabbing a knife to pick the lock. When he got through, I wasn’t sure what he would do. But I knew it wouldn’t feel good.
    “I’m in the building,” Kyle said with a deep breath.
    “Please hurry,” I whispered. “He’s going to break down the door.”
    “I’m here.” He hung up. I heard the front door crash open as Kyle stormed into the room. “I’m going to kill you, motherfucker!”
    John abandoned the door, leaving me alone. I got up and unlocked the door then ran into the living room.
    Kyle looked angrier than I’d ever seen him. His eyes were wide with ferocity, living dagger s flying out. His neck was covered in sweat and his arms were flexed, ready to rip John apart.
    John held a knife in his hand, the one he used to pick the lock. “Let’s tango,” he said, spinning the knife in his wrist.
    Kyle rushed him and I screamed. “Stop!”
    Kyle grabbed his arm then bashed his head with his own, sending him back to the floor. He grabbed John by the collar then smashed his fist into his face, sending blood across the carpet. John’s head rolled back before he kicked Kyle, making him lose his balance.
    “Fuck with me and I’ll kill you,” John said as he got up and grabbed the knife.
    I ran into John and pushed him down, sending the knife flying under the couch.
    Kyle got to his feet then pushed me back, sending me across the floor. He punched John again then kneed him in the stomach. John stumbled back then turned toward the door, knowing he had the lesser hand without a weapon.
    Kyle rushed him but John slammed the front door closed then bolted down the hallway. When Kyl e and I both reached the outside, he was nowhere in sight. Kyle remained still.
    “The fire escape,” he said suddenly. “Stay here, Layla.” He rushed down the hall then looked out the window. “He’s already at the street.”
    I breathed a sigh of relief, glad that the confrontation was finally over.
    Kyle came back to me then grabbed me by both arms. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
    “No, I’m fine.”
    The relief flashed in his eyes.
    “Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” His hands moved across my body, feeling me everywhere, checking for injuries.
    “I’m okay,” I whispered. “He didn’t touch me.”
    “We need to call the police right now.”
    “And what will that do?” I said miserably.
    “It’s called assault and breaking and entering.”
    He didn’t break in. I let him in.”
    “What the fuck is wrong with you?” he snapped.
    “A boy was at the door,” I said. “I didn’t know he was tricking me.”
    “We still need to talk to the police.”
    “I’ve already been through this. I even got a restraining order against him. It doesn’t do anything. I can guarantee if you called the police it would have taken them at least an hour to get here. Domestic disputes aren’t important to them. Believe me.”
    “So what? That’s it? You’re screwed? I don’t accept that.”
    “That’s why I ran away.”
    He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “We’ll figure it out.”
    “Okay.”
    Kyle grabbed my face and kissed me gently on the lips, breathing into my mouth for a moment before he kissed my forehead. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
    My lips f elt numb from his touch. “Yeah…”
    He held me to his chest and ran his fingers through my hair. “I’ll never let him bother you again.”
    “I know.”
    He buried his face in my neck and held me close, saying