Free Deception by B. C. Burgess Page B

turned away, whispering as she found Layla’s face. “I don't want to tawk to him.”
    “That's okay,” Layla assured. “You don't have to.”
    “Oh good,” she cutely sighed, cuddling back into Layla’s chest.
    Finley’s nostrils flared as his cordial expression slipped away. “It’s amazing how quickly they learn to follow in their family’s footsteps. Or was she instructed to ignore me?”
    “I’d say she’s just smart enough to see through your facade,” Layla countered. “A flashy smile means little when you’re spewing insults.”
    “Who did I insult?”
    “Quin.”
    “I did no such thing,” Finley disagreed. “I merely spoke the truth. I can’t help it if he can’t handle it.”
    “Your truth is skewed by jealousy. Even a toddler can see that. Why can’t you?”
    “Truth, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, and Quin has you wrapped around his finger, distorting everything you see. I’ve saved your life twice, yet you look right through me.”
    Alana raised her head and furrowed tiny eyebrows. “What’s he tawking about?”
    “He’s talking nonsense,” Layla answered. “Don’t worry about it.” She laid a hand on Alana’s cheek, covering her ear as she scowled at Finley. “Do you mind? She doesn’t need to hear that crap.”
    “Of course she doesn't,” Finley conceded, bowing his head. “I apologize.”
    Layla suspiciously eyed him, noting his solid attempt to play the nice guy. Then she pulled Alana from her chest and found her big eyes. “I'm glad you came to sit with me, angel, but I think your mom already misses you.”
    “You’we sad,” Alana pointed out. “I want you to be happy.”
    “Oh, sweetie,” Layla whispered, “I'm not sad, and you do make me very happy. But I'm okay, and your mom wants you to sit with her right now.”
    “Whewe's you'we auwa?” Alana pressed.
    Layla considered releasing the haze, but she didn't know if Alana could read auras and didn't want to cause her further concern by the colors she’d see in it. Instead, she smiled and tapped her teeny nose. “My aura is playing hide and seek right now and needs more time. Go sit with your mom for a while. Then you and I can try to find it. How does that sound?”
    Alana contemplated Layla's face for a few seconds. Then she kissed her cheek. “That sounds good. Wiww you be otay?”
    “I’ll be fine,” Layla assured. “Now go make your mommy happy, and we'll play later.”
    “Otay.”
    Alana turned and flew into Selena’s arms, and Layla watched them walk away before returning her gaze to Finley.
    “Cute kid,” he offered.
    “Yes she is,” Layla agreed, “and you need to stay away from her.”
    He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I'm not going to hurt her.”
    “I didn't say you were, but you're hateful and rude, and Alana doesn't need to be exposed to that when she should be experiencing the safety and security of home.” She took Quin's hand and summoned her wine. Then she motioned toward Finley with the glass. “Why are you still crouching there? Don't you get it? I have no interest in you. If you're hungry, help yourself to food, but until you can learn to respect everyone in this coven, including Quin, your company isn't desired by anyone here.”
    “I came to see if you need anything,” he returned. “Despite what you think, I worry about you and would like to help.”
    “Well I don't want your worry, and I get all the help I need from my family.”
    “I can give you things the rest of them can't. Will you not give me a chance to prove it?”
    “No.”
    “You didn't even think about it.”
    “I don't need to.”
    “Come on, Layla. Stop being so cold. I'm trying to help here.”
    Caitrin's pipe disappeared as he leaned forward. “She's told you no, Finley, and she's clearly expressed she doesn't want your company, so if you insist on staying out here, you need to find another place to sit.” He waved a hand toward the table, summoning an extra chair.