L: Looking at Layla

This is a continuous story.  If you haven't read any previous chapters, start at A. Or you can also read all the chapters in one convenient place on this PAGE.

Looking at Layla

When Adam returned to the ship with Sir Edwin in tow, Layla greeted them both with a smile.  “It looks like you may have had a productive trip after all.”

Looking around, Adam saw they’d been beamed into a little conference room.  There weren’t any guards in sight, though he didn’t doubt there were some waiting on the other side of the closed door.  Still, as long as they weren’t within kicking range, he could relax a little.  “It turned out better than I feared it would,” he replied.

Sir Edwin promptly offered Layla his hand and introduced himself.  “You are a sight for sore eyes, young miss,” he added.  “It has been a long time since I had the privilege of being in the presence of such exquisite beauty.”

Adam rolled his eyes.  This guy was laying it on pretty thick.  Sure, Layla wasn’t bad looking at all, but he wouldn’t be tempted to write any sonnets about her either.  As his eyes strayed back to her, in his mind to confirm this point, he noticed that her long brown hair was no longer in a ponytail, leaving it to cascade gracefully down her back.  She wore form fitting black pants and a fitted green t-shirt that complemented her eyes nicely.  Her smile, which lit up her face in the face of such sincere flattery, was a wonderful change of pace from the snide, dismissive attitude that he typically saw from her.  She stood with a hand on her hip, lending her a sense of confidence that didn’t seem overwhelming.

Suddenly, Adam’s stomach went MIA as a tingling sensation replaced it.  When she wasn’t joking about having him chemically castrated, or ordering him around without any clue as to what his fate might be, she was more than good looking.  Much more.

“I think you might be trouble,” she replied playfully.

Sir Edwin smiled.  “On the contrary, I live to serve, and I pledge to serve your cause in any way I can.  If I can contact my brothers in arms, I am certain they will join me here.  We’ve been waiting for a chance to be bold.”

“Our hosts will be pleased to hear it.”

A guard soon appeared to escort Sir Edwin to a meeting with the Great Orator.  He gave her a deep bow before exiting the room, leaving Adam with an impossible act to follow.

“He’s sweet,” Layla commented.

“He’s also odd,” Adam added, unexpected venom entering his words.

Layla crossed her arms in front of her chest.  “And what’s that mean coming from you?” she asked laughingly.

Adam ruffled.  “You barely know me.  Yes, you rescued me from a messed up situation, and I’m grateful for that, but that doesn’t make you an expert on me.  Since I got here, all you’ve done is tease me, ignore me, and refuse to trust me.”

Layla took a step back, her eyes appraising him.  “Maybe you’re right.  I’m sorry.”

Now Adam was taken aback.  “Really?”