Chapter 50. She Never Will Be

Ezra’s POV

The second Layla took a deep breath and squared her shoulders to give it back to Orion and Grace, I knew I had to step in. Their words carried a venomous sting meant to bring her down in front of this crowd. Layla was not that woman anymore, though—she was stronger now, and she needed no one to fight her battles. For that, Layla was here to defend herself. But I couldn’t sit back and watch them try to make further fools of her.

I took one of the passing waiter’s trays and plucked a glass of wine from it as I walked closer to Layla. With slow deliberation, I slipped my arm around her shoulders and allowed my fingers to rest lightly on the bare skin of her back. The warmth of her body contrasted sharply with the coldness radiating from Orion and Grace.

“Here,” I said as I handed her the drink. “You could use this.”

Layla froze at the unexpected touch, surprise flickering across her eyes. For a split second, she held her rigid position, and the