Chapter 73. This Was Only the Beginning

Ezra’s POV

The moment Layla stumbled, I instinctively moved towards her.

Her sharp inhale barely reached my ears before my hands caught her, my grip firm, steady. Orion was there too—his hands gripping her waist at the same time mine curled around her arm. But she was not his to hold.

Without hesitation, I lifted her into my arms.

Layla stiffened, her breath caught in my effortless lift. I held her tightly, as if to dare the universe for a contest, possessive, ever so steady, though Orion very well remained there, brooding. I could always make up excuses to not mind the implicit battle between us.

Layla was hurt.

And that was enough for me to act.

She tilted her head up, eyes searching mine. “Ezra—I am fine.”

“No Layla,” I said, “You can’t walk on that ankle.”

Orion exhaled, a gust of air fraught with annoyance. “She’s not some fragile doll, Reed. Put her down.”

I didn’t even glance at him, my eyes on Layla, on the t