BRING DOWN THAT DEVIL

[~Song recommendation: Not Afraid Anymore by Halsey~] 

Next morning…

The morning light fell over his chiseled face. Michael stirred in his half-awakened state and finally got up to head for the bathroom, but something caught his attention as soon as he exited after finishing his business.

A curvy figure could be seen lying on his bed under the bedsheet. Michael tried to recall if he had brought any escorts last night but he couldn't. He was baffled to discover there was no memory of the night after he had dinner with Layla. 

'Who is she?' He advanced slowly and pulled the sheets away from her body. He was a bit surprised to witness Layla sleeping peacefully with only her undies on. He tapped on her shoulder gently but Layla ended up grasping his hand and placing her head over it. Her action felt cute to him.

"Layla? Wake up, it's morning." He gently caressed her temple and thankfully she woke up but soon her eyes grew wide and she kept gawking at him with a bewildered expression marking her face.

"Master!... You are okay?" She asked, her eyes checking him from head to toe. Michael's eyes remained glued to her curves. The sight of her was enticing enough not to forget her disheveled hair which only added to her beauty. However he became anxious when the realization dawned upon him. Was it him who was responsible for her current state? 

"Layla, did something happen last night?" He asked, his voice sounding desperate. Layla averted her gaze and pulled the sheets over her body as she became wary of her attire. 'Thank god he's okay but why can't he recall last night's incident?' 

"I don't remember anything, Layla. Could you enlighten me?" He asked as he took a seat beside her. "Did I force into yo—" 

"No!... I mean yes." She bit her lip in embarrassment. 

"What?"

"You became physical with me but… you—" 

"What are you even saying? Why don't I remember that?" Michael shook his head before he got engrossed in deep thought, closing his eyes. Layla approached him and gently held his shoulder. Michael turned to meet her gaze.

She began explaining the whole scenario, starting from their dinner to him revealing about his parents' death, until he stripped her and how he fell on her lap. 

"I tried to wake you up, Master but you didn't budge. So instead of leaving you, I stayed here as I was concerned." She said lowering her gaze.

"I was probably under the influence of some drugs that heighten one's sexual desires." He said with absolute confidence and tried to get off the bed but Layla held his hand.

"Layla, I need to get the sample food from the trash; I'll call my friend and run a blood taste to see if I'm correct about this." He exclaimed.

"Drugs?" Layla was baffled at his assumption. 'Who would dare to drug him and that too in his mansion? It must be someone from the inside.' 

Michael called James, his cop friend, and enlightened him about his condition. He put the phone back into his trousers pocket and was about to enter the changing room to get himself ready for the day.

"I know it's serious… but can you please spare a moment and explain to me about David, killing your parents? Please." She said pouting her lips.

Her statement struck his brain like a lightning bolt. Slowly and steadily he started to recall the events of the previous night when Layla asked the same and how he behaved weirdly, starting from denying to explain when he was the one to spill the beans about David. Was it the effect of the drugs or his dread stopping him? 

"So listen… 

It was my fifteenth birthday and my mom and dad decided to throw a small party in the estate. All things have been set, the catering, decorations, and the stage for the karaoke. It was around 7 in the evening and all of the guests were eagerly waiting for the party to begin. My parents were on the way bringing the cake and gifts…" He sighed.

"You know… I never liked or even wanted any extravagant party but they were hellbent." Layla saw his eyes filled with sorrow. 'Michael, I won't listen… You deny this every year but no! This year we are going to celebrate your birthday lavishly. Your dad has already invited everyone. We can't just back off now.' Her mother's sweet voice echoed in his ears and unknowingly a few drops of tears left his eyes. 

Layla kept noticing his face… gone those glittering eyes filled with mirth which were now filled with tears. She felt bad for him but waited patiently for him to continue. Michael sniffled his nose and continued.

"Mom & Dad were late and the clock was ticking close to 9 at night when they already left at 5. I called them but they didn't receive it. I was growing impatient but I couldn't do anything other than rely on some trusted people. Nana contacted the cops when it was close to ten." 

"The cops discovered the burnt remains of the car hit against a pole. When I arrived, I couldn't even recognize their burnt bodies inside the twisted car."

"I'm sorry for your loss… Master—" She tried to console him as her hand reached to touch his.

"Let me finish… I grew up thinking it was an accident ione day one of my sources discovered it was David who killed them and faked it to be an accident." He released his hold from her hand and stood up. Layla covered her mouth with her hands. She couldn't believe she was remaining under the shelter of such a gruesome man. 

"My agent said those weren't even their bodies rather he choked them in their own blood by cutting their necks… I tried my best to gather evidence but I failed; That bastard managed to remove every piece of proof. I'm telling you, Layla, I won't leave him… I'll kill him. I…" His voice cracked and tears left his eyes but he kept his back facing her.

Layla got that he was crying, seeing his shaking shoulder. She let the sheets fall off her body leaving her only in her undies. She set foot on the ground and approached him slowly before she embraced him from behind. She didn't care about her attire as she only had one thing in mind to console her Master.

"I'll do everything to bring down that devil, Master… I promise—" Suddenly someone barged in through the door taking them by surprise.

"Oh WOW!... I should leave…"