“You should go home, Tori.” Her eyes find mine, and she shakes her head.
“I’m fine, fine…” I’m not even sure if she knows she just repeated that. I don’t ask any questions or pry. Everyone’s grieving is different.
“If anyone else comes looking for me, tell them I’m dead,” I tell her and walk back into the room and blast my music as loud as possible.
“How didyour meeting go with your friend?” Silas asks, making me almost jump out of my skin when I close the front door. My heart is still pounding, not used to his ability to suddenly appear whenever he pleases. He also knows that I met with Nessa, which means he’s most likely keeping tabs on me. Great.
“Do you just come here and park out front near my car in hopes I leave work?” I ask. He did the same thing the other night even though I clearly told him to leave and that I wouldn’t call. He pushes off his car and steps toward me.
“No, maybe I should…” He pauses. “Would that be considered romantic?” he asks.
I frown. I don’t think this man even understands the concept of romance. “No, it would be considered stalking.”
He shrugs.
“So romantic, then,” he repeats deadpan.
I hide my face as I try to fight the smile. Smart-ass. “Why are you here? Again…”
“To sweep you off your feet, of course. I thought with the extra workload, you might want to let loose a little.”
I turn then, after checking the locks. “And I wonder who gave me that extra workload,” I say. Not ungrateful for the extra cash. “Let’s go with no. I’m tired and don’t want to talk to anyone.”
“We don’t have to talk; you can use me as you see fit,” he smirks when he says it, and I know he’s telling me the truth. It does sound appealing, and I try to shove away the temptation he always presents. “Did you like my handiwork?” he asks as if the carvings were just for my approval. So I ignore him. Business is business. I’m not going to pat his head every time he’s a good psycho.
“Your sister was just here a few hours ago,” I tell him. “I didn’t take you for the gossiping kind.”
His brows pinch together as he steps in stride with me toward the cars, pocketing his hands.
“I didn’t…” he says. “She came by herself?”
“Yes, if I don’t want you in my workplace, why would I want your family?”
“Have you been to Sellers?” he asks, changing the subject just as quickly as I had done the same to him.
“Sellers, as in the nightclub?” I ask him, reaching inside my purse as I get my keys and unlock the door before I throw my purse in.
“Yes, the very one.”
“No, I haven’t been to a club since I was…” Gosh, when was the last time I went to one? “Ages.”
“You should come, now,” he says expectantly.
I look at him deadpan. “Did you not hear what I just said before?”
“I did, and I took it into consideration. But I also know you relax over loud music, and well, I have to do a few work things. Let me take you, you can drink what you want, water…” He smirks. “Or I’m sure my bartender can replicate those fruity cocktails, and you can relax.”
“A club does not equal relaxing,” I tell him.
“I think for you, it will.” He steps closer to me and invades my space. Instantly, his smell takes over. It’s like my kryptonite; I love the way he smells. Even when I know I should push him away, I lean in. “Give me your keys. I’ll get one of my men to drive your car home, and you come with me.”
I go to tell him no, but when he lifts his hand and touches the side of my face, dragging his fingers down over it, I lean into him further, as if I’ve been waiting all week for it. I don’t understand this magnetic attraction. I don’t often crumble once I’ve made my decision. But everything about Silas is reckless, and it’s as if my body has begun to crave the same, especially since he’s one of few who have seen my inner psycho and hasn’t pushed me away because of it.
“I’m dressed in black scrubs,” I say tightlipped, trying my hardest not to give away how he affects me, though with that fucking smile on his lips, I suspect he already knows.
“You’ll be the best dressed there,” he says. Then he leans down and touches my lips with his. It’s soft, just lingering, before he pulls back and pulls me toward his car. Opening the door, I get in without a word. He takes the driver’s side and starts the car, not speaking as he drives. “I’ll talk to her.” I turn to face him. “My sister, I’ll talk to her and tell her not to come to your work.”
I nod but don’t bother saying anything back to him. It’s not long before we pull up to the club. The bouncers walk over and open my door. I can see the way they look at me, possibly wondering what the fuck I’m wearing and why I’m with him. You and me both. The line for the club is long, but Silas doesn’t care, immediately gripping my hand as he walks me past the long line of women and men staring. I have never felt so out of place, yet at the same time, I don’t care.
