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Silas’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “I’m glad to see you’re worried about me, Allison.”

She turned her head away, trying to hide her reaction. “It’s a warning, not concern.”

He chuckled and tightened his arm around her waist. “Don’t worry. No one can stop me from marrying you.”

Allison rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. They climbed into the car, and Silas drove away.

The evening sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow through the windows. For a while, neither of them spoke. Silas kept glancing at Allison as the golden light fell across her face, his attention repeatedly drawn back to her. Then, without warning, he pulled the car over to the side of the road.

Allison blinked in surprise and turned toward him. Before she could ask what he was doing, Silas unbuckled his seat belt and leaned across the space between them. His hand slid along the side of her neck as he lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her skin.

His warm breath brushed against her neck, sending a rush of heat from the spot beneath his lips toward her ear and across her face. His familiar scent surrounded her, and she instinctively reached for his shoulder as a soft gasp escaped her.

His teeth grazed her skin, leaving a red mark in their wake. A moment later, his tongue soothed the spot before he finally lifted his head.

Their eyes met.

Allison’s cheeks were flushed, and her gaze burned with a mixture of embarrassment and desire. Silas studied her expression, his own eyes lingering on her face before he murmured in a husky voice, “Don’t be angry with me. You’re too beautiful. I couldn’t help myself.”

Her body stiffened as the heat spread from her neck through every inch of her. Unable to meet his gaze any longer, she turned toward the window and pressed her hands against his shoulders.

“Drive,” she muttered.

Silas smiled. She hadn’t pushed him away or gotten angry with him this time. The realization sent a rush of happiness through his chest, and he struggled to contain the smile spreading across his face.

He returned to the steering wheel and started the car, pulling back onto the road. His eagerness to meet Shane grew with every passing second.

Eventually, the car stopped in front of a house surrounded by security guards. Cameras had been installed at every angle, leaving few places beyond their watchful reach.

Ever since Shane had been attacked at the apartment where he had been living with his friend Stella, Silas had tightened security around him to the point that not even a ghost could slip past his men unnoticed. Shane had since moved into a new house on his own, with Silas’s men stationed around the property to protect him.

Allison and Silas got out of the car and headed inside. One of the maids hurried over as soon as she saw them.

“Ms. Herrera.” The older woman smiled warmly as she approached.

“Hi. Is Shane here?” Allison asked, glancing around.

“He isn’t home right now. You know how unpredictable a doctor’s schedule can be.” The maid offered a polite smile, folding her hands in front of her. “Would you like to wait for him? I’d be happy to bring you something to eat or drink.”

Allison took out her phone and dialed Shane’s number. When he picked up, he told her he was still working and asked her to meet him at Sundown Diner, the restaurant owned by Summer.

They got back into the car and drove to the diner. The sun was already sinking toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and gold. By the time they arrived, the colors had deepened into a breathtaking scene that looked more like a painting than the evening sky.

Chapter 8 Getting Married

Sundown Diner was a small restaurant tucked along the edge of Manhattan, with a stunning view of the city on one side and the river on the other. Its retro charm blended with luxurious touches, while enormous glass windows along the waterfront promenade offered an uninterrupted view of the water. Beyond the diner, Manhattan’s towering skyscrapers rose into the evening sky.

Summer seated them at table number seven, near the window. But the moment the customers noticed Shane and Silas sitting together, whispers swept through the diner, followed by a series of startled gasps.

“Oh my God. Look at them!”

“I want both of them. Can I marry two men?”

“Is this heaven? I think I’m having the best day of my life!”

One woman abruptly pushed back her chair and hurried toward a waiter.

“Can I please sit at that table?” she pleaded, pointing at table number ten, directly across from the men. “Please?”