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She shook her head in disbelief and then laughed at the idea of all those badass, not-to-be-fucked-with men being intimidated by her. It was absolutely hysterical and she couldn’t stop laughing. She was wheezing by the time she gained control over her outburst.
“You think I’m pulling one over on you,” Silas said, his expression serious. “But I’m telling you the absolute truth. For that matter, we’re all convinced that Drake hasn’t quite figured you out either, and that is pretty damn funny because he can read people as easily as reading a book. But ever since you walked into his club, he’s not been himself at all.”
Evangeline frowned at that. “I’m not sure how to take that. As in I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
Silas smiled as they continued eating, the cell phone resting on the island for the moment.
“I’ve known Drake a long time, Evangeline, and trust me. It’s very good. You are good for him. The best thing that’s ever happened to him.”
She froze, taking in the huge impact that statement had on her. Her heart fluttered and her pulse beat erratically as happiness seeped all the way into the deepest recesses of her soul.
They ate in silence a few more moments before Silas returned his attention to her phone.
“If anything, and I mean anything should ever happen, if you run into a situation that makes you remotely uncomfortable or you are hurt, threatened or injured in any way, you are to immediately call Drake first. If you can’t reach him, then you call me. I have my phone on me twenty-four-seven, so it’s doubtful you won’t be able to reach me. But, in the unlikely event that you don’t get me, then you go down the line in order and call every single one of Drake’s men until you get one of them. You do not want to have to answer to Drake if shit goes down and you didn’t call anyone, so I want your promise, Evangeline. No matter what, no matter how small or unimportant you think it is, you are to pick up the phone and start calling, yeah?”
Her eyes widened, but she swallowed her mouthful of food and then replied, “Yes. I got it. And yes, I promise.”
“Good. Now, do you need help putting in your other contacts?”
She wrinkled her nose. “At the risk of sounding like a ditzy stereotypical blonde, I’m completely tech illiterate, so yes please, if you don’t mind, would you enter my parents’ number and then my girlfriends’? There are only five numbers to enter, so it won’t take much of your time.”
“I don’t have anywhere to be, Evangeline, so stop apologizing with your expression and worrying that you’re taking up too much of my time.”
“Thanks,” she said warmly. “I really like you, Silas. You’ve been nothing but sweet and kind to me. You have no idea how much it meant both times you came to my ‘rescue.’”
He looked as though she’d just accused him of being an ax murderer, judging by the look on his face. He nearly choked as he stared at her in stupefaction.
“For God’s sake,” he muttered. “I am neither sweet or kind, and no one has ever said or thought so. I’m not a good man, Evangeline. I won’t lie to you. You seem to have a misguided opinion of me. You are far too trusting. It’s a good way to get yourself hurt or killed.” He shook his head. “No, I’m not a good man at all, but you have nothing to fear from me. I swear it on my life. Even if you weren’t Drake’s woman, you would have my unconditional protection, which is why I want me to be the second person you call if you can’t reach Drake and you’re in trouble or need help.”
“And you’re wrong, Silas,” she said stubbornly. “I don’t know what kind of bullshit you’ve been subjected to or who made you feel like you were somehow less, but whoever it was is a worthless piece of shit and if I ever find out who made you feel this way about yourself I’ll kick their ass and then I’ll have Zander finish the job since he’d probably enjoy that kind of thing.”
Silas looked shocked and bewildered, a host of what could only be called “what the fuck” expressions, but then to her surprise he threw back his head and laughed. A full-throated, genuine laugh of amusement, something she hadn’t imagined him capable of. She stared in wonder at how his laughter, such a beautiful sound, completely transformed him from a quiet, polished, restrained, well-mannered man with more shadows in his eyes than true color to someone who looked years younger. The lines and grooves on his face and forehead simply disappeared and his eyes sparkled with genuine laughter. All she could do was stare in fascination, unable to look away from the breathtaking transformation occurring right in front of her.
