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Silas pulls his hand off mine and looks away, his smile melting away. “It’s a long story,” he says, his voice soft.
“You don’t have to tell me,” I whisper. I’m being intrusive, and I know it, but I can’t help but be curious about him. He was clearly well off when I first met him, so how did he find himself in this situation?
“The day I first met you? That was also the day that I lost everything. That’s why I avoided you when you first started volunteering here. You were just a reminder of my past, of the person I used to be.”
He falls silent for a moment, his gaze apologetic.
“That day? It was my father’s funeral. I’d just turned eighteen, and it hit me hard. My father was my last remaining family. I have a stepmother and a half-brother, but it always felt different with them. My stepmother and I never got along, you know? Even when I was little, I could feel that she never really liked me.”
He runs a hand through his hair and sighs, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.
“When my father passed away, he left everything to my stepmother. Days after the funeral, she kicked me out, leaving me with nothing but my car and whatever cash I had in my account. I couch surfed for a while, staying with friends and acquaintances, but once it became clear that I’d lost everything and would be of no further use to them, they all cast me aside. None of the friendships I thought I had were real, and that realization paired with the loss of everything I’d ever known sent me spiraling down a path I wish I’d never embarked on. If not for Ricardo finding me one day, I’m not sure where I’d be. It’s taking me some time, but I’m putting myself through college. I have every intention of regaining everything I’ve lost. I’ll turn my life back around, one step at a time. When my father passed away, I made him a promise, and it’s one I still want to keep. I’m in no position to do so right now, but Iwillkeep that promise.”
I nod at him, a strange sense of pride washing over me. “I didn’t know you were in college.”
Silas smirks at me. “Where did you think I go most days? I attend classes in the morning and help out around here afterward. Ricardo and I came to an agreement when he first found me. He told me he’d let me have a bed here if I could get into college, and in return for a guaranteed place to stay, I help as much as I can. My student loans are outrageous as it is, so this arrangement has been a blessing to me. I can’t afford to rent a room. I know it’s not ideal, but it works for me. This place is more of a rehabilitation centre than a shelter. They really want you to never come back here once you leave, and they really do support you until you’re ready to stand on your own two feet. It’s a strange thing to say, but in a way, I’m lucky I found myself here.”
“And it won’t be forever,” I tell him. “I have no doubt you’ve got an amazing future ahead of you, Si.”
He smiles at me. “You really believe that, don’t you?”
“I do.” I’ve known it from the moment I met him. Silas is going to leave his mark, and it’ll be a sight to behold.
ChapterEight
Alanna
“Slut,” some girl murmurs behind my back as her friends giggle beside her. They’ve been daring her to say something to me, and I’ll admit I was betting against her. I didn’t think she had the guts.
I slam my locker closed and turn around, my jaw clenched. Her eyes widen, and she turns around, her cheeks crimson.
“You,” I snap. “What did you just say to me?”
She rushes off, and her friends send me taunting looks as they follow her, their giggles grating on me.
“It’s not like they’re wrong.” Pure violence rushes through me at the sound of Caleb’s voice. “I saw how that guy held you. There’s no way he ain’t screwing you.” I turn toward him angrily, and he chuckles. “Should’ve just kissed me when I gave you a chance. If you want this to stop, I can make that happen. Just go on a date with me, Alanna.”
I cross my arms over my chest, but all that does is draw his gaze to my breasts. “You need to stop harassing me,” I warn him. “I’ve been lenient so far because I’m not into drama, but Iwillsue you for slander. It’s clear you’re not used to hearing the word no, so read my damn lips, Caleb.No. I willneverdate you.”
I walk past him, barely able to contain my temper. I’m trying my hardest to pretend that words can’t hurt me, but they do. Every time I’m called a slut or a whore, my heart breaks. I’m a virgin, for God’s sake. It’s unfair that this is happening to me because I wouldn’t let Caleb take advantage of me.
He’s hot on my heels as I walk to the exit, and I’m so tempted to turn around and punch him in the face. I’ve never truly hated someone before, but I can honestly say that Ihatethis guy. I hate everything about him. His stupid hair, his entitlement, the way his stupid friends fall in line, the fact that no one will stand up to him.
“It’s just one date, Alanna,” he says, his tone coaxing.
“Are you dumb?” I ask, pausing in the hallway. “What makes you think that harassing a girl will make her want to go out with you? We aren’t in kindergarten anymore, Caleb. I get that your emotional intelligence hasn’t caught up yet, so allow me to enlighten you. Bullying a girl whose attention you want is childish, and it’s ineffective. Leave me alone, or I’m submitting a formal complaint.”
I walk out of the building, relieved he isn’t following me. I head toward my car in a rush, but before I reach it, I’m yanked back. Caleb has his hand around my wrist, impatience flashing through his eyes. He opens his mouth, but before he can speak, we’re interrupted by a voice I know all too well.
“I highly recommend that you let go of my girl.”
The tension flows out of my body at the sound of Silas’s voice. I turn around to see him walking up to us, his eyes on mine. He wraps his arm around my waist and leans over me, roughly yanking Caleb’s fingers away.
“I’ve warned you once. I won’t warn you again,” he says, his voice soft. It looks like he’s holding Caleb’s hand with considerable force before he pushes it away, and I notice the way Caleb clenches and unclenches his fist, as though his hand is hurting.
Caleb looks at me, distraught. “You’re not seriously dating this guy, are you?”
I nod and turn in Silas’s embrace, pressing my body against his. I rise to my tiptoes and press a quick, nervous kiss to the edge of his mouth, not quite on his cheek, yet not on his lips either. “You’re late,” I say, my voice trembling just a little. What is he doing here?
