“Emma, it’s Silas Walker,” I say, getting up from my desk and moving to the window, looking out over Manhattan. “I need your help with something.”
“And why would I help you, Silas? You treated my sister like dirt all through high school.”
I snort. “First of all, that wasyearsago, Emma. You might want to catch up. Second, you’re sleeping with my brother, and I know damn well you haven’t told Lauren about it. So, let’s just say you don’t really have a choice here.”
There’s a long sigh on the other end of the line. “Fine. I’m listening ...”
In just a few well-placed words, I convince Emma to let me cover her mother’s treatment. I’ve never met the lady, but I know how much she means to Lauren, and if she matters to her, then she matters to me. Simple as that.
But honestly, this isn’t just some grand gesture. If I take care of the “money” problem, my life is going to get a whole lot easier. No more excuses from Lauren every time I practicallybegher to move in with me.
I called Emma and not Lauren because Lauren’s got this streak of pride that runs a mile long. She doesn’t take charity, not from anyone. Emma, on the other hand ... let’s just say she’s a little more flexible.Just ask Luca.
“Silas, you know this is a big commitment, right? You can’t just get involved in our lives like this if you plan to be a temporary fixture in Lauren’s life.”
“Temporary?Pfft,” I scoff, laughing under my breath. “I’m going to marry her. Didn’t she tell you?”
“WHAT?!”
And with that, I hang up. Perfect timing. Some conversations are better cut short.
About an hour later, Lauren walks into my office, tablet in hand, her brows furrowed in confusion. She doesn’t even look at me at first. “Silas …” she says slowly, her attention glued to the screen. “Did you talk to the lawyer? He’s not answering my calls and …”
Then she glances up, locking eyes with me. I give her that smile—the one she knows all too well. But this time, she has no clue why I’m smiling like the cat who ate the canary.
Her eyes narrow. “What did you do?”
Before I can answer, her phone rings. She frowns, glancing at the caller ID.
“Hold on a second, it’s my mom; I need to take this.”
“Go ahead,” I say, waving her off like I’ve got all the time in the world. I lean back in my chair, feet propped up on the desk like the CEO of life itself, just waiting for my plan to fall into place.
Lauren talks to her mom quietly, her tone full of confusion as she listens. It’s clear she doesn’t fully understand what’s happening. But then, like a light bulb flicking on, her gaze snaps to me. “Yes, Mom, it’s good news. Can I call you later? Yes, me too. Bye!” She ends the call, and instead of coming toward me, she turns and heads straight for the door.
Uh-oh.
I hear the click of the lock. She turns back, walking toward me with purpose, eyes fixed on mine. Today, she’s wearingthatpencil skirt—the one with the tiny slit that drives my imagination into overdrive. And those red glasses, her blonde hair cascading down. Damn, there’s nothing about her that doesn’t make me lose my mind.
“Silas?” she says as she circles my desk like a predator stalking her prey.
“Yes?” I say casually, lowering my feet to the floor, and swiveling my chair to face her head-on, legs spread, fully prepared to welcome her.
“How did you do it?” She crosses her arms, her voice cool but intrigued.
“Oh, you know,” I say with a grin, “pulled some strings, talked to a few people …” I keep smiling because now I know—she has no more excuses.
The three feet between us feel like a football field, so I do what any reasonable man would. I grab her by the waist and pull her onto my left leg, seating her there where she belongs.
“Do you think I put that ring on your finger just for fun?” I whisper, my lips brushing her ear. “I want to make you happy, Lauren. I know this is a good first step.”
“Yes, but?—”
“You’re going to be my wife.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Everything I have is yours. I belong to you, just as you belong to me. That means your worries, your problems, your fears—they’re now mine. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make them disappear.”
Her eyes soften, locking onto mine, and a shy smile creeps onto her face. “Are you the same Silas Walker I knew?”
“No,” I say softly, running my fingers over hers until I feel the ring. “I’m a better version. A version that wants to live up to you. A version that wants to love you, protect you, give you refuge, and make you happy.” I pause, holding her gaze. “This Silas Walker understands everything.”
