Silas cursed his body as he pushed down the need to tighten his fist in her hair and drag her mouth to his. This was not what she needed or wanted, and he was a bastard for reacting this way to her gratitude. He stiffened, then gently but firmly pushed her back onto her side of the bed.
“You’re welcome, Hayley,” he said, struggling for control, hating the hurt look on her face. “You should rest now, as the doctor ordered.”
Without awaiting her response, he turned and all but fled from the room and the temptation of those sweet, luscious lips on his own.
15
Two days later, Hayley curled up on the couch and watched Silas work at a computer. She had no idea exactly what he was doing, but this had been their routine since Silas had agreed she could finally get out of bed and move around some. She’d suggested she would be fine in her own apartment, but Silas wasn’t hearing that. He’d insisted she stay, and she hadn’t fought too hard to change his mind. After his rejection, she was sure he’d want her gone, but she’d been wrong. To be honest, if only with herself, she was enjoying her time with him. Though he could be gruff and bossy, it was sweet in a way. And she couldn’t deny that her desire for him grew every hour she was in his presence. Staying might not have been the smartest thing she’d ever done, but she was willing to take a chance and see where this—whateverthiswas—led.
“Are you sure you feel up to going back to school tomorrow?” he asked gruffly, continuing a conversation they’d been having. “I think you need to wait at least a couple more days. Stay here until you are more healed.”
The very real concern in his voice, as well as how protective and caring he’d been of her since her attack, sent soothing warmth through her entire body. She would love nothing more than to remain herewith Silas another few days, but her fingers were itching to play her new violin and she didn’t want to fall behind in her classes. The academy was extremely competitive, and too many missed days could very well mean the loss of her scholarship.
“I can’t afford to fall that far behind. Besides, I’m sure I’ve long since overstayed my welcome.” She wrinkled her nose and sent him a rueful glance. “I can’t imagine you’ve enjoyed your babysitting stint.”
Silas spun in his desk chair and shot her a reprimanding stare.
“You are not an inconvenience, princess. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want. In fact, I prefer it. It gives me peace of mind to know where you are at all times and that you’re safe and protected. However, I do need to mention that Iwillbe leaving tonight and I’ll be out of town for a couple days. I’ve asked some of my brothers to look out for you until I get back, and now that you’ve decided to return to classes, they’ll be driving you to and from school.” He held up a hand as she opened her mouth to argue. “Your safety is not open to debate, princess. You were attacked. And when I’m unable to be here to protect you myself, my brothers will be. I won’t leave you with anyone else.”
Was it completely ridiculous that she promptly melted all over every time he called herprincess? And then some of her euphoria dissipated as she processed the words after he called herprincessand before being so adamant that she remain in his apartment. He wouldn’t be there, so of course she wouldn’t be a bother to him.
She had to quit reading more into the situation than what was there. Silas was a decent man and a caring individual. He would have intervened if it had been anyone. He’d made it crystal clear that he didn’t return her attraction when she’d attempted to kiss him.
She sighed and then conceded, knowing she wouldn’t ever win an argument with him.
“Where are you going?” she asked lightly, hoping her hurt and disappointment didn’t show on her face or in her voice.
“Business trip,” he said shortly, before returning his attention to the computer.
She wasn’t offended by his dismissal. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Silas was an extremely private person. Careful too. Maybe too careful? His behavior resembled that of someone with deep paranoia, what with all the locks and his rigid schedule. But then his paranoia was what had saved her ass, so at the moment, she was grateful for his OCD tendencies.
Her gaze went back to Silas when his phone chimed.
“Evangeline,” he answered, with warmth that until now she’d only heard directed at her. “How are you feeling?” Some time passed in silence as this Evangeline apparently answered his question. “Yeah, our date is still on. See you soon, sweetheart.”
It felt like a punch in the gut.Date?Even if he hadn’t mentioned their date, it would have been evident that Silas had feelings for whoever Evangeline was. His entire body language had changed the instant he’d answered his phone. He’d spoken to her with warmth and affection, and he’d smiled as they conversed. Silas rarely smiled at anyone, at least not in the time she’d known him. But then evidently she knew nothing about him at all. No wonder he’d gone so rigid when she’d practically thrown herself at him.
Andsweetheart? Any warmth or pleasure over his use of an endearment with her was gone. She’d thought it had meant something since he hardly seemed like the kind of man to ever use endearments of any kind. All this time, she’d thought maybe she was special to him.
Shame, mortification and hurt bloomed in her chest. She’d forced him to sleep with her that first night, and though they hadn’t talked about it, Silas had been in that bed every night since. Probably to keeppoor, pitiful Hayley from begging again. What must he think of her? No matter his insistence that she remain in his apartment until she was fully healed, she realized now she was being unrealistic and too wrapped up in her own personal fantasy. She needed to return to her own apartment before she did anything to further humiliate herself. And she would. She was too attracted to him to pretend she wasn’t, and never would she become “the other woman.”
She nonchalantly got to her feet and grabbed her purse, which was sitting on the end table. “I just remembered I have to do laundry today or I won’t have anything to wear to school tomorrow. I need to get back to my apartment, and since you’re leaving, there’s no need for me to remain here. I’d feel much more comfortable in my own place anyway. Have a safe trip, and again, thank you.”
She flashed a too-bright smile and then walked casually toward the door and had managed to unlock three of the locks when she felt the heat of his body behind her. Her nape prickled in response, and then warm, strong hands slid over both her shoulders. He turned her so she was forced to look at him.
“Princess? Why are you leaving now?” he asked, and he was so close she could feel the words rumble from his chest.
He was staring into her eyes, a confused frown on his face, almost as if he could read her every thought—or was at least trying to. If he had any idea just what her thoughts were, he’d probably trip over himself stepping out of her way so shewouldleave.
Again she adopted the same fake smile and even put her hand on his arm, squeezing affectionately. “I just told you, silly. I have to do some laundry or I won’t have anything to wear, and believe me, walking into my classes naked isn’t high on my list of priorities.”
She managed a teasing, lighthearted tone, but she didn’t sound convincing even to her own ears. Judging by Silas’s perplexed and somber expression, he wasn’t buying her act either.
Praying he would do nothing further to prevent her escape, or worse, continue to interrogate her, she reached for the last of the locks and Silas stepped back to allow her to open the door. She hastily made her way into the hall, trying not to run and look like a bigger fool. She fumbled in her purse for her keys, unlocked the door and only glanced back once with a cheerful wave to see Silas standing in the hallway thoughtfully watching her.
16
The next morning, Hayley crawled out of her bed, refusing to acknowledge the pain and stiffness still plaguing her. She shuffled toward the bathroom with a frown because she could positively see Silas’s smug expression that just screamed “I told you so.”
