Yesterday's dream made facing him awkward and guilty. He didn't push, just stared. Those deep gray eyes cut through everything. I looked away. Silas dropped it, suggesting a new restaurant nearby. But I turned him down—I just wanted my apartment.
"Drop me at the nearest bus stop, thanks," I said, nixing his offer to drive me home.
"Your address." Silas's tone left no room for argument, like he'd wait forever.
"Oak Street." I gave in.
The car glided toward Oak Street. Olei sat between us, chattering away about the song he learned in music, the games in PE. His kid talk eased me a bit.
But Silas kept me on edge. He sat there, watching silently. Every glance made my heart race. Just sharing a car had me tense. Had to be that damn dream!
Streets blurred by. Minutes later, we pulled up to my building.
I turned. Olei had dozed off against Silas, face peaceful and sweet.
"He must be wiped from today," Silas said.
I nodded, ready to go. But he opened his door too.
"What're you doing?" I asked.
"Walking you up." He said it like it was obvious. "Bodyguard'll watch Olei. Let's go."
His confidence oddly reassured me. I spilled my fears.
"Silas." I hesitated, voice shaky with hindsight. "My place might not be secure. I think... someone got in."
His face stayed blank, but his eyes sharpened.
"What makes you think that?"
"Just..." I touched my neck, fingers brushing the covered skin. "Some traces."
He went quiet for seconds, then, "Come on, I'll check."
I followed quickly.
In the apartment, Silas inspected every window, every lock, moves pro-level.
"No pry marks." He turned to me. "But you're right—the setup's weak. Needs upgrades."
I exhaled. No break-in meant no intruder. The mark was just a bite. But—
"Upgrades?" I gave a wry smile. "Landlord won't go for it."
"Give me his number. I'll handle it." Silas held out his hand.
I paused, then fished out my phone. Found the contact and handed it over. He dialed, stepping aside. I caught his commanding tone, bits like "upgrades," "cost," "tonight."
The call lasted under two minutes.
"Done." He gave back the phone.
"You..." I clutched it, mouth open in shock. "What'd you say? He agreed that fast?"
"Persuasion skills." He looked at me, lips twitching up. "Calling guys in now."
He made a call on his own phone. I stood speechless. This man had a way—my big problems melted around him.
