Page 18 of The Addict

Beep.

My eyes flared.

“Whoops,” Silas feigned guilt. “Did I hit a nerve, Mr. Hansen?”

Beep.

“Why don’t we make a deal?” I suggested it before my top officially blew off. My whole body was quivering with that pent up rage I never dealt with or got help for, and if Silas uttered one more word about my family, then I would explode. He was getting ready to have more contact with me than he bargained for if he continued to piss me off.

Silas cocked his head to one side, intrigued. A businessman through and through. “What kind of deal?”

I sighed and continued my stride towards them. His men instantly closed the gap between us, and it took Silas waving them off for me to be able to get within a few feet.

“Silas,” the older of the two men said with a curl of his lip at me. “Not this again.”

I tested my luck and blew the boomer a kiss.

Silas let out a low and throaty chuckle. “Go wait in the car. And this time,” he said, his eyes daggering. “Actually do as you’re fucking told.”

The older man twitched, and I could tell by his body language that he didn’t like that demand at all. Finally, he turned, and with the younger male trailing after him, shoved through me with such force it nearly sent me flying.

I caught myself, but just barely. If this was any other day, I would have fought this mother fucker. I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, refusing to even turn my head as they passed. If I did, I wouldn’t be able to help myself.

I was already seeing red.

Silas observed my reactions intently, clearly entertained. I released a breath I was sure I had been holding since I got there. I eased closer to them, bending down to their level on the ground. At least he was willing to hear me out and sent the others away. I only needed him to hear what I was going to say next.

My eyes flickered to the girl. Well, she would hear too, but that was unavoidable. She watched me closely, shifting her body further away from us both.

I didn’t blame her.

“Here’s the deal,” I began, “You let her go. I let you walk without worry of being thrown into jail with all of those butt-fuck buddies you would appreciate too well.”

Silas smiled at the dig. “And?”

I licked my lips. “And,” I held Silas’s gaze firm. “You get me. Tomorrow night. As long as you want.”

I watched the hunger re-enter his expression.

“Whatever you want to do,” I continued, winking. “Because, I know I’m the one you’re truly after.”

I stood from my position, giving him a little shrug. “You don’t even want her,” I affirmed. “So, have me instead.”

Silence.

It was a long shot. But I could tell Silas was thinking about the deal. I hoped he would take it, because I had nothing more to offer.

“Won’t waiting until tomorrow just… intensify the pleasure?” I added for emphasis.

I had always been the kind of person to fight with my words or negotiations. I wasn’t as physically strong as most, but when it came to sticky situations, usually I could worm my way out using words, drugs or … myself.

I took a quick look down in the girl’s direction. She was terrified, bristled like a cornered, wounded animal. My only wish was to save her. I didn’t want her to go through the horrors I remembered as a child. Rape was a sickening act.

An eternity passed before Silas slowly slipped the knife back into his pocket, closing his jeans at the same time. He stood and stepped to the side, causing a wash of relief to envelop the girl. She instantly started to gather her clothes and slip on what she could salvage with shaking fingers.

“You’re on,” Silas spoke huskily, marching up to me, our faces now only inches apart.

He stood there for a moment, contemplating God knows what, eyes imprisoning mine before whispering, “I accept your deal.”