Page 41 of The Addict

“Stocks, huh?” Silas asked with a little smile pointed in my direction. I bit my lip, and gave him a brief nod of confirmation.

“Is that correct?” Damian persisted, eyeing Silas from top to bottom. “You don’t seem prepared to discuss a business deal.”

My mom looked horrified. “Damian!” she chided.

“I’m always ready to make a…transaction,” Silas returned. He was having way too much fun with his metaphors for my liking. “But mainly here today to go over…options with Noah.”

Damian’s eyes shot to me.

“Nothing too serious, right?” Silas added with a smile pointed in my direction. “No need to label things just yet.”

I was stunned into silence.

“What options?” Damian was not stopping.

“Hon! We’re going to be late, let’s go,” my mom finally prompted, touching Damian’s arm. “Noah is perfectly capable of handling his own business here. He knows not to invest without some background and information.”

Damian rolled his eyes. He didn’t believe that for a second, and to be fair, he was right not to. I didn’t have a clue about stocks or investing. Just spending.

My mom turned to Silas, “You’ll help him with that, right Mr. Thorne? Educating him on some of that?”

“Oh, I’m happy to educate him,” Silas assured. The blood began to circulate down to my lower half, as I was perfectly aware he wasn’t in any way referring to monetary education.

Damian stewed for a minute, and I could see he was conflicted. Honestly, he was way too smart for any of us, and it was sheer luck he hadn’t knocked Silas on his ass for his audacity.

“Be sure to close up the conference room when you’re finished,” Damian advised with a swift nod, before leading my mom to the front door.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Silas murmured, his face a foxes’, cunning and ready for trouble. He side eyed me, the glint in his eyes revealing a hunger I knew I had to satisfy.

“Noah,” Damian said in the same breath, “Call me if you need me to help with any questions you don’t understand.”

“Right,” I agreed.

My brother stood there for a few moments longer, observing us. My mom tugged at his arm again, ushering him to the door. “We’ll see you in a bit, Noah.”

Damian was hesitant, but he followed her out.

And with a sickening slam, there we were. Alone.

Silas took a quick look around. “So,” he said, “Shall we take this…business…somewhere more comfortable?”

I took a shaky breath and turned towards the stairs, completely bypassing the conference room. I knew Silas would follow.

We hadn’t said a word to each other as we ascended up the winding staircase. The house was empty, silent. I was just glad that Delane had left. I hoped she would be happy now. And safe.

Now, it was time to pay my dues.

Chapter eleven

A Done Deal

NOAH

Iopened the door to my room, hating the fact that the place was so quiet.

After a few steps, Silas walked slowly inside. I sensed his presence behind me. My fingers drummed uneasily at my side, my body working against me. Was I the only one with nerves on edge? I felt like I was about to have a panic attack. I struggled to maintain my composure and had to resist the urge to bolt for the window and make an escape.

Was this...fear?