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Silas stilled for a brief moment, surprised by the sudden kiss. Then he responded, cupping her face with one hand as he leaned closer. His concern gave way to tenderness as he kissed her back, his lips lingering against hers before moving to her neckline.

Allison slipped her arms around him, drawing him closer, and he answered by showering her with kisses. Within moments, he had shed his clothes, and he helped her out of hers before settling beside her on the bed.

They tangled together beneath the sheets as Silas kissed her along her neck and down her body, lingering over every place that drew a response from her.

By morning, Allison was still fast asleep.

Silas got ready for work, but Allison didn't wake up. Assuming she was still exhausted from the previous day, he decided to let her sleep a little longer rather than disturb her.

Just as he was about to leave, he walked over to the bed and sat beside her. She was curled beneath the sheets, her breathing soft and her face peaceful. His expression softened as he brushed a few strands of hair away from her forehead and leaned down to kiss her lips.

“It's already ten in the morning,” he whispered, gently stroking her head. “Do you have anything important to take care of today, or do you want to sleep in?”

Allison didn't respond.

Silas smiled faintly, assuming she was still half asleep, and kissed her again. When she remained motionless, however, his smile began to fade.

“Allison?”

He gently shook her shoulder, waiting for her to open her eyes or at least murmur a sleepy response. Nothing happened.

A crease formed between his brows. He tried calling her name again, this time with greater urgency, but she didn't stir.

“Allison, wake up.”

He touched her cheek, then carefully shook her shoulder once more. She was unconscious.

Silas went rigid, his heart pounding as panic swept through him. He immediately gathered her into his arms.

Allison was already wearing her nightgown, and he didn't waste precious time changing her. He simply pulled her arms around his neck, secured her against his chest, and carried her out of the bedroom.

He hurried down the stairs and straight to the car. An hour later, he was rushing Allison into Briston Hospital.

The moment they arrived, Silas called for help, refusing to leave her side as the hospital staff took over. He immediately asked the nurses to find Jackson, and when Jackson arrived, the medical team helped move Allison into a private room for examination.

“Mr. Black, you'll need to wait outside,” Jackson told him as the doctors gathered around the bed.

Silas tightened his hold on Allison's hand. Even as the medical staff surrounded her, he couldn't bring himself to let go.

“I'm not going anywhere,” he replied firmly.

“We need you to leave the room, Mr. Black,” Jackson insisted. “We can't do our jobs properly with you standing right here. You have to understand that I'm doing everything I can to help her. I'm worried about her, too, just as you are.”

The genuine concern in Jackson's voice, along with the seriousness in his expression, finally broke through Silas's resistance.

He looked down at Allison, his fingers lingering around her hand. Reluctantly, he loosened his grip and let go.

The doctors immediately began examining her, and Silas forced himself to step away from the bed. He walked out of the room, his entire body tense, and leaned against the wall just outside. Crossing his arms over his chest did little to ease the agitation building inside him.

He waited, his gaze fixed on the closed door, every passing second stretching his worry further.

Eventually, Jackson emerged.

Silas straightened immediately and stepped toward him, searching his face for an answer.

“How is she?” he asked, his voice tight with concern.

“She's stable for now,” Jackson assured him. “She was just exhausted. I've started an IV and given her vitamins to help her recover. She should be all right.”