Page 59

Still, her uneasiness was written all over her face.

Silas picked up the glass of juice from the bedside table and turned toward Allison. Slipping an arm behind her shoulders, he helped her sit up against the pillows before bringing the glass to her lips.

“Drink this. You haven't had anything for hours, and you need to regain some strength.”

Allison accepted the glass from him and began drinking. Silas settled beside her on the bed, watching her carefully as she took small sips. He was relieved to see her awake, but the concern in her eyes hadn't escaped his notice. He could tell she was still worrying about something.

Wanting to ease her fears, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face and said casually, “I was terrified when you fainted this morning, but the doctor assured me it was because of your health. You'll be fine.”

Allison visibly relaxed. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and the tension in her shoulders eased as she returned her attention to the juice.

Silas watched her finish it, his expression softening when she finally set the empty glass aside. A little while later, she turned toward him, her eyes settling on his face.

“Silas,” she said softly.

“Hmm?” He leaned closer.

“I think I'm in love with you.”

Silas went completely still.

For a moment, he simply stared at her, his fingers tightening around hers as the words sank in. The concern on his face gave way to startled affection, and a smile threatened to spread across his lips. But just as quickly, he frowned at her in mock disapproval.

“You're so cruel, Allison.” He shook his head, pretending to be wounded. “You're confessing something like that to me while you're lying in a hospital bed, when I can't even kiss you without looking like a monster.”

Allison burst into laughter at his ridiculous complaint, her shoulders shaking as she watched his exaggeratedly wounded expression.

Just then, Jackson walked into the room. He stopped when he saw them laughing together and looked between the two of them with an amused expression.

“Well, look at you. You're finally alive.” He approached the bed, placing his hands on his hips. “Looks like I did a pretty good job.”

He turned toward Silas and pointed at the door.

“Now get her out of here. She's fine. Go home and stop hovering over her like she's about to die.”

Silas looked at him skeptically. “She still looks pale. How can you say she's fine?”

Jackson rolled his eyes. “I'm telling you she's fine. Oh my God, can you two stop being so lovey-dovey? It's making me sick.”

He gestured toward the couple, who were still sitting close together, their hands intertwined.

“You're clinging to each other as though one of you is about to disappear. Honestly, I can't watch this anymore.”

Allison laughed again before looking at Silas. “I'm fine. I don't even feel sick anymore. Let's go home. Staying here is making me feel like I'll get sick all over again.”

Silas studied her face, still reluctant to take any chances. However, seeing that she was more alert and that Jackson was confident she could leave, he finally let out a resigned sigh.

“If you want to go home, we'll go home.”

Just then, his phone began ringing on the bedside table. He glanced at the screen and excused himself before walking out of the room to take the call.

Once Silas was gone, Jackson moved closer to Allison's bed and lowered his voice.

“You got married to him out of nowhere. Are you sure you're all right?” he asked, studying her face with genuine concern.

Allison smiled and released a soft breath before leaning back against the pillows.

“I don't have any complaints,” she replied, looking entirely too pleased with herself.