Chapter 7 #2
Her smile turned to confusion as I shoved the flyer into my purse. I felt him before I saw, like a hunter searching for his panicked prey. That’s exactly how I felt. Panicked and prey. I slammed my purse closed, squashing down the pamphlet and ran hurrying toward the bathroom.
Free.
That feeling raced as I hurried along the hallway, looking over my shoulder before I plunged into the ladies restroom. I needed an escape, to find some kind of way out of here…without my so-called brother watching my every move.
The hand dryer howled, making me jump. I jerked my gaze to a woman watching me with curiosity before she strode my way. I stepped out of her path. “Sorry.”
Others glanced my way, coming out of the stalls. I spun around, hoping with all I had Silas was gone. But the moment I stepped into the hall he was there, leaning against the wall, watching the women who walked past.
“You know this is the perfect pickup place.” He murmured, staring at a cute brunette as she almost skipped past. She gave him a smile, turning her head to watch him as he pushed off the wall and turned to me.
I was mortified. “How…why…”
“How, why what, sister?” He gave a shrug.
My whole face felt like it was on fire. “Never mind.”
I gripped my bags and strode out, my focus on him behind me. He was a dark blur never more than a step behind me as though he was letting me know I wasn’t getting away again. Only I had to…now more than ever.
I made my way into Luxe and picked up their soaps, smelling them before I grabbed summer breeze and made for the counter.
He said nothing, but he didn’t have to. Women stared at him walking past, it didn’t matter their age.
All they saw was a six foot two muscled bad boy, heavily tatted with gorgeous dark eyes and perfect lashes.
Silas was more than handsome, he was beautiful.
If only they knew the real him.
I walked out of Peter Alexander, sick of the attention he was getting and turned around. “I’m done.”
“Are you?” He searched my eyes. “Going to come clean, are you?”
“What?”
He lowered his gaze to the Luxe bag. “The soap.”
I just shook my head and strode away heading for the mall doors.
Sun hit me the moment I stepped out, moving with the crowd and across the crossing to his car.
The boot clicked, opening instantly as I neared.
I dumped my purchases in and headed for the passenger’s door, yanking it open and climbed inside.
Slam. I jolted with the sound as Silas closed the boot a little too hard, rounded the car and climbed in, closing the door behind him. I fought the urge to look at him and stared straight ahead instead, until he leaned over and between my legs.
“What are you doing?” I screeched.
But he grabbed my bag, yanking the top of the pamphlet that stuck out free.
“Charlie Hunter Women’s Shelter.” He read slowly. “Now why would you have something like this, little sister. You’re not in need of saving are you?”
My heart slammed against my chest as I stared at the paper in his hand.
“Well?” He asked, turning toward me.
“That’s not your business.” I mumbled and snatched it free.
He let me take it. Eyeing me before he turned and started the engine.
I thought he was going to demand a response, even as he backed out of the car space and headed for home.
The hair on my arms rose with every minute I waited for his wrath.
But it never came, even when he pulled into our driveway and headed along the side of the house to the external garages at the back.
Armed guards patrolled the grounds, nodding at Silas as we passed. I couldn’t wait to get away from him. This whole thing was a wasted trip. I stabbed the belt, and shoved the door open the moment we were stopped.
The growl of the engine died a second later the driver’s door opened and closed.
“Don’t you want these?” He called as I almost reached the rear door.
The click of the boot sounded, stopping me cold. No, the whisper raced as I slowly turned, watching him reach into the boot for my bags. The urge to flee was overwhelming. Still, I forced every step back to him, reaching for the bags in his hand.
But the moment I did, he pulled back, making me stumble to grab them, until we were that close we almost touched.
“Last chance, Angelica. Are you sure you have nothing you want to say to me?”
“There’s a lot I want to say to you, Silas.” I yanked my bags hard and he let them go. “Starting with the fact you’re an asshole for trashing my room. I know you hate me, but even that was an all time low.”
The corner of his lip rose as he slowly nodded. “Just remember I gave you a chance.”
“You gave me nothing.” I responded and stepped backwards, not taking my eyes off him.
The door opened behind me.
“Angel?” Gabe called.
I all but ran for him, clutching my bags in my hand, cutting him a panicked look before I raced inside.
“What did you say to her?” Gabe called.
I didn’t stay long enough to hear Silas’ response. Just raced for my bedroom and barrelled through the door, slamming it shut behind me.
Just remember I gave you a chance.
I closed my eyes and tried to ease my booming pulse. A chance. That’s the one thing he never gave me.
No.
I’ve had to claw and beg and plead for those all on my own.
Daughter.
The neon word flashed in my head. My breath caught as those murky memories pushed to the surface. “No.” I whispered. “Please, no. Not now, not here.”
But still, they persisted.
Daughter.
Owned.
Liar…