Chapter Three #2
“Grown-ups? Seriously, you’re barely twenty-six, and my new sister is how old?” she questioned, a snarky attitude that was playful.
“Twenty-one,” Silas answered for me. He lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles. “I missed your birthday. It was the day after we first met.”
“You’re right,” I stammered. “When is yours?”
“December twenty-fifth.”
“You’re a Christmas baby? That’s so adorable.”
“Yeah, unless you’re a kid who is on break and all of your friends can’t make it because of the holiday,” Reya said.
“I didn’t really mind.” Silas shrugged his shoulders, unfazed or pretending to be so.
“That’s because you’re a freak,” she mocked him.
“You were an easy child, then?” I asked.
“For the most part, but I’m sure there were difficult moments.”
“Mom says he was perfect.” He shrugged again and went back to eating his food. I might be in the same vein as her. Silas was proving to be too good.
“Would you like some wine?” he asked, raising a nineteen ninety vintage red wine bottle.
“Yes, I would.”
Silas poured me a glass. His eyes lingered while he smiled so tenderly. “I hope it’s to your liking.”
I took a sip and fell in love with the bouquet. “It’s great, Silas.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased.”
I smiled at him over my glass. “So am I.”
Throughout dinner, the two of them bickered like fun siblings. “She’s a brat. Ignore her,” he grumbled when she mocked his brooding face. I loved his stern expression. The sharp jaw and strong chin softened under her teasing.
“He tries to ignore me, but he can’t,” Reya teased, sticking her tongue out at him. I laughed and then quickly covered my mouth.
“Are you laughing at me, my dear wife?” he asked, brow raised, mouth parted with his hand on his chest. My face heated with a mix of desire and amusement. His playful side was just as attractive as his brooding side.
I grinned, trying to fight another bout of laughter. “Maybe. The both of you are adorable.”
“Your babies are going to be sweet. I can’t wait until you guys make me an aunt,” Reya blurted out.
“They will be perfect,” Silas whispered, and then took another drink of wine.
I could hardly add anything throughout dinner because Reya loved to tell on her brother. Just as I was going to speak, his phone rang. He checked the screen and snarled to himself before sending it to voicemail. “Aren’t you going to answer it?”
“It’s not important.” His phone beeped with a notification. He read the message and then shook his head.
“Ladies, I’m sorry, but I have to deal with this.” He stood up and then walked over to my chair and kissed the top of my head before leaving the dining room.
“Don’t be upset. He doesn’t have another girlfriend or anything. My brother has been all about business since he could walk.”
I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that something wasn’t right about that call. “Do you think there is a big problem?”
“No.” The staff entered and asked if we were finished. With a nod, they took our plates, and Reya and I walked out of the dining room and into the sitting room. We sat and spoke about high school and her plans afterward.
Half an hour into our chat, I let out a yawn. “I’m getting tired.”
“Go get some sleep. I have some homework to do.” We headed upstairs and as we arrived at her room, she wrapped her arms around me. “My brother is crazy about you,” she whispered and then left me standing outside her door. I walked off to my room, thinking about her words. I hoped she was right.
I showered and then slipped on my nightgown. As soon as I snuggled down into the sheets, my body let go and my muscles released all the tension they’d been holding. This bed was magnificent. I’d only just gotten comfortable in bed when rain started tapping on the window.
My first night in the house, and clouds filled the night sky. How terrible.
The rain clattered on the roof, and a giant bolt of lightning struck somewhere close by.
I jumped out of bed so fast that I fell, twisted in the sheets, and stumbled to the floor.
With the next bolt lighting the night, my bedroom door burst open.
My new husband entered the room with fear in his eyes. “Are you okay?”
Inelegantly, I stood in just my nightgown. I tried to tug it down over my thighs, but it was a little too short.
“You’ve got to be more careful.” He closed the gap between us.
We were both half naked, bodies inches from each other.
I swear he’d turned off the AC. Sweat built around the base of my neck.
Damn, was the room a hundred degrees? Just then the weather gave us another warning that it was nearby.
The resounding boom sent me off my feet, and I let out a scream.
I pressed my hands to my chest with wide eyes that darted toward the window.
“Shit, Yelena. You’re scared of the storm? ”
I timidly lifted my eyes toward his dark ones. “I didn’t mean to startle you awake. I’m fine.”
He shook his head, moving even closer until our faces were nearly touching. “I didn’t ask that. I asked if you’re afraid?”
My brain short-circuited, and I couldn’t process his words. “Of what?”
“That’s an interesting question. With two words, you’ve said so much. Were you yelled at for being scared?” I answered with a nod.
The storm ripped through the darkness. “I’ve got you.” His lips brushed the top of my head, and then he stepped back. Was he leaving me?
He locked the bedroom door and then led me to the bed. “I’ll stay as long as you need me to.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I want you to rest. We have a big day tomorrow.” He sat me on the bed, and I lay down. After scooping up the covers, he climbed in behind me. “I will always protect you.” Sleep came easily in his embrace.