Chapter 12
Rosalie
Istood at the sink, my eyes fixated on my reflection in the mirror as I slowly undid the buttons of my blouse.
My mind was a jumbled mess of emotions, trying to make sense of everything that’s happened lately.
Being kidnapped, breaking the vase, the way Silas cared for me—it all swirled in a confusing mixture of emotions.
I felt a presence behind me. Turning, I found Silas standing in the doorway, a look of gentle concern etched on his face. “Hey, do you need any help?” he asked, low and soothing.
I hesitated… I was independent, never one to ask for help, but there was something about Silas that made me feel safe and cared for. “I… I think I can manage.”
Silas smiled, taking a step closer. “I’m happy to help… are you sure you don’t want me to? Your hand is still healing… I can take care of you.”
I felt a flutter within my chest as he approached me. No one had ever offered to take care of me like that before. Not once had anyone ever looked at me with kindness and compassion the way Silas did. I felt a sense of vulnerability wash over me, but the good kind.
What was I thinking? Falling for my kidnapper…
“Okay,” I whispered.
Silas nodded and began to help me undress, his movements slow and gentle.
I felt a sense of trepidation at first, but when his hands touched my skin, a surge of warmth and comfort flowed over me, as if I was wrapped in a blanket of love and care, enveloped in a sense of safety and security.
He led me towards the tub. Turning on the faucet, he adjusted the temperature to a warm and soothing level.
Pouring in a cup of lavender bath salts and a bit of bubbles, he helped me into the warm steamy water.
“Mmmm…” I hummed softly, sinking into the bath.
Silas sat at the edge of the tub. “Here, let me wash your hair,” he offered, picking up the shampoo bottle.
I hesitated at first, but as Silas massaged my scalp, I couldn’t help but feel relaxed within his touch.
His fingers were gentle, working out all the tangles in my hair.
I closed my eyes, letting out a soft sigh.
Feeling the tension melt away. He rinsed my hair, humming a gentle tune.
Silas leaned down, his lips lingering against my ear. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
I felt the heat rise within my cheeks.
It was like we were two puzzle pieces that were meant to fit together. A sense of love and affection grew within me. Warmth and tenderness I had never felt before.
Am I crazy to have such strong feelings for him?
He did so much for me. I had never been cared for before in the way he cared for me.
I had dated a lot of guys, but none of them compared to Silas.
Maybe I was crazy, falling for my kidnapper.
Especially so quick but—maybe being crazy wasn’t a bad thing.
He made me breakfast in bed. I never went hungry, and I had everything I needed.
He let me dance; I mean, he even made me a whole ballet studio in the basement just so I could dance properly.
He even got me my favorite shampoo and washed my hair for me.
Anything I asked for—besides the ability to leave, of course—he gave to me.
Whether that be books, blankets, skin care products, snacks, stuffed animals, the list was endless.
Not long after we finished up in the tub.
Silas helped me out, wrapping me in a warm towel.
He dried me off, helping me into a fresh set of pajamas, and then we made our way towards my bed.
Silas grabbed my hairbrush. Getting comfortable in my bed, he gestured for me to join him, and I did.
He began carefully brushing the knots out of my hair.
I turned my head to look at him. “Silas…”
“Yes Rosalie?”
“I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Did I really just say that?
He smiled, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m already in love with you.”
I felt like I was floating on air, unable to comprehend what I had just heard. It felt surreal. I had never felt this way about anyone before but—looking into Silas’s eyes, I felt like I was right where I was meant to be.
Silas pulled me down into his embrace. My head rested against his chest as he cradled me in his arms. “I have been in love with you for a long time, Rosalie. That’s why I want to protect you, and keep you out of harm's way.”
I shifted, burying my face into him.
“I have never been in love before, not until I met you,” he admitted.
“The moment I laid my eyes on you, I knew you were the one.” His fingers combed through my hair, gently playing with the wet strands.
He planted a soft kiss against my forehead, holding me close to him.
There was no place that felt safer than within his arms. I took a soft breath, inhaling the scent of his cologne.
A few moments passed. Soft, tender moments.
If it was wrong, why did it feel so right?
“Is there anything you want in particular for dinner? I can cook… or order something,” Silas offered quietly.
“Mmm…” I hummed softly, nuzzling him. “Raising Canes?”
“You want Raising Canes?”
I turned my head, resting my chin on his chest. Looking up at him. “Mhm.”
“Sandwich combo with an extra side of canes sauce and a large sweet tea?”
I smiled bigger.
How did he know that?
I nodded.
“Sure thing Princess.” Silas smiled, planting another kiss against my forehead. “Let me hold you a bit longer and then I will order us some dinner.”
I nodded, shifting in his arms. I snuggled him. Feeling nothing but bliss within his embrace. I could get used to this.