Page 27 of The Aftermath

“What about it?”

“It’s exactly what I’d picture for you,” I tell him with a smile. He doesn’t laugh or smile, for that matter, and I know something is bothering him.

“Can I take a shower,” I ask him softly. He nods and grabs a shirt for me out of his dresser before leading me into the bathroom. He starts up the shower and grabs a clean towel from under the sink, setting it on the counter. Then he moves toward me, pulling the jacket down my arms. He doesn’t stop there. He pulls all my clothes off until I’m standing naked in front of him. Then he moves to the wraps on my wrists and pulls them off gently.

“It’s going to hurt getting them wet,” he says, nodding toward them. I don’t say anything, just climb in the shower. I close my eyes and let the warm water hit me as he climbs in behind me. He’s careful not to touch me and I wonder if he’s mad at me. He has every right to be.

I grab the shampoo and wash my hair before grabbing the soap and doing the same to my body. Then, I climb out without a word and wrap myself in a towel.

Not long after I dry off and pull the shirt on, Silas does the same. He slips on a pair of shorts, and we go into the bedroom. He pulls the blankets back and yawns, nodding for me to get in. When I do, I turn to him.

“I know you’re mad,” I tell him.

“Mad? Oh no, Angel. I’m beyond mad. I don’t think you understand the kind of restraint I had to have not to kill you myself last night.” His words send a chill down my spine.

“I’m sorry.”

“We’ve already done this. I’m tired. Let’s just go to sleep.”

“That’s all you want to do?”

“Yeah. That’s all I want to do.”

Chapter 15

Silas

Have I been distant? Yeah, a little, but it’s for her own good. I can’t look at her or those marks on her wrist without wanting to snap her damn her neck. How the fuck could she think she could just leave me? Like I wouldn’t have followed her into the depths of hell and dragged her back out. Foolish girl.

I’ve also been reading her journals, the ones I assume she forgot I had. It’s mainly about sex and the fantasies she has. Some are about life and school and the upcoming ceremony, but most of it is what runs wild in her head. The newer ones, anyway. I’m working my way backward, reading the newest ones first.

I raise the binoculars and watch Ron, that piece of shit, as he walks to his car and climbs in. Then I set them down and start my car to follow him. I know he’s going home just like every other fucking day. Today is no different; I just wanted to be sure no one was with him or followed him.

I’ve already cut the wires to his security system, so that’s out of my way when I get there.

Pulling out, I follow behind him toward his house. When he pulls into the driveway, I kill the engine and climb out, glancing around to be sure no one sees me. He heads for his door, and I’m right behind him, pulling my gun and pressing it to his back. He gasps but doesn’t scream.

“Open the fucking door.” He reaches forward and opens the door as I shove him inside. I kick the door closed with my foot and push the gun into his back.

“What do you want?”

“I have questions I want answers to.”

“Not money?” he asks, sounding like he doesn’t believe me.

“I don’t need your damn money. Walk,” I order him, leading him through his own house and into his office. I motion for him to sit in his chair, and he does. As soon as he sits, he looks up at me, narrowing his eyes. He knows who I am. There’s no way he couldn’t, seeing how he’s wrapped up in things about the Kings.

“Silas Bennet?”

“You know me.”

“Of course, I know you.”

“How?” I muse as I lean my hip against his desk.

“Well, through your family, of course. You are from the area,” he replies, trying to play me. Nice fucking try.

“Do you make it a point to know everyone in the area?” I ask him. He doesn’t know what to say now. He’s confused, glancing around his office. More importantly, at his cameras. “I already cut the lines.” Now, his eyes snap back to mine.

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