Page 72 of Knot a Thief

I twist on the bed to see a little cherub in Silas’ big, muscular arms. Her head resting on his shoulder.

My breath catches in my throat at the sight of her. And him, too. To be truthful, I hate he’s so fucking gorgeous.

My gaze goes back to the little girl. She’s angelic; golden curls frame a face that Botticelli could have painted.

Her big blue eyes are wide with curiosity. She’s clutching a stuffed rabbit, her tiny fingers wrapped tightly around its ear.

My omega instincts surge, and I feel a strange but overwhelming urge to hold her, to comfort her, to protect her. But I force myself to remain still, gripping the bed sheets tightly to stop myself from reaching out for her.

Tentatively, Silas steps into the room and looks at the broken lamp, now in pieces. My eyes are locked on the girl, drinking in every detail of her perfect little face.

“This is Lily,” Silas says, his voice tight with an emotion I can’t quite place. “My daughter.”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

Lily looks at me with such innocence. It takes every ounce of willpower I have not to go to her.

Silas’ face hardens as he watches my lack of response.

“You could at least say hello,” he says, his tone sharp. “After everything. You owe me that much.”

His words hit me like a physical blow.

I owe him? For what?

The confusion must show on my face because Lily’s expression changes, her little brow furrowing with concern.

“Mommy?” she says softly, looking from Silas to me and back again.

“Where is your mommy?” I ask. Hoping to soothe the child’s concern and pacify my abductor simultaneously.

But Silas glares at me. I don’t understand his problem; he brought the child into my room.

Does he want me to talk to her or not?

“This is my friend Bunny.” She lifts the soft toy to show me its face. But I’m too busy looking at hers.

“I like Bunny,” I say, giving her a big smile.

“I like you,” she whispers. Her sad eyes turn bright and lock on mine.

My heart pounds in my chest with a sudden longing to cuddle her and make her happy again. To do anything to take away the look of heartache on her face.

I smile. “I like you too.”

I know I can’t.

I’m frozen, caught between my instincts and my anger. Between the urge to hold this child and the thoughts that the child is being used.

Silas and Max are in cahoots, and Silas brought Lily here to bring out my omega instincts more than they are.

But as Lily’s lower lip trembles, I feel something inside me break.

What kind of person am I to hurt an innocent child?

But before I can do anything to make it right, Silas turns away, cradling Lily close.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he murmurs to her.

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