Page 37 of The Female

I’m still unsure if Gray expects me to help around the house, but given the number of shadows I see slinking around, I assume my assistance isn’t needed.

The corner of Silas’s lip turns upward as he watches my reaction.

My cheeks flush under his watchful eye, and I try to keep my thoughts far from anything remotely soft. I don’t know what kind of relationship he has with Gray, and the last thing I want is to anger the incubus by giving him the impression I’m getting too close to his friend.

I clear my throat and let my eyes roam over the tall bookshelves. “Most of these are in a language I’ve never seen before. Is it demon?”

In an attempt to hide my shaking hands, I shove them underneath my thighs. Silas watches the action before standing. I shrink as his body towers over mine.

“Yes, most of these were written before the adoption of the universal language,” he answers, gesturing for me to stand. “Come, follow me.”

Trying not to appear too scared, I raise my chin and stand. This is the first time I’ve ever stood so close to him, and I note with fear that I only come to his chest. He’s taller than I thought he was.

His movements are smooth and full of confidence as he leads me down the aisle on our left. I follow closely behind, almost bumping into his back when he abruptly stops at the shelf in the far corner of the room.

I eye him as he steps aside, my attention lingering on his friendly smile before turning toward the bookshelf he’s brought us to.

I’m sure my shock is visible as I scan the spines, my excitement rising as I realize they’re all in human. I must have missed these earlier. There seems to be a rich mix of genres here, and I bounce slightly as I notice some more exciting-sounding titles.

“Most of the books here are mine,” he says, “and you’re more than welcome to take and read whatever you please. If there are any you’d like that aren’t here, just let me know and I’ll purchase them for you. Or you can ask Gray.”

I nod, already knowing I will not be asking him to buy me anything.

Despite my apprehension, I force myself to look up at Silas. He’s been kind to me so far, and if there’s anybody to whom I feel I can ask my questions, it’s him.

“What’s my role in the house?” I ask.

Silas looks confused. “I’m not following.”

I grimace, looking for different wording. “What are the expectations of me here? What does Gray want from me?”

Silas sighs, his chest deflating as he lets out a long exhale.

“Gray’s odd for an incubus. He wants a relationship, somebody he can give his affections to. He has no interest in hurting you, but hewillneed to feed. That doesn’t always have to be penetrative sex, but that’s a conversation you’re better off having with him.” Silas’s dark eyes narrow as he acknowledges Gray’s need to feed. “Gray will see to it that you’re kept happy here.”

I nod, grateful for the explanation despite the fear it brings about.

“And Aziel? He doesn’t seem to like me very much.”

Silas laughs, the deep noise erupting from his chest. My pulse picks up at the suddenness of it, but I quickly calm down.

“Aziel doesn’t like anybody,” he explains. “Don’t worry about him. Despite his cold attitude, he’d never do anything to upset Gray, including harming you.”

Silas waits patiently for my next question. I hesitate before speaking again, worried he’ll find me annoying, but as I take in his relaxed posture, I work up the courage to continue my interrogation.

“What am I supposed to do all day?”

Silas shrugs, gesturing to the books. “You can read if you want. I don’t believe Gray has any jobs he wishes for you to do. As I mentioned earlier, you can ask him to find you a tutor if that’s something you’d find enjoyment in. We have many educated shadows in our employment, and I’m sure we could find one who’d be more than happy to teach you. I imagine being chosen to educate our female would be considered an honor for many demons.”

Silas falls silent when I don’t respond, and a sly smirk spreads across his lips before he bends down. I remain frozen as he brings his face toward mine, my pulse racing as I feel his breath fan across my face. Is he going to kiss me?

He’s an attractive man, and his kind personality is incredibly comforting. A small part of me wishes he’d purchased me instead of Gray. I imagine I’d have a happy life if I were Silas’s female.

I try not to let my disappointment show when Silas brings his mouth to my ear.

“Would you like me to let you in on a little secret?” he asks. He doesn’t give me time to answer before continuing. “Incubi are desperate to please, and Gray is no exception. Find a way to make that work in your favor.”

He straightens back up and smooths out his shirt as if his little comment never happened. I’m not sure if he meant it to sound as sexual as I interpreted it, but I refuse to humiliate myself further by asking for clarification.

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