Page 242 of The Sins of Silas

But when I opened the door, golden eyes found mine, then trailed down my body.

“Silas…what are you doing here?” I whispered, my head peeking out, my eyes darting down the empty hallway.

He cleared his throat. “I was just making sure you were alright. We don't know these people, and it worried me you were rooming elsewhere.” His gaze flitted behind me. “Although now I see why. That bastard wants to woo you.”

I slapped his arm, and he smiled playfully down at me. “That 'bastard' is essentially a Prince.”

He let out a hum as he raised his arm, leaning against the doorway. “He isn't the first prince enthralled by your charm,” he murmured.

I snorted despite my face flushing. “My charm? You think me giving the finger to Roland charmed him?”

“Oh, most definitely,” he purred, leaning in closer. “To those who live a life refined and proper, your authenticity is a breath of fresh air. That, and your undeniable beauty.”

My eyes became heavy, and I took a steadying breath, grasping one of the stones of my necklace. “I wish you could stay with me in here,” I whispered.

His grin slowly fell. “I wish I could, too.” His eyes flickered behind me again, just for a moment. “Just don't allow him entry into this room. I doubt there'll be any peace between our kinds if I end up killing him.”

I pinched his side, then, without thinking, pulled his face to mine, kissing him.

We held it for a moment. Silas's eyes darkened when I pulled away, and a grin tugged at his lips.

“Oh, my Gods.”

Panic surged through me, and when Silas and I whirled our heads to the side, Roland was gaping at us.

Chapter Sixty-Seven

LENA

“Oh fuck,” I breathed.

Silas went utterly still, and we were all left staring at one another.

“Roland, I can explain—” I began, but he spun away.

Throwing my hand outward, I blocked him from leaving, a protective barrier sealing him in this hallway.

Roland's shoulders rose and fell, and then he rotated his body toward us, brows lowered, eyes narrowed.

“I said I can explain,” I bit out. My eyes flicked up to Silas. “I'm sorry. I-I'll talk to him.”

Silas's worried gaze went back to his friend, then to mine.

“Go,” I ordered him gently.

He sighed, that scowl taking over his face as he turned, walking away.

Ireleased the barrier just as Silas passed Roland, wandering down the steps.

I nodded toward my room. “Come inside.”

Roland clenched his jaw, but he followed me.

Closing the door behind him, I sighed through my nose. Roland remained silent as he watched me release my hair from its braid and walk toward the bath.

I allowed my towel to fall, not caring that he saw my naked body, as he'd seen it already many times before.

My eyes fluttered closed as I sunk into the bath. I blew out of my nose, dipping my head under for a moment before emerging. When I wiped the water droplets away from my eyes, the handsome soldier was still staring daggers at me.

---