Page 251 of The Sins of Silas

She lightly tugged at my hair, and I felt my cock swelling in my pants.

I leaned my head forward, my lips mere centimeters from her ear. “I have little self-control around you as it is.” She let out a breathy exhale, and I grinned. “But you pulling my hair?” I jerked her closer, pressing my erection against her torso. “The threat of me bending you over a table and taking you in front of everyone should frighten you.”

I withdrew ever so slightly, pleased to see the goosebumps covering her skin. Pleased to see her half-lidded eyes.

“I wish you could,” she uttered, her eyes sinking to my lips. “I wish…”

Dangerous. This was way too dangerous.

My hands tightened on her waist, and Lena’s doll-like eyes gazed up at me. “I wish I could stay like this with you. In this moment.”

It was hard to ignore the pain behind her expression. The same could probably be said of me. But this was supposed to be a fun night. A happy night. If anyone deserved one, it was her.

“You know I do, too.” I twirled her, another sweet giggle slipping free of her lips. I held her close to me again. “Let’s try to make it last as long as we can.”

I pulled her even closer, and we began to dance to the slow tunes. Her chin rested on my shoulder, my arms holding her against my chest. “I imagined us being like this, you know,” I murmured into her ear.

We stayed like that for a few moments, slowly swaying to the music. “I did, too,” she replied with a gleam in her eyes. “Even though I knew we couldn't have it. I imagined many evenings like your birthday ball…like the Summer Solstice festival. Dressing up with you and just…having fun.” A few more notes played before she said, “I have missed having fun with you, Silas.”

I closed my eyes, running my thumb along her back. I knew we were dancing on an exceptionally fine line—knew that anyone looking at us must have had raised eyebrows at the affection we were showing one another. But at that moment, I didn’t care.

“I am so grateful you’re alive, Flower. It still feels like a dream most days.”

She pulled away, her hands still resting on the back of my neck. The energy between us was undeniable.

“You are so damn beautiful,” I whispered.

I wanted so badly to kiss her—wanted to meet the strokes of her tongue with my own. Wanted to feel myself buried inside her again. Wanted—

“Silas.”

Lena jumped, and we broke our gaze to see Erabella standing beside us, hands on her hips. I then realized the slow music had already stopped and moved on to the next song.

She turned to Lena with narrowed eyes. “I’d like my husband back if you don’t mind.”

“Oh, right, of course.” She bashfully backed up, dusting her dress off.

“Valter wanted to see you, by the way,” Era added, her gaze flicking to the handsome Prince at the front of the room.

“Oh! Okay.” Lena turned to me and gave me a soft smile. “Thank you for the dance, Your Highness,” she said quietly, giving a cute curtsey before walking away.

My eyes were still following her when Era questioned, “What was that?”

“What was what?” I asked dishonestly, putting my hands inside my pockets.

“I’m not stupid. That wasn’t just a friendly dance!” she hissed, stepping forward into my view. “You two practically had your tongues down each other’s throats!”

I chewed the inside of my cheek, staring off into the distance. “We’ve been through a lot. We were just…talking.”

“Do you have feelings for her?”

My eyes shot back to hers.

Era’s lip trembled, her arms crossing as she asked me again, “Do you have feelings for her, Silas?”

I didn’t have it in me to lie anymore, nor did I have it in me to tell her the truth.

I hesitated. I fucking hesitated.

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