Page 60 of The Sins of Silas

Dani clasped my shoulder. “Get the corset. It’s hot.”

Chapter Seventeen

MERRICK

Silas wore a scowl nearly our entire walk after Leroy came to fetch us, taking us on some shopping spree. I found it surprising at times thatthiswas the Quill Lena had told me stories about.

The charming, witty, sweet man she fell in love with…what the hell happened to make him change so much?

Then again, I understood. He and I had both lost our mothers. And to make it worse, he lost the love of his life a few days after that tragedy.

I supposed that would make any man turn cold.

“Tell me, Leroy, my man,” Roland quipped. “What’s this Freak Show all about?”

Leroy gave him a half smile. “No spoilers. It’s best to go into it with no expectations."

I watched Silas’s frown deepen as his eyes flicked to Roland. Other than the obvious, him bedding his first love, what had made him dislike the soldier so much?

Edmund and Hendry would roll their eyes occasionally at his comments—we all did. But they clearly enjoyed his presence.

The Prince…not so much. Yet he was willing to let him tag along with us for this journey, which meant that in spite of his loathing, he trusted him. So, if he hadn’t broken his trust, what exactly did Roland do?

“We first need to get you guys some appropriate attire. Something fancy and not fit for battle. That would surely unnerve the guests.”

My eyes darted away when I heard my sister’s laugh, and I saw that the girls were striding out of a lingerie store.

My mouth slightly fell open—all of ours did, actually, as Vi shot me a smirk while dangling her bag.

My cheeks heated, and I gave her a shake of my head, grinning like a fool.

Naughty.

“Hell yeah, Ginger Snap!” Roland hollered, and Lena flushed, biting back a smile and giving him her signature middle finger. He chuckled in response.

“She sure is fiery, that one,” Hendry noted, crossing his strong arms.

“Feisty as shit. I love it,” Roland replied, biting his lip.

Era sheepishly looked to Silas, clutching her own bag, and I watched as he gave her a strained smile.

I felt an unpleasant feeling bubbling in my chest, and I found it was for Era. She really was clueless about the Prince and theSupreme of Ames's past. She was just innocently going with the flow.

And the Prince…his feelings overwhelmed me.

Silas couldn’t fully enjoy these moments with his wife, not with his past staring back at him,tauntinghim.

What he really craved was out of his grasp, the forbidden fruit too high up in that damned tree. His fingertips could only brush the delicate flesh—unable to extend his reach to wrap his fingers around andpull.

I felt it then…felt how her presence was nothing more than a constant tease—a reminder that he could not satiate that hunger…could not feast on what it was he truly desired.

And it only enraged him further.

I cleared my throat, blinking rapidly.

Fuck, I wasn’t even trying to read him! Why are his emotions bleeding into mine?

Leroy snorted. “C’mon, boys, no getting distracted now.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “That’s what the evening is for.”

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