Page 49 of The Sins of Silas

The corner of his lip raised. “Oh?”

I met his eyes and beamed when I noticed the amusement shining in them.

“Having been a higher-ranking soldier, I could be a bit of a dick at times,” he started. “There were times in training I would be…well, a cocky douchebag.” I laughed at his comment. “But honestly, Hendry, Edmund, and I get along perfectly well. Theyaren’t as bold as me, but I have their respect. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been so eager to let me in on your little plan.”

That made sense. “And Silas? Where does his animosity come from?”

His brows drew together, his sight falling to his lap. “I’m not sure of that one. He doesn’t have much of a sense of humor.” He shrugged, and I couldn't help but notice a slight tremor in his hand as he downed his first drink. “Probably jealous,” he mumbled.

Silas always had the best sense of humor when I was close to him, but it was obvious he had changed a great deal. Was he actually jealous of Roland?

Both of them were beyond good-looking. I couldn't see it being that. Yes…perhaps if his feelings lingered, he would feel a certain type of way watching him flirt with me. But their conflict appeared to go far back.

“So,” I began, changing the subject. “See anyone you want to take to bed tonight?” I questioned boldly.

He smirked at me, then shifted his gaze around the room, puckering his lips and tapping his finger to his mouth. “That girl over there seems like a fun time, or perhaps her friend,” he commented, pointing to two elderly women sitting at the rounded bar in front. I giggled, and his hazel irises found mine. “Really, though, there's this beautiful, copper-haired woman I wish to take to my room.”

My face heated, and I laughed, eyes falling to the wooden table before looking out at the different people mingling around. My eyes landed on a man whose gaze was locked on Roland.

“It looks like that guy is checking you out.” I laughed, and Roland turned his attention to the handsome man.

“Hmm…perhaps if you weren't here, I'd explore that option,” he murmured.

I widened my eyes, and when he glanced back at me, he let out a chuckle.

“I actually do like both males and females,” he confessed.

“Oh…” I blushed as I sipped on my drink, glancing back at the toned man, who was now focused on someone else after Roland peered in his direction. Was he as attractive as Roland? No. But he was decent.

“Does that surprise you?” he asked while bringing his second drink to his lips.

“A little…” I admitted before I smirked, liquid courage filling my veins. “So, are you a top or bottom?”

He choked on his drink, and when I burst out laughing, a dazzling grin took over his face.

“My, my, Lena. I really have rubbed off on you.” He bit his lip. “What do you think?”

I studied him as I leaned back in my chair. Honestly, I couldn’t picture him with a male…he was so masculine. Though he, of course, had his pretty face.

My eyes trailed back to the man who had been gawking at him. He had a muscular build similar to Roland's, and his hair was short and dark. I shrugged. “I’d say you like to switch it up.”

He chuckled, sipping more of his drink.

“Well?” I pressed, and then my eyes widened at the sight of his reddening cheeks. “Oh. My. Gods! You are blushing!”

“No, I’m not,” he mumbled into his glass.

“Yes, you are!” I giggled. “I can’t believe I have madetheRoland actually blush. Am I making you uncomfortable?Gods, I hope I am.”

Herolled his eyes and nursed his drink. I continued to study him with a shit-eating grin.

“Okay, fine…both have their…pros, I suppose,” he conceded, pulling his lips to the side, failing at concealing the enjoyment this conversation provided.

I was the one to blush now, picturing him with another male. “So, which do you prefer, guys or girls?”

He rested his knuckle on his cheek and let his smile loose. He thought for a moment. “Being with men is fun. But I prefer females. Most of the men that I'm attracted to usually don't return the feeling.” He shrugged. “Plus, I couldn’t see myself coming home and saying,“Hi honey!”to a guy.”

I tapped on my glass with my long nails. “So…men are more for excitement than love?”

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