Page 65 of Silas's Sweetheart

Kodi:It’s the damn truth. Whatever you’re feeding that little girl could be classed as a damn lethal weapon when it’s unleashed the way she does.

Booker:You say that to Frey. I dare you.

Laken:Let’s get back to this supposed trip. I’m far too busy to take time off.

Dad:It’s not a request. You need to make the time. All of you, end of discussion!

Silas had a mad idea, and his heart rate accelerated as shaky fingers taped at the screen.

Silas:Then if we’re going, so are the PAs…

Taylin:I second that because I’m not leaving Hollis behind.

Booker:We have Emmy to consider.

Dad:Lane and I will look after her. We managed you eight. I’m sure we can cope with Emmy for a week.

His hand cramped as he held his phone, staring at the screen, reading what Jupiter had written over and over. It ripped open his chest and allowed his heart to fucking bleed all over the damn place.

What have I done?

It didn’t matter how many times he asked the question, he still couldn’t come up with an answer that made the ache in his chest take a fucking run off a cliff and give him some peace.

To know that Jupiter was only down the hallway and was a wind up merchant of epic proportions didn’t stop Silas wanting to go shut him up with a fist to the face. The edge of the phone case dug into his palm as he remained glued to his seat, breathing hard. Where was the brother code of keeping away from someone they’d dated?

He doesn’t fucking know, does he?

Shut up!His animal side had made its choice, and Silas opposing him had not gone down well. Though he still couldn’t quite figure out why he’d done what he’d done. That was aquestion he still couldn’t find the answer to. Or not one he was willing to look too closely at when it uncovered insecurities he hid from everyone except Popi, Dad, and Booker.

What a fucking mess his life was.

He flicked the screen open and ran over the conversation, torturing himself once more. Was Dad’s suggestion a good one? Could that give him the chance to show Ziggy…

What could he show him?

He dropped the phone, making it clatter on the desk in front of him, to scrub his hands over his face.

Man the fuck up.Booker’s words ran through his mind.You are one of the best fucking men I know. Stop fucking hiding behind society’s fake fucking beliefs about divergents. I saved your fucking ass that day in the alley because you are my best friend. One of honor, of courage. Do fucking you. Show him who you really are, the man I love. He won’t run from you if he’s everything you think he is.

Silas released a shuddery breath, inhaled and blinked hard, swallowing past the ball of emotion in his throat. Picking his phone back up with a renewed determination, he searched the chat names for Ethan.

Silas:Hey Ethan, can you give me the next free dates for the seven day corporate team building package, with enough spaces for sixteen?

Ethan:Yep, who’s it for?

Silas:Me, my brothers and the PAs…

Ethan:LMAO…

Silas:I expected nothing less. Just get me the dates and prepare for Armageddon!

Ethan:Oh the fucking joy… can I play with Jup?

Silas:If you want to end up kneeling at his feet worshiping him, then go for it, my friend.

Ethan:Maybe not… but it would be interesting to see if I could tame the wild beast.

Silas:It’s your funeral.

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