Page 38 of Ex- Factor
I wasn’t, but I did notice she looked like she and Angel could be friends. He had some kind of complex when it came to her, but I understood she was one of the people in his comfort zone.
“She was available,” I said, tossing my legs across the loveseat.
She introduced herself. “I’m Chef Vixen. And you’re very handsome, Silas.”
Silas’s grin got wider.
She waved her hand over the plate with a little flourish, the gold chain at her neck catching the candlelight. “Lobster mac, three cheeses, black truffle on top—just how you like it, birthday boy.” Her voice was low, syrupy.
Silas raised a brow. “You know how I like it, huh?”
She smiled, slow and knowing. “Yes. You look like a man who appreciates flavor.” Then she leaned in a little too close and whispered, “And a little heat.”
I didn’t blink. Just watched him turn into the male version of a fangirl.
She disappeared until after dinner. She came back with dessert.
I watched her feed him chocolate-covered strawberries like she did on Instagram to the men that hired her.
She fed him slowly, and sucked the leftover chocolate off her fingers afterward.
Silas kept looking at me. I didn’t flinch. I smiled and nodded, reassuring him. I wouldn’t have done shit like this for Donte; his ass probably would have tried to fuck and marry her. I thought that without the bitterness or sting I used to feel. I was proud of myself for moving on and not backtracking.
I raised my glass. “Happy Birthday.”
After dessert, I had him lie down on the massage table I’d ordered to the room and rubbed his shoulders with oil I’d made myself—peppermint and lavender.
He let out a breath so heavy it felt like something left him. I worked my fingers into the knots he carried like armor, the places he never let anyone touch.
“You okay?” I asked.
His eyes were closed, face turned into the cradle. “Yeah. This just feels… good.”
He nearly fell asleep. After, we lay down together, the sheets cool against our skin.
“I have a confession to make.”
He mumbled, “Go ‘head,” under his breath.
“I love you.”
His hand paused. I could feel him hold his breath.
“We haven’t known each other a full year,” I continued. “And maybe that sounds ridiculous. Maybe it is. But I’m saying it because I know you. And I know you need to hear it.”
He didn’t speak.
I sat up, pulled the sheet to my chest, and turned toward him.
“I’m in love with you, Silas. I’m still figuring myself out. But Angel talked to me after that whole Donte mess, and she made me realize… you deserve clarity. You deserve to know that it’s only you. I’m not gonna have you walking around questioning it.”
His voice was a whisper. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure,” I said, like it was gospel.
His eyes closed. A single breath left him. And then his hand reached for mine beneath the covers, threading our fingers together.
I rolled over on top of him, straddling him, reaching in between us. He stopped me.
