Sin & Salvation

Chapter 5

Cora Lia Elliot, get your shit together.

It's only for a few hours and then I'll hopefully never have to see him again. Kind of impossible when you consider holiday parties and events, but I'll cross that bridge if it comes.

Silas walks around the table introducing himself to the wives and I can tell they're unequivocally flattered by him, watching as he kisses each of their hands.

"Oh, what a gentleman! You were certainly raised well, young man!" Evelyn gushes as he lifts her hand to his mouth.

"Thank you, Mrs. Attenborough. My mother would roll over in her grave if I didn't show you lovely ladies the respect you deserve." I'm not prepared for the rich, velvety, sensual voice that leaves his mouth and I swear my pussy is screaming.

Evelyn laughs. "Please call me Evelyn, or Evie— Mrs. Attenborough is my mother-in-law. Lord knows I love her, but I don't want to be her!" The table erupts in laughter and I'm nervous as Silas turns towards me.

I know Brett would never tell me to turn down such a kind gesture, even if it meant making him jealous, so I'm fully preparing myself as he approaches.

My nose is filled with the scent of warm, peppery spices from his cologne and I glance up to this behemoth of a man as he smiles.

"You must be the elusive Cora. So nice to finally meet the woman Brett won't shut up about ." He grabs my hand making mine look impossibly small. The first thing I notice on his hand is the black-and-white tattoo of a woman with snakes around her head.

It takes me a minute to realize it's Medusa— the woman with venomous snakes for hair who turned people to stone with a single look.

I wish I could fucking do that.

The combination of the tattoo with the veins in his hand makes my stomach do a triple backflip. Anticipating for him to place his full, pink lips on my hand, he leans down and makes eye contact with me.

Those icy eyes bore deep into mine and up close, he's even more devastating than I could imagine. His hair is slightly wavy, medium length, and looks like somebody just raked their hands through it. What I wouldn't give to—

What am I thinking right now? I am taken. And by an absolute psychopath, nonetheless.

As he places his lips on my hand, I notice the scar is actually part of his lip, causing a disruption in his otherwise perfect pout. He comes back up and chuckles, as if he can sense my nervous energy.

I swear I think I could've just come from that interaction alone. His inebriating scent lingers when he walks away, and I savor it for as long as I can.

The waiter comes back and everyone orders their food. Brett orders for me like he usually does, getting us the same thing. Silas looks up when Brett does this and for a second I swear I see a flash of disgust across his face, like he's bothered by the gesture.

Sensing my stare, he makes direct eye contact with me. I want to be annoyed, but it looks as if he's almost sorry for me.

When everyone is done ordering, the drinks come to the table and I could kiss the waiter when he refills my glass. There's not enough alcohol at this table— actually, at this restaurant— for the motivation I need to get through this dinner.

Silas' silent denial of a glass and request for water doesn't go unnoticed by anyone at the table. Charles is the first to break the silence. "Driving home tonight? You know, I can always get my driver to take you home if you're that worried."

Silas laughs and it sounds like deliverance from sin. "No, I just don't drink much these days. A bad habit I kicked a while ago. Appreciate the offer though."