Sin & Salvation

Chapter 7

Everyone is still deep in conversation when I make my way back to the table. I was gone for almost 20 minutes and I'm dreading having to explain myself as I sit down. I feel like an imposter in my own skin and this immense feeling of disgust at myself overwhelms me.

To my surprise, nobody says anything at first and I'm relieved. But my relief is short-lived when Silas looks my way. "Everything okay Cora? You were in there for a while." His eyes are glaring at me intently as if to say I know something is up.

He would be the one to say something.

After taking a much-needed drink of water, I clear my throat and look up at him. "Yeah, I was just fixing myself up. Can't rush perfection."

Victoria and Evelyn both laugh as does Brett. But Silas continues to hold eye contact with me, his gaze softening, almost like he feels sorry for me.

Like he knows.

"Well, I figured I'd be polite and wait near the bathrooms for you, but decided after a few minutes that maybe you were otherwise occupied. Was thinking you might have fallen in for a minute there." He laughs but I can tell it's not authentic by the way his smile doesn't reach his eyes.

He waited outside for me? Did he see Brett come in— or worse yet, did he hear what was happening?

I feel my face flush red and put down my water, reaching for my nearly empty wine glass, gulping down the rest. His powerful gaze bores into me from across the table and I find it extremely difficult to not give in and look. I'm hoping he didn't hear anything, but at the same time, a small part of me wishes he did.

Silas saved me once already today, couldn't he have done it again?

My thoughts are interrupted when the waiter brings us our check. I see Silas silently wave him over and whisper to him before slipping him a matte black credit card.

Holy shit. This dude's loaded.

The waiter nods and walks away, and I anxiously wait for all the men to start pulling their dicks out to fight over who should have paid. I see Keith and Charles give each other a look, one of surprise mixed with a crushing blow to their manhood.

"Big guy over here makes a few deals and buys everyone dinner? Don't spend it all in one place pal," Keith teases. He would be the first to say something. Charles looks like he's about to say something as well before Evelyn places her hand on his arm as if to silently disapprove. At least someone can control his slimy tentacles from prodding other people.

Brett smirks at Silas and I can tell his ego is hurt. "Let me at least pay you for mine and Cora's meals. We got drinks and you didn't, don't think it would be very fair to have you footing our end of the bill." He gestures to start pulling out his wallet.

Silas puts a hand up, stopping him while countering, "No, no. I insist. You all were so kind to invite me to dinner tonight. And considering how great everyone has been to me being the new guy and all, the least I can do is treat you to a nice meal. I don't buy myself many things so I'm more than happy to dust the cobwebs off my card for once." The rich laugh that comes from deep within his throat is like music to my ears and I feel a small smile forming on my lips.

His confidence around this group is so refreshing. It's rare to come across someone who doesn't falter at the foot of these powerful and intimidating men. He's got some serious 'big-dick energy'.

Before I can start letting my mind wander with that thought, the waiter comes back, prompting everyone to start making moves to leave and say their goodbyes.

Relief washes over me because the idea of getting out of this place right now sounds like a dream. There's so much tension between Silas and I that I feel like his hands are virtually wrapped around my throat. A small voice in the back of my mind perks up at the thought.

You know, that doesn't actually sound too terrible...

What the actual fuck. I think I truly need to be sedated right now, what has this man done to me in the few hours I've known him?

Trying to regain whatever sense of dignity I have left, I stand up and Brett hands me my purse off the back of my chair. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Evelyn placing a gentle hand on Silas' face.

"You have been such a perfect gentleman all night. Your mother— rest her soul— definitely raised you right. Please tell me there's a special someone who has the pleasure of getting this kind of attention constantly."

A small chuckle from his glorious mouth and then a grin. "She sure did, I don't know what I would've been without her. And no— no special someone. Just me, myself, and my work."

"Oh... well honey, anyone would be so lucky to be doted on and loved by you. I know I would." She laughs and pulls him into a sweet embrace, his body nearly swallowing hers.

Puh-lease. Lucky? After my encounter with him, the word 'lucky' and this man do not belong in the same sentence.

Other people might find Evelyn's remark to be flirty, but she has a very motherly, protective energy, and I can tell by Silas' body language how comfortable he feels near her. I know the feeling because I feel the same way.

Keith and Charles come up to shake Brett's hand and give me a kiss on the cheek. I silently commend them for managing to not make any crude comments this time around. No doubt in part to their crushed egos after Silas paid for their dinner.

I'm nervous in anticipation as I see Silas out of the corner of my eye while Victoria embraces me.

She kisses both of my cheeks and places her cold hand on my face. "So lovely to see you sweetie, we'll have to go shopping together soon!" Yeah, no thanks. But I nod in agreement. I'm hit with her Grandma perfume as she turns around to join Keith in leaving.

My heart swells as Evelyn grabs my shoulders and smiles at me. "I love getting to see your beautiful face, Cora. Please don't let so much time pass before I see it again. If you ever need me, I'm only one call away. Okay?" I feel my eyes burning as I hold back tears and she wraps me in a much-needed, warm embrace.

I can't remember the last time someone put their arms around me without the intention of hurting me or fucking me. I linger in the hug for as long as I can before she pulls away and kisses my cheek. I'm sad as she walks away towards Charles, and I wonder how the hell she ever ended up with him.

Blinking the tears back, I prepare myself as Silas shakes hands with Brett. "Mr. Bennett, it's been a pleasure. Thank you again for dinner, I owe you." Brett chuckles and Silas brings his other hand up to Brett's shoulder.

"Absolutely not, I owe you for the opportunities you've given me in the last few weeks." His frosty gaze slides over to me, adding, "And for introducing me to this wonderful woman I've heard so much about."

Wonderful woman? What the hell is this dude even saying right now?

Pushing past my anger, I smile at him. "You are too kind. It was really nice to finally meet you as well. It seems we've both heard many things about the other." I tilt my head and feel my cheeks burning as I continue to force my smile at him.

He has to lean down a significant amount for our faces to align, choosing to kiss me on the cheek conveniently facing away from Brett. One of his warm hands is gripping my arm when he gets closer to my ear.

"I look forward to meeting the real you again soon, Cora." His deep, breathy whisper sends chills down my spine and it takes everything in me not to collapse at this man's feet. Before I melt into oblivion, Silas stands up straight and begins to walk away. I feel Brett's arm link through mine as we trail behind him.

I have never looked more forward to getting to the place I call home

Even if it never quite feels like it.