Sin & Salvation

Chapter 43

Brett approaches Silas with a grocery bag in one hand and smiles at him. He lifts his free hand towards him and just when I think he's going to punch him, he instead places his hand on his shoulder and pats it.

"We have no issues— isn't that right Bennett?" Brett says, looking at Silas threateningly, seeking reassurance.

Silas glances at me briefly and I swallow nervously. He looks back to Brett, eyeing him up and down slowly, likely trying to guess what game he's playing with him right now.

"I guess not," Silas finally replies, looking Brett dead in the eyes, not backing down. We all stand there watching as the two men stand inches away from each other, both intent on killing the other at any second. Brett then steps beside Silas facing away from us, and whispers something that none of us can hear.

Silas' face goes from curious to murderous in seconds and he clenches both fists tighter as Brett pulls away, grinning ear-to-ear, before shoving the grocery bag into Silas' chest.

"Why don't you bring this inside while I set up the fire?" He smiles as Silas grabs the bag, his knuckles turning white from how hard he's holding it. Brett walks away towards the fire pit and we all look at each other.

"Well that was fucking weird," Jason mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm uh— I'm gonna go help him with the fire," he says to no one in particular before walking away.

Payton, Silas and I stand together, avoiding eye contact with one another. We all know something, but none of us are brave enough to speak first. Silas looks at me and nudges his head towards the house, suggesting for me to follow him inside. For a second I consider saying no because Brett will be suspicious, but there's cameras inside and I know Silas wouldn't be that stupid.

I nod as he begins to walk away and I look to Payton unsure of what to say. I've known this girl for my entire life and we're standing just a few feet apart as if we're complete strangers.

"I'm going to go help the guys," she says quietly, looking into my eyes, pain hiding behind them.

I swear I can see her eyes getting glassy, but before I can look closer, she turns and walks away. I follow behind her a second later and toss the sticks onto one of the Adirondack chairs surrounding the fire pit.

As I go to leave and walk up to the house, Brett glances behind me and swiftly pulls me into him, forcing his lips on mine. I'm repulsed and about to pull away, but remember that I need to keep up the act, at least for this weekend. Plus, he'll only go harder if I resist.

I lean into it, parting my lips to allow his tongue into my mouth. His hand reaches down to squeeze my ass and I yelp. I try to giggle to cover up the rage building inside me and he laughs as he releases me. I look over to Jason and Payton, finding Jason glaring intently before quickly turning away.

"Damn," Jason mumbles, looking into the fire as he kindles it with a log. "Looks like it didn't take you two very long to make up." He glances up at me briefly and I look at him curiously, wondering why he's being such a dick.

In response to my reaction, he smiles and laughs. "It was a joke. God, you women take everything way too seriously." He shakes his head and continues to laugh to himself.

I want to believe he's just trying to push my buttons or looking out for his friend, but he genuinely seems annoyed for some reason. I look to Payton who doesn't seem to notice as she rips up a leaf and throws it into the growing fire.

Deciding to ignore his remark, I turn back towards the house and find Silas standing up on the deck watching us, waiting for me to join him. He's clearly pissed, like he's ready to come back down and finally finish what he started a few weeks ago. I'm guessing he saw Brett's little romantic act which is why he looks murderous right now.