Page 88 of His to Keep
“You have kids?”
Silas nods. “Twins. They’re... a handful. Consider yourself warned.”
“I can handle them,” I say confidently, causing Silas to smirk.
“Famous last words, dude. They’re... feral.”
“Just text me the address,” I say as my phone buzzes. “That was fast.”
He stares at me like I’m an idiot before holding up his empty hands. “Wasn’t me.”
I slide my phone from my pocket and pull down the notification bar. It’s Scarlet.
Scarlet: Call me. Please.
“Everything good?” Silas asks.
Holding up my index finger, I shake my head as I dial her number. “Ellis.” Her voice trickles through the phone, in a breathless, shaky whisper that’s wholly unlike her.
“What’s wrong, baby girl?” I ask, instantly on high alert.
Silas mouths for me to put it on speaker.
“It’s…” She heaves out an exhausted sigh. “My car.”
“What about it?” Various scenarios run through my mind—dead battery, flat tire, out of gas.
“He slashed my tires and busted up my windshield.” She sniffles but tries to hide it. “He left another note, too.”
“I’m on my way,” I say without thinking. I hate leaving Silas in a lurch, especially on my first day, but Scarlet needs me.
“No, it’s—I’m fine.”
“How are you going to get home?” I ask, uneasy at the thought of being anywhere other than by her side.
“One of my co-workers said they’d bring me home. It’s on their way.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, trying to stuff down the overbearing caveman trying to claw his way out of me. “I can be there in five.”
“I’m sure.” After a pause she adds, “I wouldn’t say no to you bringing home dinner though.”
“Tell me what you want and I’ll make it happen.”
She thinks for a minute. “Chicken salad and soup? And maybe some brownies.”
“Consider it done. I’ll be home in about an hour.”
“Okay,” she says. “Thank you.”
“Any time.” I take the call off speaker and put the phone to my ear. “And Scarlet...”
“Yeah?” Her voice still has a subdued quality to it. I hate it. I used to think I wanted her quiet, but turns out, I much prefer her bold, bratty, loud, and vivacious.
“I’ll get your car towed.”
“You don’t have to do that,” she starts to argue.
“I know. I’m offering.” I wait, giving her time to needle me about it, but she doesn’t say a word. “Be safe. See you soon.”
