Page 24 of Yearner

“What do you want in return?” she asked.

Silas's expression changed immediately, as though her question had offended him. His smile disappeared, and he stared at her with a dark, displeased look.

“Do you really think so little of me that you believe I wouldn't do anything for you without expecting something in return?” he asked, his voice low and grim.

Allison fell silent. The anger in his voice made it clear that her question had genuinely upset him.

Silas held her gaze, his expression serious as he continued.

“I'll do anything for you if it makes you happy. I'll give you everything I can, everything I have, and I won't ask for anything in return. Even if you decide you don't want me anymore, I won't force you to do anything for me.”

Seeing the sincerity in Silas's eyes and the intensity with which he looked at her, Allison couldn't help wondering how it was possible for someone to love another person so much. The defensiveness that had built up inside her gradually faded, and her arms relaxed at her sides as she studied his face.

“Do you really love me that much?” she asked softly.

Silas's expression changed at once. The intensity in his eyes softened, and he looked at her as though her question had given him something precious. He nodded eagerly, unable to hide how much he wanted her to understand his feelings.

“Yes, I do. I really, truly love you.” His voice was filled with conviction. “All I think about is you, Allison. I want you to be my wife, and I want to take my last breath with you.”

He reached for her hands and held them tightly, drawing her a little closer. The earnestness on his face left her almost overwhelmed. He was standing so close that she could feel his breath against her skin, and the intensity of his gaze made her feel strangely intimidated.

Silas noticed the look on her face. His grip loosened slightly, and his expression softened as he tried to reassure her.

“Don't be scared,” he murmured. “I won't do anything you don't want me to.”

Allison's heart fluttered at his words. She glanced down at their joined hands before looking back at him.

“All right,” she said quietly. “Please give me some time to think about whether I want to be with you.”

Silas fell silent for a moment. He looked as though he were struggling to accept her request, but he eventually nodded, his expression softening again.

“I'll wait for you.”

He didn't say anything more about it. Instead, he helped her into the car and drove her home.

When they arrived, Silas stopped outside her house. Allison climbed out and walked around to stand in front of him.

“I'll have Frank send the prototype device you wanted for your company,” Silas told her.

Allison gave him a small smile. “Thank you. I'll have the money transferred to your company for the purchase.”

Silas fell silent for a moment. Then he nodded, accepting her decision without arguing.

“Okay.”

Allison turned and walked toward her house. Silas remained where he was, watching her until she disappeared inside. Only then did he get back into his car and drive away.

Later that night, after Allison had settled into bed, her phone rang. Seeing Shane's name on the screen, she immediately answered the call.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, concern filling her voice.

“Can you stop worrying about me as though I'm about to die?” Shane complained.

Allison let out a small laugh. “You were attacked just a few days ago. I practically brought you home from the hospital myself, so you'll have to forgive me for worrying about my brother after he was almost killed by a bunch of maniacs. It's terrifying to think that you were nearly shot.”

“Don't worry. I'm fine,” Shane assured her. “That happened weeks ago, and I've healed completely. I don't even have a car anymore, and Silas has increased the security around me. I'm not allowed to step outside without security keeping an eye on me. So you need to stop worrying about me. You're only making me more tense.”

Allison took a deep breath, reminding herself that Shane had a point. She couldn't keep worrying about him every time he stepped out of her sight, but after everything that had happened, it was difficult to simply set her fears aside. She rubbed her forehead, trying to ease the tension that had settled there.