Page 56 of Yearner

“Promise me something,” he said softly, his hand settling against her cheek. “The next time you need help, come to me first. It doesn't matter if you need money or anything else. I want to be there for you, Allison. You don't have to handle everything on your own.”

Allison's heart softened at his words. She nodded, offering him a small smile. “I promise.”

Silas let out a quiet sigh of relief, as though her promise had eased a worry he hadn't known how to put into words. He leaned down and kissed her, his lips lingering against hers before moving to her neck. His kisses trailed along her skin, making her close her eyes and lean into him.

Then he slipped his arms beneath her and lifted her effortlessly, carrying her toward the bed. As he lowered her onto the mattress, he followed her down, his body settling close to hers. His lips moved over her neck and along every sensitive spot he could reach, leaving her breathless beneath the warmth of his kisses.

Chapter 14 A Confession

Allison stepped out of Briston Hospital, her body aching with exhaustion. She carefully made her way down the stairs and headed toward the car waiting for her outside.

Silas was already standing beside it. The moment he saw her approaching, he opened the passenger door for her, helping her settle into the seat before walking around to the driver's side and getting in.

Allison leaned back against the seat, closed her eyes, and turned her head toward the window as though even keeping her eyes open required more energy than she had left.

Silas paused with his hand on the steering wheel and turned to look at her. His gaze traveled over her face, taking in her exhaustion and the faint signs of discomfort in her expression.

“Are you all right?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Allison managed to open her eyes halfway. “I'm just a little tired. Let me sleep for a while, and I'll be fine.”

Silas studied her for another moment, clearly reluctant to take her words at face value. However, he didn't press her.

“Get some rest. I’ll wake you up when we reach home.”

He settled back in his seat and started the car, but his attention kept drifting toward Allison. He couldn't ignore the pattern he'd begun to notice.

Every time she went to see Jackson, she came back looking completely drained.

His fingers tightened around the steering wheel as worry settled deeper in his chest. He glanced at her again, watching the way she lay motionless against the seat, her face pale and her breathing soft.

‘Why can't you trust me, Allison? We're married now, yet you still keep so much from me. How long will it take for you to understand that I love you? I'd do anything to make you happy, so why won't you let me help you?’

The questions lingered in his mind, but Allison offered no answers. She had already drifted off to sleep, seemingly unaware of the turmoil his concern was stirring inside him.

Silas let out a quiet breath and turned his attention back to the road. He drove carefully, avoiding sudden turns and braking gently whenever he needed to slow down. He didn't want anything to disturb her rest.

When they finally reached home, he parked the car but didn't wake her immediately. Instead, he waited patiently, giving her a few more minutes to sleep.

Eventually, Allison stirred and slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, she seemed disoriented, but then she turned toward Silas.

“Are we home?” she asked sleepily.

He smiled at her. “Yes. We're home.”

Allison returned his smile, feeling a little more refreshed after the short nap. As she reached for the door, Silas was already getting out of the car. He walked around to her side and opened it before she could step outside.

Without giving her a chance to protest, he slipped one arm beneath her legs and the other behind her shoulders, lifting her into his arms.

“Silas!” she exclaimed, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Let me carry you,” he said, holding her securely against him.

She didn't argue. Instead, she rested her head against his shoulder as he carried her inside the house and straight to their bedroom.

By the time he reached the bed, some of the color had returned to her face, and she looked a little better than she had at the hospital. He lowered her carefully onto the mattress, keeping one hand behind her back until she was comfortably settled.

As he began to straighten, Allison caught him by the arm. She drew him down toward her and pressed her lips to his.